What is this course about?

In this course you learn how to create dynamic and interactive Web applications using ColdFusion. You learn to design and process HTML forms and integrate databases. You also learn how to use custom tags, ColdFusion components and user-defined functions to create reusable code, which enables more effective Web site maintenance. You use session variables to enable cohesive communication between Web pages/visits. You also learn to implement error-handling techniques to improve your Web site.

By the end of the course, you will return to your organization with a thorough understanding of this technology and the capability to build effective Web sites using ColdFusion.

What is ColdFusion?

ColdFusion is a leading Web development tool because of its implementation on the powerful Java EE infrastructure and its integration with JDBC-compliant databases. Web developers choose ColdFusion to build quick, efficient, scalable and platform-independent Web site applications.

Who will benefit from this course?

This course is valuable for Web developers, Web administrators, and others involved in creating dynamic, database-integrated Web sites with ColdFusion. Those interested in examining ColdFusion's features and functionality are also encouraged to attend this course.

What version of ColdFusion Server and Dreamweaver does this course use?

This course uses ColdFusion 8 and Dreamweaver CS4.

What background do I need?

Familiarity with HTML at the level of Course 470, Developing a Web Site: Hands-On, is required. For example, you should know how to:

• Create basic forms
• Create HTML tables
• Incorporate images using HTML

Prior programming experience is helpful.

Do I need to know about the databases I am working with before I take this course?

No, you do not need specific knowledge of databases to attend this course. However, SQL queries are used in this course for tasks such as dynamically populating Web pages with data. Therefore, a basic knowledge of SQL would be helpful.

I am not a programmer, but I need to develop a database-oriented Web site. Will this course benefit me?

Yes, this course provides you with the skills necessary to integrate a database with Web pages, allowing you to create dynamic content quickly and efficiently.

I am developing an intranet application. Is this course for me?

Yes, the Internet technologies within ColdFusion work well in an internal network. Through the case study in this course you build a Web application for the Internet. This knowledge can easily be applied to the development of an intranet.

I am using a previous version of ColdFusion Server. Will this course be valuable for me?

Yes. ColdFusion 8 is a significant improvement over previous versions of ColdFusion. The vast majority of course information can be applied to ColdFusion 4.5x, 5, 6, 6.1, and 7. Most of the server functionality and administrator user interfaces remain the same among the versions or are very similar.

How much time is devoted to each topic?

What kinds of hands-on exercises are included in the course?

Approximately 45 percent of class time is spent on hands-on exercises. These exercises work toward developing a shopping cart application that allows site visitors to examine and order products online. Participants create a Web site, implementing e-mail, form processing and error-handling techniques.

What platform and software are used in this course?

This course uses Windows Server 2003 at participants' workstations; however, no specific operating system is featured. Participants are able to apply learned techniques to any operating system at their workplaces. The course exercises utilize a MySQL database.

How does this course relate to other Learning Tree courses?

Other Learning Tree courses that may be of interest include:

• 470, Developing a Web Site: Hands-On 
• 522, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) for Web Page Development: Hands-On 

• 487, Designing and Building Great Web Pages: Hands-On 
• 984, Adobe® Flash®: Developing Interactive Web Content 

If you are would like to learn about XML, you may be interested in:

• 542, XML: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction