The ColdFusion Podcast Roundup: Wednesday, May 30, 2006

Jun 07, 2006

Helms and Peters Out Loud
Episode 25: AJAX Part II (39:00)
Release Date: 28 May 2006
Hal Helms and Jeff Peters

The ColdFusion Podcast
Episode 25: CFFlex Super Wizard (48:53)
Release Date: 29 May 2006
Bryan Kaiser and Michael Haynie

ColdFusion Weekly
Version 1.10: Safari Edition (1:08:01)
Release Date: 29 May 2006
Matt Woodward and Peter Farrell

Helms and Peters Out Loud: Episode 25: AJAX Part II

In this second episode of an ongoing saga (billed as a "multi-part trilogy"), Helms and Peters continue their previous discussion on AJAX. Where Part I addressed the basics of what AJAX is and how it came to be, Episode 25 focuses on existing tools and libraries that assist with the development of AJAX applications.

Hal and Jeff evaluate the pros and cons of a number of resources. The most common "con" is that many of these tools and libraries lack documentation. The time that is saved by using a particular tool can easily be lost in trying to navigate undocumented code.

As Jeff points out, somebody who is brand new to AJAX shouldn't necessarily be using these resources. Having a library to cut down on repetitive tasks or a tool to automatically fill in certain blanks is nice, but learning how to accomplish these tasks by hand first is in your own best interest. You should start looking towards these resources to help you develop your applications more efficiently and effectively once you understand the code. It's best to learn by doing, not by taking shortcuts.

If you're ready to take the "next step" and start utilizing some of these tools and libraries, you should definitely listen to this episode. With so many resources available, it's sometimes difficult to find the one that is the best "fit." Save yourself the drudgery of blindly downloading something that may or may not work for you and let Hal and Jeff give you some guidance.

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The ColdFusion Podcast: Episode 25: CFFlex Super Wizard

In spite of the title (which implies that the episode focuses on the CFFlex Super Wizard), Episode 25 morphs into "Will Flex succeed?" It's an interesting and timely topic. With Web 2.0 being the buzzword du jour, it would be shortsighted to not at least consider the possibility that RIAs could become the rule rather than the exception.

The Flex discussion begins with a mention of the aforementioned "Super Wizard." The tool gets two enthusiastic thumbs up, as it essentially creates a Flex front end to your database. All front-end CRUD functionality is handled by the wizard, which is apparently intelligent enough to omit ID columns from the display.

It sounds like an amazing tool. I have yet to check it out, but based on this week's ColdFusion Podcast, I'm looking forward to downloading it from Adobe Labs.

The topic segues from the Wizard into the viability of Flex as a long-term solution. Bryan and Michael agree that the new sub-$1,000 price tag has removed any barriers to entry, but they are still concerned with whether the Web-surfing public-at-large is prepared to embrace full Flash interfaces. If so, is Flex the answer?

They conclude with the thought that the decision is up to each of us individually. I think it's a decision best not made in a vacuum. There are too many other developers at the same crossroads asking themselves the same question(s). The opinions of others can assist you in making your final decision. Whether you're first contemplating the question, or just want to hear one (or two) more opinions, tune in to Episode 25 of the ColdFusion Podcast.

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ColdFusion Weekly: Version 1.10: Safari Edition

Pith helmets and mosquito repellent are optional for this safari. Pen and paper will come in much handier, as you will want to take notes.

The safari in question is a trek into the world of design patterns, which logically follows their previous episode on frameworks. As with Version 1.9, this week's episode is meant to introduce you to the concepts behind design patterns and to define some of the more popular/common patterns. It is not meant to teach you how to actually implement these patterns in your applications.

Matt and Peter both lead the safari with confidence. You can tell they've been through these jungles before. Their definition of what a design pattern is (and just as importantly, what it is not) is spot on and easy to understand if you're new to the world of OO. They do a great job of "selling" why patterns are important and why you'd want to consider using them if you're not already.

The discussion then gets a little more specific with explanations of beans, DAO, gateways, services, and brief nods to facades, controllers, and singletons. These concepts are each defined and a brief overview is given of how/where/why each would be put to use.

It's a very straightforward, unbiased tour. Instead of beating us over the head with "you should absolutely be using design patterns... period," some of the caveats that come with employing design patterns are also discussed. When should you use design patterns and when should you not? And when you do choose to use them, what should you look out for? Your trusty guides do not leave you in the jungle unprepared to deal with the elements.

The discussion wraps up with some resources (web sites, tools, books) that will assist you in becoming a "Safari Guide."

If you've taken your first few steps into the world of OO, you've likely heard about beans, DAOs, and gateways (oh my!). If you feel it's time to delve further into those concepts and start putting them to use, Version 1.10 of ColdFusion Weekly is an excellent starting point.

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