So You Know ColdFusion - What Next?
For the past couple of years when asked what skill to learn AFTER mastering ColdFusion in order to be more marketable, most CF developers wouldn't hesitate to say 'Java'.
I'm proud to say that for the past 3+ years I've always answered 'Flex'. Many readers of CFDJ were unhappy about my trying to add more Flex and Web 2.0 content in the magazine, so I've stopped pushing the issue... but I've got to say, I still think it's a terrible injustice to not discuss Flex more in CFDJ.
One of the greatest current uses of Flex is for development of Web 2.0 applications. Whether you're into Flex or not, you have to admit that Web 2.0 apps are cool - and I have noticed a growing demand not only for Flex developers but for Web 2.0 developers in general.
The reason I'm writing about this is that ZDNet just released an interesting article about how several of the largest IT companies are about to make major investments in Web 2.0 and about the fact that it's hitting mainstream. The article is available at http://blogs.zdnet.com/Hinchcliffe/?p=79. If you don't believe that the demand for Web 2.0 developers is growing then I strongly suggest reading this article.
To everyone who thought I was crazy for thinking folks should learn Flex several years ago - a big 'I told you so' goes out to you. I'm just teasing, of course... but I'm dead serious about the fact that Web 2.0 will make you more marketable.
I'm proud to say that for the past 3+ years I've always answered 'Flex'. Many readers of CFDJ were unhappy about my trying to add more Flex and Web 2.0 content in the magazine, so I've stopped pushing the issue... but I've got to say, I still think it's a terrible injustice to not discuss Flex more in CFDJ.
One of the greatest current uses of Flex is for development of Web 2.0 applications. Whether you're into Flex or not, you have to admit that Web 2.0 apps are cool - and I have noticed a growing demand not only for Flex developers but for Web 2.0 developers in general.
The reason I'm writing about this is that ZDNet just released an interesting article about how several of the largest IT companies are about to make major investments in Web 2.0 and about the fact that it's hitting mainstream. The article is available at http://blogs.zdnet.com/Hinchcliffe/?p=79. If you don't believe that the demand for Web 2.0 developers is growing then I strongly suggest reading this article.
To everyone who thought I was crazy for thinking folks should learn Flex several years ago - a big 'I told you so' goes out to you. I'm just teasing, of course... but I'm dead serious about the fact that Web 2.0 will make you more marketable.
So where are all the books to assist us CFML (11.5 years) guys and gals to move to the next leve; - Scoprio notwithstanding.
If what you're alluding to is the book that I stated I was working on a little over a year ago - well, my wife was pregnant and I've had a son, so that's what I've been doing with my 'free time' for the past 13 months. I've also been working ridiculously hard. AboutWeb is growing... FAST... and I'm at the center of a lot of what we do. I worked about 170 the last pay period. Between that and my family at home, it doesn't leave any time for anything else.
That said, I still have plans to finish the book, but so long as it's something I have to do in my free time, folks will have to wait.
Like most of us, you are in the same bus. True, there are not as many books out on ColdFusion as it used to be. That has not stopped people from growing technically and professionaly in this community. There are plenty of CF related websites, blogs, forums out there that make learning and following the new trends available to anybody with a web connection! Sitting in front of you pc and waiting for a book to fall on your head will not make you a better developer. Getting involved in a positive manner, asking questions (there are plenty of folks; and I know from experience specially Simon; who will be more then glad to reply to an email or a question on their blogs if you seek it) and participating on forum discussions will. And best of all, it's free!
Best of Luck
I"m a long time reader of CFDJ.
I used to even shell out for a couple of extra copies for my colleagues, so that we would have at least one issue lying in the office for anyone to read.
It was always a good reference for me when I was starting out, and helped me advanced to the next level. I always found challenging examples, all realworld examples.
I don't feel the same way about CFDJ anymore though. I really started moving away from it when it got extremely FLEX-heavy.
The reality is, that Flex is not something my employers are willing to invest in.
Flex is one of those things, that when I have some free time.....
In reality, I never have the free time.
All that Flex-heavy stuff would be better suited in a FDJ, or in the Web Developer's Journal.
That being said, you've done a great job as Editor, you're a busy man yourself, and thanks for all you do for the community.
Cheers,
Ali
<cflock name="serviceFactory" type="exclusive" timeout="10">
<cfscript>
factory = CreateObject("java","coldfusion.server.ServiceFactory");
ds_service = factory.datasourceservice;
dsources = ds_service.datasources;
dsources["BPETSSnap"]["disable"] = "Yes";
ds_service.restart();
</cfscript>
</cflock>
This goes back to the other post. The problem is that the ds_service.restart(); line restarts every datasource in CF. I have tried to specify ds_service.restart("BPETSSnap"); but that didn't work. What do you think it could be?
Thanks,
Mark Cadle
SPA
U.S. Border Patrol
Customs and Border Protection
Department of Homeland Security
Anyway, I was in Barns and Noble last week and found a single copy of the Adobe Flex 2 training source. Yes, a single copy left. Maybe this means everyone has Flex fever?