the book
As the manager of a ColdFusion User Group I was always coming across people new to the ColdFusion programming language and hearing the same questions over and over. When New Riders asked me if I was interested in reviewing or editing some new upcoming ColdFusion books, I said that they should pitch one specifically at people new to ColdFusion and venturing into the world of programming and dynamic web sites for the first time. Well they took me up on the idea and asked me to write it.
"ColdFusion MX: From Static to Dynamic in 10 Steps" is a gentle introduction to the world of dynamic web publishing using ColdFusion MX. It is aimed at the professional web developer who is new to ColdFusion and is designed to highlight the simplicity, flexibility, and speed ColdFusion has to offer over other dynamic technologies.
The book revolves around a web site 'makeover'. The book will take you through turning an old static HTML based web site into a dynamic database-driven web site in 10 easy to follow steps. With additional tips and tricks along the way.
It is not meant to be the be all and end all of ColdFusion books. It is designed specifically with the beginner in mind. It will get you up to speed and proficient with ColdFusion quickly.
some reviews
As close to perfect an entry CF book as your going to find,
Reviewer: Michael Dinowitz "Master of the House of Fusion (ColdFusion)"
This book is limited in its scope; it only deals with the basics of ColdFusion. What's great is that it's limited in scope and deals only with the basics of ColdFusion. It takes the topic and does what I feel is a perfect job. There are no mistakes in the book and I looked for them. If you have someone who needs to learn ColdFusion, this is the book they should start on.
Better than official Macromedia Training,
Reviewer: Eric G Myers
I recently attended a three day Fast Track to ColdFusion MX workshop from a certified Macromedia trainer. Let me advise you to save the money and buy this book instead. It is a series of clearly written tutorials and makeover exercises that anyone with modest web experience can easily follow. And if you get hung up, the author is extremely prompt about answering questions via his web site. After you read this book, grab a copy of the CF-WACK (Forta, et. al) and you should be all set to begin developing for real. I created my first application based off of the tutorials in this book and was done in record time. I can't say enough positive things about this text.
For a book touted as being "for the beginner"...., December 4, 2002
...it didn't disappoint. It's rare that a "beginner's book" turns out to be just that, but this one is a rare exception. The book does such a wonderful job "introducing" you to ColdFusion, it makes you wonder why all tutorials can't be written this way. Moore does a superb job of breaking (what I thought was a monster of a language) ColdFusion down to its simplest terms and made it VERY easy to digest. I've not yet completed the book (currently on step 8), but I have already ordered a more advanced book for further study - he writes in a way that MAKES you want to learn more (as well it should)!
Bravo, Mr. Moore! Excellent introduction to ColdFusion - highly recommended reading for anyone wanting to take their design and site management to the next (necessary) level.