Why should I use XML instead of ColdFusion?

[Glowball]

Hi all, this may be a stupid question but I'm a pretty advanced ColdFusion hack so I'm wondering what XML can do that WDDX and ColdFusion can't? My boss is sending me to an XML class because he heard that XML would be perfect for our new Portal. I can write it in ColdFusion, so how is XML going to save the day?

I've done a little reading and XML sounds cool and all (looking forward to working with it), but I don't get the hubbub. Is it like that "must use Java" fad of last year? I got certified in Java but I still haven't used it...

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[danfood]

If I was you, if you have tight bugets and timescales etc. do it in what you know (if you can).

If you've got ages then learn something new, it'll make you look good.


Although I know nothing of ColdFusion so I don't really know how XML could be better or worse!

Dan

 

[Glowball]

Okay... well I'm in the class and building the resume is always good. Just wondering what to expect with XML that I'm not able to accomplish now.

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[rycamor]

XML is like having half a bridge. It's not a complete solution in itself. Coldfusion is a complete solution to a dynamic website. PHP/MySQL is a complete solution. Java servlets with XML templates is a complete solution.

XML is simply a way to describe data, it is not in and of itself a programming language, or a database, etc... So to use XML, you need to use it in conjunction with a server-side programming language that can parse and manipulate XML files. Most server-side languages offer some or all of this, but usually with specific modules you must install or buy. It wouldn't surprise me if there is a module for XML in Coldfusion.

The point is, XML can be a great way to model or contain your data, but to actually do something with it, you will need some sort of programming environment. This is true even for client-side, or browser XML, where the programming environment is XSL/Javascript.

 

[Glowball]

I've been doing some preliminary reading about XML, I think I understand the "how" of it but I'm still not clear on the "why" of it. Maybe the class will clear that up for me (starts end of October).

ColdFusion does work with XML, I know that much. I can see how you could use ColdFusion to put an XML sheet together using info from a database and that sheet would be totally portable, so that's cool.

I appreciate your feedback, thank you!