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PHP and ColdFusion may both be web development platforms, but they are worlds apart.
Let’s look at some major differences.
1. Price
PHP: PHP is an open source programming language, meaning it is free for developers to use. The downside is that you need many third-party applications to make the most of your PHP. And these are not free.
ColdFusion: It might seem at first that Adobe ColdFusion is not as budget-friendly as PHP. Yet, Adobe offers different versions of the platform at separate price points with their Standard and Enterprise Editions. Although not free like PHP, ColdFusion is relatively self-contained and can be used in its entirety fresh out of the box. Also, let’s not forget Lucee. Lucee is ColdFusion’s very own open source programming language. So, developers of all budgets and needs can avail of CFML.
Winner: Adobe ColdFusion is the clear victor in the pricing comparison. Whereas PHP is open source, CFML’s answer to that is Lucee (a tremendous powerhouse in its own respect). Plus with a small monthly investment on Adobe CF hosting, you get a complete package and dedicated platform support.
2. Syntax Ease of Use
PHP: This programming language integrates exceptionally well with HTML and is largely based on the C programming language. There are ways to incorporate tags into your code, however, most of the programming is done within the PHP standard syntax.
ColdFusion: CF is a tag-based scripting language. Most of the coding done in ColdFusion is accomplished using its seemingly endless bank of native tags. ColdFusion also allows developers to create custom tags. This gives ColdFusion an incredible capacity as a programming language. If tags aren’t your thing, you can easily switch to CFScript. It is a CFML sub-language and CF’s answer to JavaScript.
Winner: ColdFusion. The tag-based nature of the platform allows for a much more elegant and easier coding process. Many novice coders will find ColdFusion to be a wonderful starting point for their programming needs. Veterans also will appreciate the ease of use that allows them to complete projects faster. Not to mention an easy transition to JavaScript after using CF’s own scripting options.
3. Level of Security
PHP: No platform is completely secure whether it be PHP or ColdFusion. But the data does show that some languages have more vulnerabilities than others. Let’s take a look at the CVE Details Data. Since 2006, PHP has had 540 separate security vulnerability incidents.
ColdFusion: Let’s take a look at the CVE Details Data for ColdFusion. Over the same time span, ColdFusion has only had 95 separate security vulnerabilities. This can be largely attributed to the diligent work of Adobe Systems. Adobe ensures the security of their client base with regular security updates to their platform. These can be set to automatically install and that way your system is as secure as possible. Another factor to CF’s security success is the dedication of third-party CF security firms such as Foundeo Inc.
Winner: When it comes to security, there is no comparison. ColdFusion is hands down the most secure.
4. Cross-Platform and Mobile Development
PHP: Although PHP is a server-side development platform, there is no current support for Android or iOS mobile development. However, there are frameworks available for download that allow PHP to do GUI desktop development and mobile apps.
ColdFusion: The latest ColdFusion versions come standard with the capabilities to develop for both iOS and Android. This becomes particularly useful for current development trends. IoT (Internet of Things) is taking tech in a new direction with platforms such as Alexa and Apple’s developing Siri. ColdFusion is already prepared and developing apps for each platform.
Winner: This is another no-brainer. ColdFusion. PHP can’t even begin to compete in this category.
Verdict: ColdFusion VS PHP
With its iron-clad security, ease of use, all-around adaptability, and of course, value for money, Adobe ColdFusion wins.
Related: I just found this information from CVE. Take a look and let me know your thoughts.
CVE details specify the number of critical vulnerabilities. In comparison with other languages.
- 5 Reasons Why Adobe ColdFusion is Better Than C#
- http://www.cvedetails.com/vendor/74/PHP.html
- http://www.cvedetails.com/product/1526/SUN-JRE.html?vendor_id=5
- https://www.cvedetails.com/product/19117/Oracle-JRE.html?vendor_id=93
- http://www.cvedetails.com/product/887/Apache-Tomcat.html?vendor_id=45
- https://www.cvedetails.com/product/2002/Microsoft-.net-Framework.html?vendor_id=26
- https://www.cvedetails.com/product/22568/Rubyonrails-Ruby-On-Rails.html?vendor_id=12043
And to continue learning how to make your ColdFusion apps more modern and alive, I encourage you to download our free ColdFusion Alive Best Practices Checklist.
Because… perhaps you are responsible for a mission-critical or revenue-generating CF application that you don’t trust 100%, where implementing new features is a painful ad-hoc process with slow turnaround even for simple requests.
What if you have no contingency plan for a sudden developer departure or a server outage? Perhaps every time a new freelancer works on your site, something breaks. Or your application availability, security, and reliability are poor.
And if you are depending on ColdFusion for your job, then you can’t afford to let your CF development methods die on the vine.
You’re making a high-stakes bet that everything is going to be OK using the same old app creation ways in that one language — forever.
All it would take is for your fellow CF developer to quit or for your CIO to decide to leave the (falsely) perceived sinking ship of CFML and you could lose everything—your project, your hard-won CF skills, and possibly even your job.
Luckily, there are a number of simple, logical steps you can take now to protect yourself from these obvious risks.
No Brainer ColdFusion Best Practices to Ensure You Thrive No Matter What Happens Next
ColdFusion Alive Best Practices Checklist
Modern ColdFusion development best practices that reduce stress, inefficiency, project lifecycle costs while simultaneously increasing project velocity and innovation.
√ Easily create a consistent server architecture across development, testing, and production
√ A modern test environment to prevent bugs from spreading
√ Automated continuous integration tools that work well with CF
√ A portable development environment baked into your codebase… for free!
Learn about these and many more strategies in our free ColdFusion Alive Best Practices Checklist.
