The Ultimate ColdFusion CFML cheat sheet is a compact, highly structured quick-reference that helps you write better CFML faster. It distills the most-used tags, CFScript equivalents, functions, scopes, data types, database patterns, Error handling, Security practices, and Performance tips into a single, portable PDF. You also get importable editor snippets and ready-to-run examples, so you can stop hunting through docs and start building with confidence.
Contents
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Overview
This downloadable resource is a curated, field-tested reference for Adobe ColdFusion and Lucee developers. Whether you write mostly CFScript or tag-based CFML, the cheat sheet is designed for daily use:
- One-glance reminders for
cfquery,cfoutput,cfparam,cftry/cfcatch,cfhttp,cfmail,cfpdf, and more. - Quick comparisons between Adobe ColdFusion and Lucee behavior.
- Secure-by-default examples using
cfqueryparam, input validation, and session-safety patterns. - Practical Performance hints: caching, JVM tuning pointers, datasource Best practices.
It’s ideal for Onboarding, project kickoffs, code reviews, and when you need the exact Syntax or a safe pattern without wading through lengthy documentation.
What You’ll Get
- PDF: “Ultimate ColdFusion CFML cheat sheet” (8 pages, letter/A4-friendly)
- Page 1: Syntax recap (tags vs CFScript, variables/scopes)
- Page 2–3: Database patterns (
cfquery, transactions,cfstoredproc) - Page 4: Error handling, logging, and Debugging
- Page 5: HTTP, REST/JSON/XML, file I/O,
cfmail,cfpdf - Page 6: Security essentials (XSS, CSRF, SQL injection prevention)
- Page 7: Performance (caching, async, JVM hints)
- Page 8: Common snippets, regex, date/time, list/array/struct utilities
- Templates
- Application.cfc baseline with Session management, Error handler, and secure defaults
- Datasource pattern (with
cfqueryparam) for Adobe CF and Lucee - REST endpoint skeleton (CFScript) with JSON serialization
- Code examples
/examples/query.cfm: parameterized queries, transactions/examples/error.cfm:try/catch,cfthrow, logging/examples/http.cfm:cfhttpREST calls and JSON parsing/examples/cache.cfm: template/function/object caching, cache invalidation
- Editor snippets
- VS Code snippets (
cfml.code-snippets) - ColdFusion Builder snippets (XML)
- Generic snippet set (JSON) for Sublime/IntelliJ mapping
- VS Code snippets (
- Quick config files
.env.examplefor environment variables (with notes on secure storage)- Docker quick-start for Lucee and Adobe CF (optional)
Supported Environments
- Adobe ColdFusion: 2018, 2021, 2023
- Lucee: 5.3.x, 6.0.x
- Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Editors: VS Code (with CFML extension), ColdFusion Builder, Sublime Text, IntelliJ/IDEA (via CFML plugins)
Notes:
- Where behavior differs between Adobe CF and Lucee, the PDF flags the differences.
- Snippet imports are tested in VS Code and ColdFusion Builder; others use the generic JSON.
How to Download and Use
Download the files
- Click the Download button on this page to save the ZIP package.
- Extract the archive to a convenient folder (for example, Documents/CFML-Cheat-Sheet).
- Open the PDF in your preferred viewer for quick access; keep it pinned or printed.
Install editor snippets (optional but recommended)
- VS Code
- Open VS Code > Command Palette > Preferences: Configure User Snippets.
- Choose “cfml” or “global” and paste the contents of
snippets/cfml.code-snippets. - Reload VS Code. Type a prefix like
cfqthen press Tab to expand to acfqueryblock withcfqueryparam.
- ColdFusion Builder
- Window > Preferences > ColdFusion > Snippets.
- Import the XML from
snippets/cfbuilder.xml. - Assign your preferred shortcuts and apply.
Add templates into a project
- Copy
templates/Application.cfcinto your webroot or application folder. - Update:
this.nameto a unique application name.this.datasourceto your datasource name (if centralized).- Session/cookie settings to match your security policy.
- For REST or API projects, copy the REST skeleton into
/api/and map inApplication.cfcor server admin as needed.
Run examples
- Place files in a folder served by your CFML engine.
- Visit
/examples/query.cfmto check a database call withcfqueryparam. - Use
/examples/http.cfmto test a JSON API call viacfhttp. - Review the logs produced by
/examples/error.cfmto validate error handling.
Print or pin the PDF
- Print double-sided at 100% scale; the layout is optimized for binder use.
- On macOS/iPad, add it to Books; on Windows, pin it to Start for one-click access.
Benefits and Use Cases
- Faster development: Stop context switching; the most-needed CFML syntax is one glance away.
- Safer code: Examples enforce parameterized queries, input validation, and secure session settings.
- Cross-engine clarity: Quick notes for Adobe ColdFusion vs Lucee differences reduce production surprises.
- Onboarding accelerator: New team members can build a baseline Application.cfc and start shipping day one.
- Performance awareness: Caching, async, and JVM hints help you reduce response times and costs.
- Editor productivity: Snippets turn repetitive patterns into quick expansions, reducing typos.
Common use cases:
- Preparing a new REST API with consistent error and JSON handling.
- Auditing code for SQL injection, XSS, and CSRF pitfalls using Checklist-style guidance.
- Stabilizing Legacy code by aligning it to current Best practices without a full rewrite.
Best Practices Highlighted
- Security
- Always use
cfqueryparamfor user input in SQL. - Validate and encode untrusted output with
EncodeForHTML,EncodeForJavaScript. - Enable secure cookies:
this.sessionCookie.httponly = true; this.sessionCookie.secure = true; - Implement CSRF tokens for form posts.
- Always use
- Error handling
- Wrap risky operations in
try/catch; log withcflogor a logging framework. - Provide user-friendly error pages and detailed internal logs.
- Wrap risky operations in
- Performance
- Cache expensive queries and serialized data; invalidate on content updates.
- Prefer CFScript for complex logic and readability; profile hot paths.
- Keep JDBC and JVM tuned; monitor with server and APM tools.
- Maintainability
- Adopt consistent naming; document functions and components (CFCs).
- Centralize Configuration in
Application.cfcand environment variables. - Use consistent code style—tag-based or CFScript—with clear Standards.
Pros:
- Immediate productivity, safer defaults, portable reference, team-friendly.
Cons: - Not a replacement for full vendor docs; advanced edge cases are summarized, not exhaustively covered.
How to Make the Most of the Cheat Sheet
- Pair the PDF with your IDE’s snippet completions for “muscle memory” speed.
- Use the templates as a starting point, then evolve them into your project Standards.
- Keep the examples folder connected to a sandbox datasource to test patterns safely.
- Schedule periodic reviews: compare your codebase to the cheat sheet’s patterns to identify quick wins.
Quick reference: Common Topics Covered
- CFML syntax: tags vs CFScript, scopes (
variables,request,session,application,server) - Database:
cfquery, transactions, stored procedures, pagination,cfqueryparam - Web/IO:
cfhttp, file read/write, JSON/XML parsing,cfcontent - Messaging and Docs:
cfmail,cfpdf - Error and logging:
cftry/cfcatch,cflog,cfthrow - Security: XSS, CSRF, SQL injection, secure cookies, role checks
- Performance: caching strategies, async tasks, JVM and datasource pointers
- Utilities: date/time, list/array/struct functions, regex basics, REST helpers
Key Takeaways
- The cheat sheet combines a concise PDF, practical templates, code examples, and editor snippets to speed up CFML development.
- It emphasizes secure defaults, performance-minded patterns, and cross-engine notes for Adobe CF and Lucee.
- Use it to onboard quickly, standardize patterns, and reduce errors through proven snippets and examples.
FAQ
Is the cheat sheet compatible with Lucee as well as Adobe ColdFusion?
Yes. The PDF flags differences where they matter and the examples run on both engines, with notes when Configuration or behavior diverges.
Does it include CFScript equivalents for tag-based examples?
Yes. Most tag-based patterns are shown alongside their CFScript equivalents so you can use whichever style your team prefers.
You can share within your organization. If you need a team-ready package (pre-imported snippets, branded templates), create a copy of the templates folder and adjust settings to your standards.
How often is the content updated?
The content is reviewed for major Adobe ColdFusion and Lucee releases. Keep an eye on your engine’s release notes and update the snippets as new Features appear.
What if I can’t import the snippets into my editor?
Use the generic JSON in the snippets folder and map keys to your editor’s snippet format. You can also copy/paste directly from the PDF’s code blocks into your editor and save as custom snippets.
