ColdFusion4 For Dummies

The fact that you're even making an attempt at using Web development software dispels the notion that you are a dummy. Nonetheless, ColdFusion 4 for Dummies will get novices on the way to creating interactive Web pages.

Despite the book's let's-start-with-the-basics approach, some familiarity with directory trees and the basic concepts of programming will come in handy, since the author gets right into the nitty-gritty of working with tags, functions, and variables. It seems that a book targeted toward the beginner should explain these concepts a little more thoroughly before launching into how they work within the software. The book may be assuming a bit too much about its audience, which is unusual in the Dummies series.

Still, the author clearly knows the ins and outs of ColdFusion 4, guiding you through such processes as working with databases, updating records, and building forms in fairly simple terms. He also spends ample time going over troubleshooting--which constitutes a large part of Web site development--and common coding mistakes.

ColdFusion 4 for Dummies may not be much help if you're apprehensive about delving into the world of Web site development. But if you're brave enough to take the plunge, this book has lots of information. --John Frederick Moore