ColdFusion?

Brian Wright_ wrote:
> What programs do I specifically already need to know in order to learn ColdFusion (HTML, XML, etc.)?

The first and still most popular purpose of CFML is the create HTML. So
you would want to know how to create good HTML statically so you can
receive good results when your create it dynamically.

The most popular way to store dynamic data is in a database. So
knowledge of the SQL language used to interact with databases is very
helpful. A good knowledge of data modeling is a good idea if you are
responsible for designing the databases as well as the CFML
application|interface.

Many modern web pages want more and more dynamic 'desk-top' type looks
and feels. The oldest way to get this is with JavaScript. CFML is just
as good at delivering static and dynamic JavaScript as it is at HTML.
So knowing JavaScript can be useful.

XML is making in roads for storing and moving data around. If one ever
wants to make use of CFML to create or consume XML data then knowledge
of XML would be prudent.

If one wants to get into the latest and greatest 'rich' internet
application interfaces then Flex and AIR are one option to consider.
With these MXML and ActionScript of the languages to know.

Then one starts getting the combinations like DHTML and AJAX that make
use of the above technologies, but combine them in stronger and more
powerful ways.

Finally there are always the lesser used, but very powerful, ColdFusion
features that are good to know when one wants to make use of them.
LDAP, FTP, Verity, etc.

If you are going to write databases, data modelling is the most important skill. If you don't know what a normalized database is, learn.

You will also need to know sql and html. Javascript is nice to know also.

You also have to be able to think logically and precisely. Computers will do exactly what you tell them to do, not what you think you meant to tell them.