If your database supports the use of stored procedures (and it should), use them. Stored procedures are usually faster, they are more secure, and there are many other benefits too. (Applies to: ColdFusion All)
ColdFusion creates log files (usually in C:CFUSIONLOGS). Check these files regularly, they'll help you find problems that you'd otherwise never know of. (Applies to: ColdFusion All)
If you use make sure to specify a TIMEOUT interval. Without one the request might never time out, and sooner or later you'll run out of threads and CF will stop responding. The TIMEOUT attribute was introduced in version 4.5, so if you use , upgrade immediately. (Applies to: ColdFusion 4.5)
Client-side form field validation makes for a great user experience, but don't ever rely on it. Older browsers, connection problems, disabled browser options, and other situations could prevent your script from executing - and without script execution you have no validation. So, use client-side...
Need to time how long it takes to execute specific lines of code? You can if you use the GetTickCount() function. Add before the code, and after the code. end_time-start_time will be the execution time. (Applies to: ColdFusion 4 (or later))
Ever get into trouble by mistyping database, table, or column names in your code? Your best bet is to never type one of these again. ColdFusion Studio lets you drag database, table, and column names right from the Database tab in the Resource Tab. Just click on any text, and drag it right into your...
Need more editing space in CF Studio (and HomeSite)? Hide (and redisplay) the Resource Tab at any time simply by toggling the F9 key. (Applies to: ColdFusion Studio All)
Data should be consistent. State abbreviations, phone numbers, title prefixes, dates - they should all be stored in your database in a consistent manner. But don't use ColdFusion to enforce consistency. Yes, it is easy to use UCase() and other functions to manipulate the data, but that it is not...
Need to execute a SQL statement or stored procedure at set times (for data housecleaning, for example)? Don't use . Most client-server databases support the timed execution of SQL statements, and they'll do the job far more efficiently and reliably than CF will. (Applies to: ColdFusion All)
Any time you pass a date to a SQL statement (using ODBC drivers) use the CreateODBCDate() function to format it correctly. This applies not just to the WHERE clause, but to any part of the SQL statement. Be it the VALUES in an INSERT, the SET in an UPDATE, HAVING, or any other clause, use this...