Railo 3 : Adding Java CFX Tags
I have a small project that I am working on that needs a Java custom tag that I'm writing. I need this running on ColdFusion 7/8 and Railo 3.
Adding the CFX to CF is fine and I had no problems, except that its laborious. Having to place the file in the right folder, adding that folder to the Java Classpath and restarting CF Application Server.
Railo is a little different. Infact, its a bit easier once you know.
Everytime Railo starts up it runs through the Railo/lib/ folder and adds all JAR files to the Class Path, saving you the hassle of adding them manually.
You still have to add the CFX tag using the Administrator though.
BTW : Railo 3 Community Administrator doesnt have a CFX option in the menu anymore (V2.0 had it) but you can call the page directly using:
http://localhost/railo-context/admin/web.cfm?action=resources.cfx_tags
Another thing to note is that only Jar libraries are allowed in Railo. I created a simple CFX tag using Eclipse and compiled it to TestTag.class.
In ColdFusion, I was able to place this in a Java Class Path accessible folder, restart the service and add the CFX tag using the Administrator. Bingo, tag ran when called in my CF template.
No way could I get this to work in Railo. Because the class path is built up from a folder on startup that enumerates JAR files, .class files would not get loaded.
To fix this, I exported the CFX to a JAR of its own in Eclipse and did the steps above.
Hopefully this will help someone in the same bind. I love Railo but the lack of documentation is killing me. Gert is very good responding by email but sometimes you need answers right away!
Once I finish this little project, I'll release the Java CFX on my blog. Its going to be cool ;-)
<hint>HTML Diff Tag</hint>
Tags:
Comments [4] - Leave a comment
Comments
Thanks, mate!
Best regards,
Louis
Thank you for your post... I managed to install the trial version of cfx_excel2query on Railo... keep up the good work...
Just a tip Coldfusion or Railo, you will have to restart the server/service for it recognize the java file...
Thank you again,
Prem.