ColdFusion MX Tag and Function Reference

A compact recognition guide to the tags, files, scopes, and functions most likely to appear in an MX-era application.

Purpose: This is a practical recognition guide, not a replacement for the complete vendor language reference. Compatibility can depend on the exact updater and edition.

Core Control and Output Tags

Tag	Use
`cfset`	Assign a variable or call a function.
`cfoutput`	Evaluate expressions and output query rows.
`cfif`, `cfelseif`, `cfelse`	Conditional flow.
`cfswitch`, `cfcase`	Multi-branch selection.
`cfloop`	Numeric, list, collection, condition, or query loops; remember that direct array looping is later than MX.
`cfinclude`	Execute another template in the current context.
`cfparam`	Set a default and optionally validate type.
`cfabort`	Stop request processing.
`cflocation`	Send a redirect; commonly use `addtoken="false"`.
`cfheader`, `cfcontent`	Control HTTP response headers and content.

Database Tags

Tag	Use
`cfquery`	Execute SQL or Query of Queries.
`cfqueryparam`	Bind and validate a dynamic SQL value.
`cftransaction`	Group related database operations atomically.
`cfstoredproc`	Call a stored procedure with parameters and results.

Application and State

Tag/File	Use
`cfapplication`	Define classic application and session settings.
`Application.cfm`	Run application setup at the beginning of each request.
`OnRequestEnd.cfm`	Run request-end template logic in the classic model.
`Application.cfc`	MX 7+ lifecycle component.
`cflock`	Coordinate access to shared scopes or named resources.
`cfcookie`	Create or expire browser cookies.

Components and Functions

Tag	Use
`cfcomponent`	Define a CFC.
`cffunction`	Define a method or user-defined function.
`cfargument`	Define a function argument.
`cfreturn`	Return a value.
`cfinvoke`	Invoke a CFC method or web service.
`cfobject`	Create certain component, COM, CORBA, Java, or web-service objects.
`cfproperty`	Describe component properties and service metadata.

Integration and Files

Tag	Use
`cfmail`	Send email.
`cffile`	Read, write, append, move, delete, or upload files.
`cfdirectory`	List and manage directories.
`cfhttp`	Call an HTTP endpoint.
`cfftp`	Interact with FTP servers.
`cfexecute`	Run an external process; high-risk and often restricted.
`cfldap`	Query or modify an LDAP directory.

Errors and Diagnostics

Tag	Use
`cftry`, `cfcatch`	Handle exceptions.
`cfthrow`, `cfrethrow`	Create or propagate exceptions.
`cferror`	Configure classic request or exception error templates.
`cflog`	Write an application log entry.
`cfdump`	Inspect variables during development.
`cftrace`	Add information to debugging output.

MX 7 Features Commonly Seen

Feature	Use
`Application.cfc`	Application lifecycle methods.
`cfdocument`	Generate PDF or FlashPaper output from content.
`cfreport`	Generate reports designed with Report Builder.
`cfcalendar`, Flash forms, XForms	Rich form controls associated with the era; usually replace rather than revive for modern public applications.
Event gateways	Enterprise integrations for asynchronous events such as messaging, SMS, and directory watching.

Frequently Used MX-Compatible Functions

ArrayNew, ArrayAppend, ArrayLen, StructNew, StructKeyExists, StructInsert, ListFindNoCase, ListLen, Trim, Len, LCase, UCase, Val, DateFormat, TimeFormat, CreateDateTime, CreateTimeSpan, HTMLEditFormat, URLEncodedFormat, Hash, CreateUUID, ExpandPath, GetDirectoryFromPath, GetCurrentTemplatePath, and CreateObject.

Fast Legacy-Code Reading Checklist

Which scopes are used explicitly and implicitly?
Is every dynamic SQL value parameterized?
Are CFC method variables declared with var?
Which files are application entry points?
What depends on Administrator configuration?
Which templates are remotely reachable?
Where are output encoding and authorization enforced?
What scheduled tasks or external systems call the application?