Validation techniques

mask

(mask attribute)

HTML and Flash format cfinput tags

On the client as the user enters data

ColdFusion MX generates JavaScript or ActionScript to directly control the data a user enters by specifying a pattern. For example, 999-999-9999 requires a user to enter ten digits, and automatically fills in the dash (-) separators to create a formatted telephone number.

For detailed information on using masks, see Handling invalid data.

onBlur

(validateat=

"onBlur" attribute)

cfinput and cftextarea tags

On the client when the data field loses focus

In HTML and XML format, ColdFusion MX generates JavaScript that runs on the browser to check whether entered data is valid and provide immediate feedback, if the entry is invalid.

In Flash format, uses Flash built-in validation routines.

onSubmit

(validateat=

"onSubmit" attribute)

cfinput and cftextarea tags

On the client when the user clicks Submit

In HTML or XML format, the validation logic is identical to onBlur validation, but the test is not done until the user submits the form.

In Flash format, this validation type is identical to onBlur Validation. Flash checks do not differentiate between the two events for validation.

onServer

(validateat=

"onServer" attribute)

cfinput and cftextarea tags

On the server when ColdFusion gets the submitted form

ColdFusion MX checks submitted data for validity and runs a validation error page if the data is not valid. You can use the cferror tag to specify the validation error page.

hidden field

All Forms, including HTML-only forms

On the server when ColdFusion gets the submitted form

ColdFusion MX uses the same validation logic as with onServer validation, but you must create additional, hidden, fields and you can use this technique with HTML tags or CFML tags.

For detailed information on using hidden fields, see Validating form data using hidden fields.

JavaScript

(onValidate ="function" attribute)

cfgrid, cfinput, cfslider, cftextarea, and cftree tags in HTML and XML format forms

On the client, when the user clicks Submit, before field-specific onSubmit validation

ColdFusion MX includes the specified JavaScript function in the HTML page it sends to the browser, and the browser calls it.

For detailed information on using JavaScript for validation, see Validating form input and handling errors with JavaScript.

IsValid function

ColdFusion variables

On the server, when the function executes

ColdFusion MX tests the variable to determine whether it follows a specified validation rule and the function returns true or false.

For more information on using the IsValid function for validation, see Validating data with the IsValid function and the cfparam tag.

cfparam tag

ColdFusion variables

On the server, when the tag executes

ColdFusion MX checks the specified variable. If the value does not meet the validation criteria, ColdFusion generates an expression exception.

For more information on using the cfparam tag for validation, see, Validating data with the IsValid function and the cfparam tag.

cfargument tag

UDF and CFC function arguments

On the server, when a function is called or invoked

ColdFusion MX checks the argument value when it is passed to the function. If the value does not meet the validation criteria, ColdFusion generates an application exception.

For more information on using the cfargument tag, see Writing and Calling User-Defined Functions.