Memory variable VS data field

Memory Variables

You use the Memory Variables page of the ColdFusion Administrator to enable application and session variables server-wide. By default, application and session variables are enabled when you install ColdFusion Server. If you disable either type of variable in the Memory Variables page, you cannot use them in a ColdFusion application.

You can specify maximum and default timeout values for session and application variables. Unless you define a timeout value in Application.cfm, application variables expire when you restart ColdFusion Server. Session variables expire when user sessions end. To change these behaviors, enter default and maximum timeout values.

Data field

A data field is a place where you can store data. Commonly used to refer to a column in a database or a field in a data entry form or web form.

The field may contain data to be entered as well as data to be displayed.
The Data Field Definitions section of the Maintenance menu allows many of the pre-defined data fields to be disabled or enabled to fit the customer's needs. Some of them can also be redefined for further customization (particularly the Attribute fields for site attribute/preferences).

Obviously this is dangerous and should only be attempted by software experts. An Administrator access level is required to access these lists. The information below is presented for reference, but no changes should be attempted without consulting with Cottonwood Software first.

Each of the Field Definitions dialogs looks the same. They are simply grids with buttons for Print List and Close. Unlike the Raw Data Table and Pick List dialogs, there is no "Allow Editing" safeguard -- all changes are immediate!

Each data field definition consists of the following elements (treated like fields in a record or pick list):


Field ID -- This is not editable, and is the way the field is identified internally to the software.

Type -- Only shown if the "Show field type" box is checked. This is not editable, and shows the data type for the field.

Status -- This is either "Fixed", "Enabled", or "Disabled" (see below).

Justif. -- Show data as Left, Center, or Right justification by default

Field Name -- The name of the field as usually seen in maintenance functions (e.g. selection lists).
Short Label -- A short name for the field, used on dialogs and places where space is tight.
Report Heading -- A typical heading, used on reports, receipts, etc.
Notes -- A longer description for the field, for your own reference.