Framework users, read this!
Today at work we realized that there is a ColdFusion 8.0.1 hotfix (subtly different from ColdFusion 8.0 hotfixes) that we haven't applied and would explain and resolve an issue we've been noticing.
Specifically, I'm talking about the ColdFusion 8.0.1 Cumulative Hotfix 2 which has been available since October of 2008, and blogged about a little bit yesterday, but otherwise seems to have mostly flown under the radar since its release.
Why is this update important for framework users in particular? For one of the included fixes:
Fix for memory leaks with CFCs stored in memory scopes. Note, this does not eliminate need for proper use of VAR scope in CFC methods.
This is a subtle way of saying that there are memory leaks associated with storing CFC instances into "memory scopes" (Application, Session, and Server). Every framework that I've used or looked at — and probably all of the ones I haven't — store the core of their functionality as CFC instances in the Application scope; and that means that over time (if your application lives long enough), your java heap will grow out of control and server stability will suffer.
That means if your application uses Fusebox, Model Glue, Mach II, Coldbox, ColdSpring, Transfer, Reactor, DataFaucet, onTap, Co-Op, or other frameworks, you probably have a memory leak. To be fair, it's a small leak in our experience; but a leak is a leak, right?
Left un-mended, a pinhole could sink an oil tanker.
Not just for Framework users.
Any application that stores CFC instances in Application, Server, or Session scopes would likely benefit from this update. For example, that includes BlogCFC and Mango Blog, even though neither uses a framework. Carefully consider what applications you're running or writing, and make sure you update if necessary.
In addition, there are 14 other issues that were resolved and included in the hotfix, so it's worth 15 minutes of your time to read the release notes (very brief, I promise) and decide if it applies to you.
How do I know if I already have it?
In your ColdFusion administrator, there are a few icons in the top right corner. Clicking the "i" icon shows system information. A ColdFusion 8.01 Standard Edition, with the first cumulative hotfix installed looks like this. Specifically, look at "Update Level":
After applying hotfix 2, it will look like this:
Why has it been so obscure since October 2008 (21 weeks and counting)?
There has been some speculation that its release was right around the last round of Adobe layoffs, and this may have caused a disconnect between the Engineering team and the Customer Care team, which is responsible for authoring and publishing Tech Notes. It's entirely speculation at this point, but seems possible and not at all unlikely.
Help spread the word. Hopefully, we'll eventually get Adobe to pick up the pace and list this update on the ColdFusion 8 hotfixes page.
Posted in ColdFusion 8 | 3 Responses
3 responses:
- brian Mar 19, 2009 at 5:04 PM We've got updates/hf801-71634.jar, which update is that?
- Laura Norris Mar 20, 2009 at 5:07 PM good to know! that will be an issue when we upgrade to 8!