Recent Activity
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Recent Comments
Ben Nadel replied to a post Exploring The Myers Diff Algorithm In ColdFusion
Comment posted February 9, 2026
I just added this diffing to Big Sexy Poems over the weekend - showing the delta between poem snapshots and the live content: https://www.bennadel.com/blog/4871-adding-myers-diff-to-share-link-snapshots-in-big-sexy-poems.htm... read entire comment from Ben Nadel.
Ben Nadel replied to a post Adding Myers Diff Rendering To The GildedRose Kata In ColdFusion
Comment posted January 27, 2026
It's just really fun to see things come together in unexpected ways. Learning for the sake of learning is still valuable.... I think.... read entire comment from Ben Nadel.
Ian Turton replied to a post Adding Myers Diff Rendering To The GildedRose Kata In ColdFusion
Comment posted January 27, 2026
Nice!... read entire comment from Ian Turton.
Ben Nadel replied to a post Exploring The Myers Diff Algorithm In ColdFusion
Comment posted January 27, 2026
Woot woot! This has already proven useful — I just added the Myers Diff algorithm to my ColdFusion implementation of the Gilded Rose code refactoring kata: https://www.bennadel.com/blog/4868-adding-myers-diff-rendering-to-the-gildedrose-kata-in-coldfusion.htm Cross-pollination for the win!... read entire comment from Ben Nadel.
Ben Nadel replied to a post Manually Refactoring The GildedRose Kata In ColdFusion
Comment posted January 27, 2026
As a quick follow-up, I've added the aforementioned Myers Diff algorithm to the code kata test runner: https://www.bennadel.com/blog/4868-adding-myers-diff-rendering-to-the-gildedrose-kata-in-coldfusion.htm Now, it will clearly highlight the lines that are mismatched between the "golden master" expe... read entire comment from Ben Nadel.
Ben Nadel replied to a post GildedRose Refactoring Kata In ColdFusion
Comment posted January 27, 2026
As a quick follow-up, now that I've created a ColdFusion implementation of the Myers Diff string comparison algorithm, I've added it to the code kata test runner: https://www.bennadel.com/blog/4868-adding-myers-diff-rendering-to-the-gildedrose-kata-in-coldfusion.htm Now, it will clearly highlight th... read entire comment from Ben Nadel.
Ben Nadel replied to a post Manually Refactoring The GildedRose Kata In ColdFusion
Comment posted January 26, 2026
When doing the refactoring, I was disappointed that the text-base comparison of the expected vs new output of the application was all-or-nothing. It had so little feedback and it was hard to tell where the errors in the output where. I would have loved to have something more like the GitHub code-dif... read entire comment from Ben Nadel.
Ian Turton replied to a post Manually Refactoring The GildedRose Kata In ColdFusion
Comment posted January 24, 2026
@Ben Nadel, Thanks (and thanks for the post) It's seeing magic number in code (no shade!) that I always react to - I'm thinking about how they could be moved to a db (such that the values could be changed without changing the code). The struct was a first step which would (if I ever took it further)... read entire comment from Ian Turton.
Ben Nadel replied to a post Manually Refactoring The GildedRose Kata In ColdFusion
Comment posted January 23, 2026
@Ian, Oh interesting - almost like you created a little DSL (Domain Specific Language) for the inventory rules. That's clever. I had at one point tried to factor-out the delta concept; but I just couldn't quite get it something that clicks in my brain (this was in the context of the switch block). A... read entire comment from Ben Nadel.
Ian Turton replied to a post Manually Refactoring The GildedRose Kata In ColdFusion
Comment posted January 23, 2026
The first switch statement in the final bit of code seems bit 'iffy' (literally!) For, er, 'fun' I ended up doing a refactoring based on extracting the rules out into a separate struct; this.specialCases = [ { name = "Sulfuras, Hand of Ragnaros", noChange = true }, { name = "Aged Brie", b... read entire comment from Ian Turton.
Ben Nadel replied to a post GildedRose Refactoring Kata In ColdFusion
Comment posted January 22, 2026
Here's my manual refactoring of the Gilded Rose code kata: https://www.bennadel.com/blog/4866-manually-refactoring-the-gildedrose-kata-in-coldfusion.htm I say "manual" because I think it would be fun to try performing the refactoring with Claude Code next. I've never used an agentic code process bef... read entire comment from Ben Nadel.
Bill Nourse replied to a post Trying To Launch Into 2026
Comment posted January 18, 2026
@Ben, I can't argue that confidence is easy, especially after we get kicked in the rear, but we all have the ability to overcome adversity. Baby steps as you mentioned, small wins, counting blessings, helping others, and saying no to things that make it worse. We are all winners really, but we don't... read entire comment from Bill Nourse.
Ben Nadel replied to a post Trying To Launch Into 2026
Comment posted January 18, 2026
@Bill, If I can get through this year and feel more confident in where I stand in the AI landscape, I'll consider that a win.... read entire comment from Ben Nadel.
Bill Nourse replied to a post Trying To Launch Into 2026
Comment posted January 17, 2026
Ben, let's take a hard look here. You helped build a company that was valued at $2 billion at its peak. I'd say that is more than impressive. Sure, somebody else built a better mousetrap... So what? Let go of the past and start swinging for the fences again my friend ;)... read entire comment from Bill Nourse.
Ben Nadel replied to a post Required Function Arguments Don't Have To Come First In ColdFusion
Comment posted January 17, 2026
@Frédéric, All good points, which only goes to show up my of the "ordering of arguments" is an emotional constraint and not a mechanical constraint. Of course, if you invoke a method with ordered arguments, the ordering still matters. But, your points underscore just how much of my internal struggle... read entire comment from Ben Nadel.
Frédéric Fortier replied to a post Required Function Arguments Don't Have To Come First In ColdFusion
Comment posted January 16, 2026
What I find confusing is that if a "required" argument has a default value, then it's no longer truly required, since the default will be used if it's omitted. Also, when using the argumentCollection parameter, the order of arguments does not matter at all, whether they are marked as required or not... read entire comment from Frédéric Fortier.
Ben Nadel replied to a post Opening The Dialog Element As A Fly-out Sidebar
Comment posted January 13, 2026
@Sebastian, I'm very excited about the pop-over and invoker commands. I've heard them get discussed quite a bit on the Syntax.fm podcast. That said, they are quite new. At least for the the first few months of 2026, I'm trying to focus on the web features that are new(ish), but not super fresh 😛 Bu... read entire comment from Ben Nadel.
Sebastian Zartner replied to a post Opening The Dialog Element As A Fly-out Sidebar
Comment posted January 13, 2026
Hi Ben! Note that are also the Popover API and the (even newer) related Invoker Commands API, which can be used very similarly. Using those two in combination, you can achieve the same without any JavaScript at all. You only have to add the popover attribute to the element that should be the popover... read entire comment from Sebastian Zartner.
Ben Nadel replied to a post Exploring The Dialog Element In HTML
Comment posted January 13, 2026
As a quick follow-up, I wanted to see if I could get the <dialog> element to open as a fly-out sidebar: https://www.bennadel.com/blog/4862-opening-the-dialog-element-as-a-fly-out-sidebar.htm At first, I was tripping over the user-agent's default CSS styles. But once I got past that, treating the dia... read entire comment from Ben Nadel.
Ben Nadel replied to a post Storing Metadata On Select Option Elements
Comment posted January 11, 2026
@Andreas, Yes, debugging and moving the elements around feels easier / safer when it's all collocated like that, great point!... read entire comment from Ben Nadel.
AndreasRu replied to a post Storing Metadata On Select Option Elements
Comment posted January 11, 2026
I love using data-attributes (some still use hidden form fields the old way that pollute forms with irrelevant submit data). For conditional logic—like dynamically loading form fields based on selection—I attach data-attributes directly to elements and use this in event listeners. <select class="my-... read entire comment from AndreasRu.
Gregory Alexander replied to a post Trying To Launch Into 2026
Comment posted January 10, 2026
@Ben Nadel, The search score is just a reflection of your SEO and has no bearing on your hit rate. Your Google Lighthouse scores are nearly perfect, and you have a ton of original and fresh content, so you should have an outstanding Google search presence. I am going to try to make it this year and ... read entire comment from Gregory Alexander.
Ben Nadel replied to a post Trying To Launch Into 2026
Comment posted January 10, 2026
@Gregory, I'm now fighting the urge to look at the stats - I know it will only make me feel bad :P That said, I get an email from Google Search like 2x a year telling me that my "Search Score" is a B - been a B for years. I have no idea what that's even based on or what can improve or degrade that s... read entire comment from Ben Nadel.
Ben Nadel replied to a post Storing Metadata On Select Option Elements
Comment posted January 10, 2026
That is facts! I've also been using them more for JavaScript hooks; which is especially nice with a ColdFusion framework like CFWheels where adding a class-name to a "form helper" might override the default classes being applied to that form UI. For example, if I wanted to wire an autocomplete to a ... read entire comment from Ben Nadel.
Raymond Camden replied to a post Storing Metadata On Select Option Elements
Comment posted January 10, 2026
Data attributes are truly underrated.... read entire comment from Raymond Camden.
Gregory Alexander replied to a post Trying To Launch Into 2026
Comment posted January 10, 2026
@Ben, You will be fine with your traffic. Typically, tech sites are losing up to 80% of the traffic, but since you're probably already getting thousands of hits per day, it won't affect you much. I used to get 50-65 clicks a day, but now it's down to a dozen. You can't compare my blog to yours, unfo... read entire comment from Gregory Alexander.
Chris G replied to a post Widely Available Web Platform Features I'd Like To Learn
Comment posted January 9, 2026
@Ben Nadel — You get me 🫶🏼... read entire comment from Chris G.
Ben Nadel replied to a post Widely Available Web Platform Features I'd Like To Learn
Comment posted January 9, 2026
@Chris, Plus, it's a great time to listen to podcasts (or, music if you're one of those normal persons).... read entire comment from Ben Nadel.
Chris G replied to a post Widely Available Web Platform Features I'd Like To Learn
Comment posted January 9, 2026
Parallel to your point about the pros of doing your own research rather than leaning on AI, I think this way about teleportation. If it were a real thing, I'd miss out on those small but magical moments created during the process of traveling. Sure, most of it is mind-numbingly uneventful...but some... read entire comment from Chris G.
Dave Merrill replied to a post Trying To Launch Into 2026
Comment posted January 9, 2026
Hey Ben, just reiterating the positive stuff everyone has said about your HUGE long-time contribution to the community, and your openness here. Glad you found a gig, and commiserations about your doggo, that's super tough.... read entire comment from Dave Merrill.
Ben Nadel replied to a post Trying To Launch Into 2026
Comment posted January 9, 2026
As a quick follow-up, I've tried to compile a list of Widely Available web platform features that I want to spend some time looking into (according to the aforementioned Google Baseline project): https://www.bennadel.com/blog/4859-widely-available-web-platform-features-id-like-to-learn.htm This list... read entire comment from Ben Nadel.
Ben Nadel replied to a post Trying To Launch Into 2026
Comment posted January 9, 2026
@Greg, In a way, I'm very lucky that I have not look at any analytics for this site in years. 😂 I had removed all my google tracking at some point vis-a-vis GDPR and never looked back. I'll very rarely look at indexing issues if Google sends me an alert. But, not knowing how hugely in decline my tr... read entire comment from Ben Nadel.
Ben Nadel replied to a post Trying To Launch Into 2026
Comment posted January 9, 2026
@Aaron, Oh man, I can't imagine being a vet. On the one hand, I love animals; but on the other hand, so much of it is about helping families deal with bad news. I can't even count the number of times I'd be in the vet's waiting room and hear sobbing from down the hall. Just heart breaking. But such ... read entire comment from Ben Nadel.
Lev replied to a post Trying To Launch Into 2026
Comment posted January 9, 2026
Sending you good vibes and warm wishes Ben. Thanks for being vulnerable and sharing your thoughts. I hope 2026 brings you a bit more joy.... read entire comment from Lev.
Gregory Alexander replied to a post Trying To Launch Into 2026
Comment posted January 9, 2026
First of all, I am sorry that your furry one passed away- it's very much similar to losing a family member, and it is tough to deal with. Second, I understand that AI changed the ballgame with blogging. I personally lost thousands of clicks per month since AI was incorporated into search engines ove... read entire comment from Gregory Alexander.
Aaron West replied to a post Trying To Launch Into 2026
Comment posted January 8, 2026
Ben, I appreciate your vulnerability and sharing with us. Ray's suggestion is a good one and something I've been thinking about too. I've never been to therapy but it's probably something I should try. I was laid off in Q1-2025 and it took much longer to find my next gig than it's ever taken in my 2... read entire comment from Aaron West.
Vikrant replied to a post Trying To Launch Into 2026
Comment posted January 7, 2026
Hi Ben, I just wanted to say that sometimes life hits hard and this is just part of it. I went through something similar myself. I lost my job and as you know finding work in the ColdFusion space is not easy at all. Because of no opportunity in CF I also had to move back to my home country. None of ... read entire comment from Vikrant.
Ben Nadel replied to a post Trying To Launch Into 2026
Comment posted January 6, 2026
Thank you everyone for the kind words - I wasn't expecting it and it really made the start of the new year rather special for me ❤️... read entire comment from Ben Nadel.
Ben Nadel replied to a post Trying To Launch Into 2026
Comment posted January 6, 2026
@Chris, I remember seeing your trip photos - looked amazing! I need to get out in nature more this year. That's one of the non-professional goals. I keep getting these ads on Facebook for "Adventure Decks" - these decks of cards for your area that show you cool places to go. Ironically, the little d... read entire comment from Ben Nadel.
Matthew C replied to a post Trying To Launch Into 2026
Comment posted January 6, 2026
Just wanted to add that your blogging has made a tremendously positive impact on my own career as a developer - in providing solutions to problems, practical insights, and an example of restless curiosity (not to mention prolific writing). To put it perhaps a bit tritely, you don't always know the i... read entire comment from Matthew C.
Lance S. replied to a post Trying To Launch Into 2026
Comment posted January 5, 2026
Keeping you in my thoughts, Ben. You're a stand-up guy and a brilliant person. Hope your 2026 is way better than 2025!... read entire comment from Lance S..
Chris G replied to a post Trying To Launch Into 2026
Comment posted January 5, 2026
Oh — and a feature request, if I may... React to Comments I find myself wanting to "react" to various comments on your blog. Just a quick acknowledgement of messages received or a show of support...like for @ray and @sg above.... read entire comment from Chris G.
Chris G replied to a post Trying To Launch Into 2026
Comment posted January 5, 2026
@Ben, My heart goes out to you for your 2025 losses and difficulties. When I feel depressed, I lose all motivation for being productive. In fact, that's generally how I know I'm depressed. I took a solo US road trip this past year (5-weeks) and was depressed for nearly 2 months following. Worth it! ... read entire comment from Chris G.
Ben Nadel replied to a post Trying To Launch Into 2026
Comment posted January 5, 2026
@SG, Honestly, living in an area affected by war is something I can't even begin to wrap my head around. At InVision, we had devs in Ukraine, and they would talk about having to go to the basement for air-raid sirens and on my end it just seemed so unreal. My heart goes out to you for having to deal... read entire comment from Ben Nadel.
Ben Nadel replied to a post Trying To Launch Into 2026
Comment posted January 5, 2026
@Ray, I did a bit of couples therapy at the start of 2025, work out some communication issues with the missus. Then, did a bit of grief therapy after the dogo passed (both together and separately). Agreed that the big value-add for me was just being able to say some things out loud that were living ... read entire comment from Ben Nadel.
SG replied to a post Trying To Launch Into 2026
Comment posted January 5, 2026
Hey Ben, a friend reposted your linkedin post. 2025 was intense here too. I started a new company, closed another, and spent two weeks running in and out of a bomb shelter during Iran's rocket attack. Took me a few months to reset my adrenaline glands back to normal. That said, feeling pretty optimi... read entire comment from SG.
Raymond Camden replied to a post Trying To Launch Into 2026
Comment posted January 5, 2026
Ben, have you considered therapy? I started after my first wife passed, and have gone off and on over the past few years. I was in therapy for a lot of 2025. It's not a silver bullet and doesn't work for everyone. To me, the biggest benefit is simply getting out the stuff that's thrashing in my mind... read entire comment from Raymond Camden.
CJ replied to a post Code Kata: Formatting Compound Strings In ColdFusion
Comment posted January 5, 2026
I have definitely been bitten by that listAppend single-character delimiter behavior before. It is one of those quirks you only remember after you see your output looks slightly off in production. I really appreciate you highlighting why the native approach fails for multi-character delimiters like ... read entire comment from CJ.
Ben Nadel replied to a post Required Function Arguments Don't Have To Come First In ColdFusion
Comment posted January 4, 2026
@Zac, It's just for the mental model of it all. Looking at your Jira ticket, I don't think any of my BIFs/methods would fall under the optimized path, even if I tried to remove a lot of annotation. Seems that you have to have pass-by-reference types only; but, 99% of my methods, I assume, include si... read entire comment from Ben Nadel.
Zachary Spitzer replied to a post Required Function Arguments Don't Have To Come First In ColdFusion
Comment posted January 4, 2026
I have been looking into this performance wise, using typed / required / defaults arguments add overhead. https://luceeserver.atlassian.net/browse/LDEV-5933 What are you trying to achieve here? if it's documentation, simply use a proper doc block https://docs.lucee.org/reference/annotations.html As ... read entire comment from Zachary Spitzer.