On Model-Glue and CodexWiki

On the Model-Glue project, we're working through a number of issues on our upcoming Model-Glue:Gesture release. One hot topic is how to handle documentation. At some point, Codex Wiki was raised. Codex Wiki, as you know, is Wiki Software built using the ColdBox and Transfer Frameworks. The question was raised whether we would use it because it was written in ColdBox, or whether we should develop a Model-Glue version of Wiki Software.

From the start, I'm going to say we aren't ready to make any decisions on documentation implementation. The direction we go largely depends on the critical path issues to get us there and the resources we can put to the task. Our internal time line is tight so we've got to look at all the elements in the equation before finalizing documentation implementation.

That said, I want to make a few public statements to the community at large. There is no question about my commitment to the Model-Glue project, of course, but did you know I'm also a fan of ColdBox? I've got healthy respect for the very impressive ColdBox framework and even more respect for Luis Majano personally, whom I consider a friend. Luis is one of the most decent human beings out on the planet and he has put an almost super human effort into building and maintaining his framework ecosystem. He helped raise the bar for CF Frameworks.

I'm actually a big fan of Mach-II, believe it or not. I've personally contributed some minor bits and pieces here and there to Mach-II and I've been happy to do it. I've also put significant applications into production powered by Mach-II. Mach-II is a quality project run by very smart and dedicated people who have done an admirable job developing a quality framework with good features, a responsive, dedicated community and some of the sexiest Mach-II shirts in town! (I want one)

Did you know TACFUG, the User Group I run along with Jim Priest, uses Mach-II to power our most excellent User Group Website? (CHUG). Check it out: http://tacfug.org

Codex Wiki is great software and if it works out for us, we'll use it. I'm not going to burst into flame, just because it is written using the ColdBox framework. Should we need to add features, we'll build them and contribute back to the project even if it means I've got to learn ColdBox to do it.

In closing, I'm all for friendly rivalries, but we gain nothing by throwing rocks, being divisive or fragmenting effort by unnecessarily duplicating projects. The ColdFusion framework community stands to gain most by collaborating and providing a quality set of Open Source frameworks and Tools to the community and engaging the ColdFusion community to further embrace mature development standards and techniques. Consider Model-Glue a willing partner with those sharing our philosophy.