Apex

Introduction to Apex

You've made the decision to start your journey as a Salesforce developer and accelerate your career in the fast-paced world of technology. In this session/article, we will delve into the topic of What is Apex in Salesforce and explore how to effectively use it. This module will cover the essential fundamentals of Apex for both Salesforce Developers and Administrators. Are you ready to dive into a comprehensive guide on Salesforce Apex? Let's begin.

 What is Apex in Salesforce?

   Apex is a strongly-typed, object-oriented programming language developed by Salesforce. It is designed for building complex business logic and custom functionality within the Salesforce platform. Here are some key features and aspects of Apex:

• Similar Syntax to Java: Apex has a syntax that is similar to Java, making it easier for Java developers to learn and use.
• Tightly Integrated with Salesforce: Apex is natively integrated with the Salesforce platform. It allows developers to interact with Salesforce data and customize the behavior of the platform.
• Data Focused: Apex is particularly well-suited for manipulating data. It allows developers to insert, update, delete, and query Salesforce records.
• Triggers: Apex can be used to write triggers, which are pieces of code that execute before or after record operations such as insertions, updates, or deletions.
• Classes and Methods: Developers can create classes and methods in Apex to encapsulate reusable pieces of code.
• Governor Limits: Apex operates under a set of runtime limits, known as governor limits, to ensure efficient use of resources and maintain system performance.
• Batch Processing: Apex supports batch processing, which allows for the processing of large volumes of records in manageable chunks.
• Web Service Integration: Apex can be used to create and consume web services, enabling integration with external systems.
• Test Methods: Apex includes built-in support for unit testing, allowing developers to write test methods to verify the correctness of their code.


At what point should we utilize the Apex Code?

Apex code is essential in Salesforce for implementing intricate business logic that cannot be accomplished through standard features or declarative tools such as Process Builder, Flow, or custom objects. Below are certain situations where utilizing Apex is necessary:

• Personalized apps
• Bespoke organizational workflows
• Integration with outside systems
• Unique algorithms
• Sophisticated verification process

Scenario	Description
Custom Business Logic	When you need to implement complex business rules and processes that involve multiple steps or conditions. When standard Salesforce automation tools (like Workflow Rules, Process Builder, or Flow) are insufficient for the required functionality.
Triggers	To perform custom actions before or after record changes (insert, update, delete). To enforce custom validation rules that go beyond what is possible with standard validation rules.
Batch Processing	When you need to process large volumes of records asynchronously to avoid hitting governor limits. For scheduled or periodic data processing tasks.
Web Service Integration	When integrating Salesforce with external systems using SOAP or REST web services. To consume external web services and bring data into Salesforce or send Salesforce data to other systems.
Custom APIs	To expose custom Apex methods as web services that can be called from external systems.
Complex Calculations and Data Manipulations	When performing calculations or data manipulations that are too complex to be handled by formula fields or declarative tools.
Custom User Interfaces	When building custom components with Lightning Components or Visualforce that require server-side logic to process user actions or fetch data.
Asynchronous Processing	For long-running operations that need to run asynchronously to avoid blocking the user interface or hitting time limits. Using Future methods, Queueable Apex, or Batch Apex for background processing.
Reusable Code	When you need to create reusable libraries of code that can be called from multiple places within your Salesforce org.

The structure of a Salesforce application

Apex works within the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture in Salesforce. Here's a breakdown of how Apex fits into the MVC model:



MVC Component	Description	Role of Apex
Model	Represents the data and business logic. In Salesforce, this includes objects, fields, and the relationships between them.	- Apex is used to create and manipulate data in the database. <br> - Apex classes and triggers handle business logic, validation rules, and complex calculations. <br> - SOQL (Salesforce Object Query Language) and SOSL (Salesforce Object Search Language) are used to query and search for data.
View	Represents the user interface. In Salesforce, this includes standard UI components, Visualforce pages, and Lightning components.	- Apex controllers and controller extensions are used in conjunction with Visualforce pages to provide dynamic data to the UI. <br> - Apex can also be used in Lightning components as part of the server-side controller to fetch and manipulate data.
Controller	Manages the interaction between the Model and the View. It processes user input and updates the Model and the View accordingly.	- Apex controllers and controller extensions handle the input from Visualforce pages and update the Model. <br> - Apex classes serve as controllers in Lightning components to manage data and user interactions. <br> - Triggers act as automated controllers that respond to changes in the data and enforce business logic.

Apex in MVC Architecture

1. Model Layer:
   • Apex Classes: Define the data model and business logic.
   • Apex Triggers: Respond to DML events (insert, update, delete) to enforce rules and automate processes.
   • SOQL/SOSL: Query and search data in Salesforce.
2. View Layer:
   • Visualforce Pages: Custom user interface components, where Apex controllers provide data and handle user input.
   • Lightning Components: Modern UI components that use Apex for server-side logic to fetch and process data.
3. Controller Layer:
   • Apex Controllers: Handle user input from Visualforce pages and update the model accordingly.
   • Controller Extensions: Extend the functionality of standard or custom controllers.
   • Server-Side Controllers in Lightning: Manage data interactions and business logic for Lightning components.

Salesforce Application Anatomy

Salesforce applications consist of various components that work together to provide a comprehensive CRM solution. Here's a breakdown of the key components of a Salesforce application, organized in a table format:

Component	Description
Objects	Structures for storing data. Standard objects (e.g., Accounts, Contacts) and custom objects (user-defined).
Fields	Define data types and hold specific pieces of data within objects.
Records	Individual instances of objects containing data.
Relationships	Links between objects, such as lookup relationships and master-detail relationships.
Page Layouts	Control the layout and organization of fields, buttons, custom links, and related lists on object record pages.
Record Types	Enable different business processes, picklist values, and page layouts based on user profiles.
Apps	Collections of tabs made visible to users based on their profiles.
Tabs	Navigation elements that let users view object records and custom content like Visualforce pages or web tabs.
Profiles and Permissions	Control user access to data and functionality within Salesforce, including object-level and field-level security.
Roles and Sharing Rules	Define data visibility and access levels across the organization based on hierarchy and criteria.
Workflows and Approvals	Automate business processes and approval workflows.
Process Builder	Allows for the creation of automated processes with more complexity than workflows.
Flows	Automate complex business processes and guide users through screens to collect data.
Apex Code	Custom server-side logic written in Apex to extend and customize Salesforce functionality.
Triggers	Apex code that executes before or after record operations (insert, update, delete).
Lightning Components	Reusable components for building modern, responsive user interfaces.
Visualforce Pages	Custom user interface components and pages, used for building custom user interfaces.
Reports and Dashboards	Tools for data analysis, visualization, and presentation.
Chatter	Collaboration tool integrated into Salesforce for real-time communication and file sharing.
Salesforce Mobile	Mobile app providing access to Salesforce data and functionality on mobile devices.
AppExchange	Marketplace for third-party applications and components that extend Salesforce functionality.

This table outlines the main components that make up a Salesforce application, providing an overview of each component's role within the Salesforce ecosystem.

Apex Video

Conclusion

Apex is a powerful tool for Salesforce developers, enabling them to extend and customize the functionality of the Salesforce platform to meet specific business requirements.