What is Apex | Premium Salesforce Development Course 2024

Summary

This chapter of the Salesforce development course introduces Apex, a strongly typed, object-oriented programming language used on the Salesforce platform to write business logic and build SaaS applications. The lesson covers key aspects of Apex, including its syntax, features, and how it is compiled and executed on Salesforce's servers. Emphasizing the importance of Apex for solving complex tasks not achievable with point-and-click tools, it also highlights the language's similarity to Java, making it easier for Java developers to grasp. The chapter lays the foundation for understanding Apex's role in Salesforce's MVC architecture and its utility in customizing business logic.

Takeaways

• 😀 Apex is a strongly typed, object-oriented programming language used to write business logic on the Salesforce platform.
• 😀 As a strongly typed language, Apex requires explicit declaration of data types for variables, unlike JavaScript.
• 😀 Apex is object-oriented, enabling the creation of reusable programs and multiple instances of classes.
• 😀 Apex can only run on the Salesforce (force.com) platform, and does not require external compilers or interpreters.
• 😀 If you're familiar with Java, Apex will be easy to understand as it shares similarities with Java, constituting 80-90% of its syntax.
• 😀 Apex is primarily used to write custom business logic for Salesforce applications, complementing point-and-click tools.
• 😀 Salesforce is a suite of CRM products that helps organizations meet their specific needs, with Apex serving as a tool for building SaaS applications on top of Salesforce CRM functionality.
• 😀 The Salesforce platform operates using the MVC (Model-View-Controller) architecture, which separates the database, controller, and view components.
• 😀 The controller component of Salesforce can be customized using Apex when the available point-and-click tools cannot accomplish the desired functionality.
• 😀 Apex code is compiled and executed directly on the Salesforce servers, ensuring everything runs in the cloud environment without needing local compilers.

Q & A

What is Apex and where is it used?

Apex is a strongly typed, object-oriented programming language used on the Salesforce platform (force.com) to write business logic or programs that solve specific problems. It is primarily used for building SaaS applications and extending the functionality of Salesforce CRM.

What does it mean that Apex is a 'strongly typed' language?

Being a strongly typed language means that every variable in Apex must be declared with a specific data type. Unlike JavaScript, where variables can be declared without specifying a type, Apex requires the type of data to be explicitly stated when defining a variable.

How is Apex related to Java?

Apex is very similar to Java in its syntax, with around 80-90% overlap in structure. This makes it easier for those experienced in Java to understand and write Apex code when working on Salesforce development.

What are the advantages of Apex in Salesforce development?

Apex allows developers to implement business logic that cannot be achieved through point-and-click tools in Salesforce. It enables the creation of custom functionality within the Salesforce platform, specifically when the standard tools fall short.

How does Apex code get executed?

Apex code is executed on Salesforce's servers (force.com platform) and is compiled and interpreted directly on the Salesforce platform. Developers do not need to install compilers or interpreters locally, as everything is handled on the server.

What is the MVC architecture in Salesforce?

Salesforce operates on the MVC (Model-View-Controller) architecture. The 'Model' is the database, the 'View' is the user interface, and the 'Controller' is responsible for the logic that connects the two. Apex can be used to modify the Controller logic, especially for functionalities that go beyond what point-and-click tools can achieve.

Can Apex run outside of Salesforce's platform?

No, Apex is designed to run exclusively on the Salesforce platform (force.com). It cannot be used or executed on any other platform.

What kind of applications can be built using Apex?

Apex is used to build SaaS (Software as a Service) applications that extend the functionality of Salesforce CRM. This includes custom business logic, integrations with external systems, and any specific features that cannot be implemented using Salesforce's point-and-click tools.

What tools are required to write Apex code?

To write Apex code, developers need access to a Salesforce development org and tools such as Salesforce's Developer Console, Visual Studio Code with Salesforce extensions, or other integrated development environments (IDEs) that support Salesforce development.

What is the primary benefit of using Apex in Salesforce development?

The primary benefit of using Apex is its ability to write custom code to implement specific business logic or complex functionality that cannot be achieved through the standard point-and-click tools available on the Salesforce platform.