Introduction to Cloud Computing and Salesforce Development

Summary

In this video, Akash embarks on his Salesforce development learning journey with guidance from Satya. They explore Salesforce as a cloud computing platform, diving into concepts like cloud computing, PaaS, SaaS, and IaaS. Satya explains Salesforce’s MVC architecture, comparing it to traditional development platforms, and demonstrates how to create applications with minimal coding. The session also highlights how users can build apps and automate workflows using visual interfaces, with a live demo on building an employee tracking app, showcasing the ease of creating custom objects, fields, and tabs within Salesforce.

Takeaways

• 😀 Salesforce is a cloud computing platform that provides both Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS).
• 😀 Cloud computing enables the delivery of services like storage, processing, and software over the internet instead of on local servers.
• 😀 The concept of client-server technology explains how applications on the internet function by sending requests from a client to a server for processing.
• 😀 Salesforce offers three main types of cloud computing services: PaaS, SaaS, and IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service).
• 😀 In Salesforce, data is stored in S objects (Salesforce objects), which are equivalent to database tables in other technologies.
• 😀 Salesforce implements business logic using no-code tools, code (Apex), or a mix of both depending on the complexity of the application.
• 😀 The MVC (Model-View-Controller) architecture is used in Salesforce, with S objects serving as the 'Model', Apex code as the 'Controller', and Lightning Experience as the 'View'.
• 😀 Salesforce provides a drag-and-drop interface to create applications without writing any code, making it easier for users to build solutions.
• 😀 The platform allows customization of applications by adding fields, creating tabs, and setting up page layouts, all through an intuitive user interface.
• 😀 You can build a custom app in Salesforce by defining objects (e.g., Employee), creating fields, and then organizing these components in a user-friendly app interface.
• 😀 Salesforce enables the creation of apps that are both desktop and mobile-compatible without requiring separate mobile app development.
• 😀 Salesforce automatically generates data entry and view screens for custom objects, which can also be customized later to meet specific business requirements.

Q & A

What is cloud computing and how is Salesforce related to it?

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services over the internet, allowing users to access and manage data and applications remotely. Salesforce is a cloud computing platform, offering both Platform as a Service (PaaS) for building applications and Software as a Service (SaaS) for using pre-built applications like CRM.

Can you explain the concept of client-server technology in cloud computing?

Client-server technology involves a client (software on your device) sending a request to a remote server, which processes the request and returns a response. In the context of cloud computing, the servers are part of a cloud, and the cloud can run multiple services, making resources available over the internet.

What are the different types of cloud services, and how are they categorized?

Cloud services are categorized into three main types: Platform as a Service (PaaS), which provides a development environment for building applications; Software as a Service (SaaS), which offers ready-to-use applications; and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), which provides hardware and system software.

How does Salesforce implement the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture?

In Salesforce, the model is represented by Salesforce objects (S-objects), which are equivalent to database tables. The business logic is implemented using Apex (Salesforce's object-oriented language) or declarative tools. The view is represented by the user interface, which can be customized using the Lightning Experience or by configuring standard page layouts.

What is the difference between a standard app and a custom app in Salesforce?

A standard app in Salesforce is one provided by Salesforce out of the box, such as Service or Marketing apps, while a custom app is one that you build based on your specific business requirements. You can customize standard apps or create new ones from scratch.

How can we create a custom object in Salesforce?

You can create a custom object in Salesforce using the Object Manager in the Setup menu. After creating the object, you can define its fields (e.g., text, picklist, date fields) and set various properties like its label and record name.

What is the role of fields in Salesforce objects, and how can you create them?

Fields in Salesforce objects represent individual data points in records (e.g., first name, last name). You can create fields by selecting the desired data type, such as text or date, and setting properties like label, length, and whether the field is required or optional.

What is a tab in Salesforce, and how do you create one?

A tab in Salesforce is a user interface element that allows users to interact with the data of a specific object. To create a tab, you can go to the Tab Setup page, select the object you want to associate with the tab, choose an icon or style, and define visibility settings.

What is the purpose of page layouts in Salesforce?

Page layouts in Salesforce provide a default view for users to enter and view data. These layouts can be customized to control which fields and sections are displayed when users interact with records in Salesforce.

Can Salesforce applications be accessed on mobile devices, and how?

Yes, Salesforce applications can be accessed on mobile devices. The platform allows you to create apps that are instantly mobile-optimized without needing to develop a separate mobile app. You can define whether your app is available on both desktop and mobile during the app creation process.