Apex Programming is a native programming language for Salesforce and used to write business logic, known as Apex code. Developers use Apex to create triggers, classes and automation processes for the platform with its Java-like syntax. The adapt fulfils the role of all integrating, SOQL performing database queries and asynchronous processing so it is a vital part for any data manipulation or automation workflow management.

what is Apex Programming?

Apex lets developers build dynamic back-end logic around Salesforce and provides high control with scalable solutions for complex processes. Great for adding functionalities not part of Salesforce.

Apex Data Types and Variable Declaration
Apex Operators List
Apex Database Integration
Apex Language Building Blocks
Apex Triggers: Events and Examples
Apex Class: Abstract, Implements, Extends, Interface Keywords

Beginners Guide to Learning Apex Programming

Apex: Apex is a programming language created by Salesforce.com to write custom logic on the Force Platform. It is mainly intended for coding advanced business processes, data manipulations, and automation tasks. Apex is a strongly typed, object-oriented language that looks like Java, but developers from various programming backgrounds should be able to understand and learn it easily.

Important Points to Remember in Apex Development

Apex Classes and Objects:

Apex classes function as templates that contain definitions of properties and behaviors for objects. Developers can create custom classes to represent objects and encapsulate data and methods (functions) within them. For example, in an Account class, you can define methods for creating and updating account information:


public class AccountManager {
    public String accountName;

    // Constructor
    public AccountManager(String accName) {
        accountName = accName;
    }

    // Method to display account details
    public void displayAccountInfo() {
        System.debug('Account Name: ' + accountName);
    }
}

Apex Triggers:

Apex Triggers allow you to execute Apex code before or after record events like insertions, updates, and deletions on Salesforce objects. For instance, you can update related Contact records or send notifications whenever an Account record is created or edited.


trigger AccountTrigger on Account (after insert) {
    for (Account acc : Trigger.new) {
        System.debug('New Account Created: ' + acc.Name);
    }
}

SOQL (Salesforce Object Query Language):

SOQL is a query language used to select records from the Salesforce database, similar to SQL. It supports querying data for single objects or related objects. Below is an example of how to query accounts based on the “Industry” field:

List<Account> accounts = [SELECT Name, Industry FROM Account WHERE Industry = 'Technology'];

This query returns all accounts where the industry is set to ‘Technology’. SOQL allows filtering, sorting, and selecting data efficiently in Salesforce.

DML Operations:

DML (Data Manipulation Language) operations allow you to interact with Salesforce data by inserting, updating, deleting, or upserting records. Here’s an example of inserting a new Account:


Account newAccount = new Account(Name = 'Tech Innovators');
insert newAccount;

Other DML operations include:

  • Update: Modifying existing records
  • Delete: Removing records
  • Upsert: Updating existing records or inserting new ones if none exist

Governor Limits:

Salesforce operates in a multi-tenant environment, meaning that governor limits are imposed to ensure no single user monopolizes resources. Apex developers must work within these limits (e.g., limits on SOQL queries or DML statements in a single transaction). Developers often optimize code, such as batching operations, to avoid exceeding limits when handling large datasets.

Asynchronous Apex:

Apex supports asynchronous processing, allowing tasks to run in the background. This improves performance, especially for time-intensive operations. Asynchronous processes include:

  • Future Methods: Used for long-running operations
  • Batch Apex: Handles large datasets by processing them in chunks
  • Scheduled Apex: Executes code at scheduled intervals

Example of a Future Method:


@future
public static void processBigData() {
    // Asynchronous code for handling large datasets
}

Benefits of Apex Programming

Apex programming allows developers to extend Salesforce’s native functionality by implementing custom logic. It enables the automation of business processes, maintenance of data integrity, and implementation of complex business rules. Apex also integrates easily with external systems via REST, SOAP, or web services, allowing businesses to connect Salesforce to other platforms.

Apex Programming Tutorials

To know more about this language See below posts.

More Examples

There are many other concepts in this Programming. Above are few of the basic concepts to understand.