Apex programming language is quite similar to Java. So, if you know how to write codes in Java, then Apex will be just a piece of cake for you. In this article, we will guide you on using Salesforce Apex if you are a beginner.
What is Apex Programming language?
Apex is an Object-Oriented programming language that uses the concepts of classes and objects. It allows users to execute flow and transaction control statements on the functionality of Salesforce CRM (customer relationship management). Salesforce is a cloud-based company that provides CRM-based solutions and business software to its clients.
Apex gives access to developers to use the Salesforce platform and their database. It can then be used to create third-party SaaS applications.
Further, it helps developers add business logic like Visualforce pages and button clicks to the system events.
Why Choose Apex?
Now you might be wondering why you should choose Apex when there are other languages available. Below we have provided some of the benefits you get while using Salesforce Apex.
1. Easy to Use
Apex is similar to Java and almost follows the same syntax, making it easier to use. If you are well-versed in Java, most of the variables, loops, expressions, and statements would be familiar.
2. Data-Driven
Apex focuses on a data-driven approach and compiles several queries and DML statements into one operation.
3. Great Attention to Detail
Apex is a strongly typed language, and a user has to describe the data type he is using. It helps detect errors, and the code becomes better optimized for the compiler.
4. Easy Testing
Apex supports Unit-testing, which allows it to test the smallest testable part of the application. It helps Apex reduce the bugs in the program and improve the design. Salesforce always runs tests before any updates to support the code running error-free.
Features of Salesforce Apex
1. Strongly-Typed Language
Apex is a strongly typed language which means a user has to define the data type before using it in the code. It makes the behavior of operations more predictable and detects any typing errors during the runtime.
2. Case Insensitive Language
Apex is also a case-insensitive language, meaning it doesn’t differentiate between upper and lower case letters. So you don’t have to worry about the case of the letters much, and you can focus more on your code.
3. Integrated Database
Apex comes with an integrated database which means you can access and edit records within the database without actually connecting to the database.
4. Save your code in force.com API
If you are using Apex, you can easily store your apex code on force.com Web services API.
Structure and Syntax of Apex
All the Apex codes run on the Lightning Platform. The developer writes and stores the code on the platform while end-users fetch it via the user interface. When you save a code on the forum, the first step that the platform does is to compile the code. This compiled code is a set of instructions that only the Apex Runtime Interpreter understands.
When the end-user tries to fetch the code, the platform server retrieves the compiled code and sends it to the runtime interpreter. After that, the result of the code is displayed. In terms of syntax, it is pretty similar to Java and also uses classes, data types, variables, and conditional statements.
Apex Data Types and Variables
Apex has several data types and variables for developers to write the code. Since its syntax is quite similar to Java, you might find some similarities. Below we have provided details of some of the data types and variables.
Data Types
- Boolean
A boolean data type can be assigned only a True or False value.
- Date
It’s a value that represents a particular day. It contains no information about time, and you can easily add or subtract integers from it.
- Decimal
Decimal is a number system that uses decimal points.
- Integer
Integers are 32-bit numbers that don’t contain any decimal point. Further, Integers have a minimum value of
-2,147,483,648 and a maximum value of 2,147,483,64.
- Strings
Strings are just several characters compiled together, and there is no limit on how many characters you can have in your string.
- Time
It’s a data type that represents a specific time. You should always create time values with a system static method as a developer.
- Datetime
As the name suggests, a DateTime indicates a particular date plus time similar to a timestamp. You can add or subtract integers from a DateTime; however, you can’t use it on functions with two or more two DateTime values.
Variables
Variables in Apex are similar to Java and are used to store some information. To declare a variable in Apex, you need to write the data type, variable name, and value and combine it with an assignment operator.
ex : String strValue = ‘String Value’;
Writing a Simple Apex program
As it’s the format and tradition of the programming world, we will write our first program as a “hello world” program. It will help you understand some basics of Apex programming language.
Public Class FirstClass
{
public static void firstMethod()
{
sytem.debug('Hello wold');
}
}
Another example that you can use of a program used to insert the record of the account by receiving the input parameters.
Public Class Demo1
{
Public void CreateAccount(String Name, String Phone){
account acc=new account();
acc.Name=Name;
acc.phone=Phone;
insert acc;
System.debug('Account Inserted :'+acc.name);
}
}
Conclusion
Salesforce Apex helps you create complex CRM applications on its user-friendly and secure platform. In this article, we explained the basics of Apex, which would be helpful if you are a beginner. We also highlighted its features, advantages, data types, and variables here. At last, we also provided you with two simple examples which will definitely help you understand the platform well.
