Salesforce

Interview
Questions
By Ayush Rathore
Basic Salesforce Admin Questions

1. What is Salesforce?

Answer:
Salesforce is a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform that helps
businesses manage sales, customer support, marketing, and automation. It offers tools like Sales
Cloud, Service Cloud, Marketing Cloud, and more.

2. What are Objects in Salesforce?

Answer:
Objects are database tables in Salesforce where data is stored. There are two types:

1. Standard Objects – Predefined by Salesforce (e.g., Account, Contact, Opportunity).

2. Custom Objects – Created by users to store unique business data.

3. What is a Profile in Salesforce?

Answer:
A Profile controls user permissions, field access, and object access. It defines what a user can
view, create, edit, and delete. Example profiles: System Administrator, Standard User.

4. What is a Permission Set?

Answer:
A Permission Set is a collection of settings and permissions that can be assigned to users in
addition to their profile. It helps provide extra permissions without changing profiles.

5. What is the difference between Role and Profile?

Answer:

Feature Profile Role

Controls Object & field access Record visibility (Sharing Rules)
Users Assigned One profile per user One role per user (optional)
Example Read-Only Profile Sales Manager Role
6. What are Record Types in Salesforce?

Answer:
Record Types allow different page layouts and picklist values for different users within the
same object. Example: In the Opportunity object, different record types for Small Business
Sales and Enterprise Sales.

7. What is a Page Layout?

Answer:
A Page Layout controls how fields, sections, buttons, and related lists appear on a record’s
detail page.

Security & Access Control Questions

8. What are Organization-Wide Defaults (OWD)?

Answer:
OWD defines the baseline level of access for records within Salesforce. It sets the default record
visibility for users who don’t own the record. Levels:

• Private – Only the owner can see the record.

• Public Read-Only – Anyone can view, but only the owner can edit.
• Public Read/Write – Anyone can view and edit.
• Controlled by Parent – Access is determined by the parent record.

9. What are Sharing Rules?

Answer:
Sharing Rules extend record access to users based on roles, public groups, or territories. They
are used when OWD is set to Private but we need to share specific records.
10. What is a Role Hierarchy?

Answer:
A Role Hierarchy allows record access to be automatically granted to users higher up in the
hierarchy. Example: A Sales Manager can see records of their Sales Reps.

Automation & Workflow Questions

11. What is a Workflow Rule?

Answer:
A Workflow Rule is an automation tool that performs actions like sending emails, updating
fields, creating tasks, or sending outbound messages when a certain condition is met.

12. What is the difference between Workflow and Process Builder?

Answer:

Feature Workflow Rule Process Builder

Field updates, Email alerts, Tasks, Everything in Workflow + Create records,
Actions
Outbound messages Post to Chatter, Call Apex
Complexity Simple More advanced logic
Future
Being replaced by Flow Recommended
Scope

13. What is a Flow in Salesforce?

Answer:
Flow is a powerful automation tool that collects data, updates records, creates new records,
and makes complex decisions with clicks instead of code.

Data Management Questions

14. What is Data Loader in Salesforce?

Answer:
Data Loader is a tool used to import, update, delete, and export data in bulk (up to 5 million
records). It is used when working with large data sets.
15. What are Validation Rules?

Answer:
Validation Rules ensure data quality by enforcing specific business rules before saving a
record. Example: A rule to ensure that the Phone Number field is always entered.

Reports & Dashboards Questions

16. What is a Report in Salesforce?

Answer:
A Report is a collection of filtered data presented in rows and columns. Types of reports:

1. Tabular Report – Simple table format.

2. Summary Report – Grouped data with subtotals.
3. Matrix Report – Data grouped by rows & columns.
4. Joined Report – Multiple reports in one.

17. What is a Dashboard?

Answer:
A Dashboard is a visual representation of multiple reports using charts, graphs, and metrics. It
helps monitor key performance indicators (KPIs).

Other Important Questions

18. What are Queues in Salesforce?

Answer:
A Queue is a group of users who share responsibility for managing records. Example: A Case
Queue where support agents can pick cases to work on.
19. What are Public Groups?

Answer:
A Public Group is a collection of users, roles, and other public groups used to simplify sharing
rules and email alerts.

20. What are Approval Processes in Salesforce?

Answer:
An Approval Process automates record approval workflows. Example: A manager must
approve a discount request before finalizing a deal.

Bonus: Scenario-Based Questions

21. A sales team needs different picklist values than the support team. How would you
configure this?

Answer: Use Record Types with different picklist values for Sales and Support.

22. A user cannot see an Opportunity record. What will you check?

Answer:

1. Check OWD (Private/Public) settings.

2. Check if the user has proper Role & Profile permissions.
3. Check Sharing Rules and Manual Sharing.

Final Tips for the Interview:

• Understand the concepts instead of memorizing answers.

• Explain with examples when possible.
• Practice hands-on in a Salesforce Developer Org.
• Be confident and structured in your answers.
Scenario-Based Salesforce Administrator Questions &
Answers (Using Flow)
1️. Scenario: Profile vs. Permission Set

Question: A user needs edit access to Contacts, but their Profile only allows read access. How
will you fix this without changing their Profile?

Solution:

• I will create a Permission Set that grants edit access to the Contact object.
• I will assign this Permission Set to the user.
• This allows additional permissions without modifying the user’s Profile.

Why Not Change the Profile?

Profiles are fixed and not flexible. Using Permission Sets allows us to grant extra permissions
to specific users without affecting others.

2️. Scenario: Missing Record Access

Question: A sales representative cannot see an Opportunity record owned by a different team.
How will you troubleshoot?

Solution:
I will check:
1️. OWD (Organization-Wide Defaults) – If set to Private, users can’t see others’ records.
2️. Role Hierarchy – If the sales rep is below in the hierarchy, they may not have access.
3️. Sharing Rules – I will create a Sharing Rule to grant access to the required group.
4️. Manual Sharing – The owner can manually share the record if needed.

Best Practice: Use Role Hierarchy & Sharing Rules instead of manual sharing.
3️. Scenario: Restricting Field Editing

Question: A manager wants to ensure that only certain users can update the Discount field on
the Opportunity. How will you achieve this?

Solution:

• I will use Field-Level Security (FLS) to hide the Discount field from unauthorized
profiles.
• If certain users should see but not edit the field, I will create a Validation Rule:

Validation Rule Example:

AND(ISCHANGED(Discount__c), NOT($Profile.Name = "Sales Manager"))

This prevents changes unless the user is a Sales Manager.

4️. Scenario: Automating Follow-Ups

Question: When a new lead is created, the system should send an email reminder to the
assigned sales rep after 3 days if the lead is not contacted. How will you set this up?

Solution (Using Flow):

1️. Create a Record-Triggered Flow on the Lead object.
2️. Set Entry Conditions:

• Lead Status = ‘New’

• Lead Owner is assigned
3️⃣ Add a Scheduled Path:
• Delay the action for 3 days
4️⃣ Add an Action:
• Send an Email Alert to the Lead Owner.
5️⃣ Save & Activate the Flow.

Why Use Flow Instead of Workflow?

• Workflows cannot handle complex logic or create records.

• Salesforce announced that Workflow Rules and Process Builder will be deprecated.
• Flow is the future-proof solution that allows scheduled automation and decision-
making.
5️. Scenario: Report Access Issue

Question: A user reports that they cannot see a report in a shared folder. How will you fix this?

Solution:
I will check:
1️. Report Folder Permissions – Ensure the user has Viewer or Editor access.
2️. Object Permissions – Check if the user has access to the objects in the report.
3️. Field-Level Security – Ensure the fields in the report are visible to the user.

6️. Scenario: Preventing Duplicate Records

Question: Users are creating duplicate Accounts with the same name. How will you prevent
this?

Solution:
1️. Create a Matching Rule to detect duplicate Account Names.
2️. Create a Duplicate Rule to block duplicates or allow but alert users.
3️. Optionally, use Validation Rules to enforce specific naming conventions.

Best Practice: Use Duplicate Rules instead of Apex Triggers for standard duplication
checks.

7️. Scenario: Conditional Picklist Values

Question: The Stage picklist in Opportunities should show different values for Sales Reps and
Sales Managers. How will you configure this?

Solution:

• Create two Record Types for Sales Reps and Sales Managers.
• Assign different picklist values to each Record Type.
• Ensure Profiles are assigned to the correct Record Type.
8️. Scenario: Automating Approval Process

Question: When a deal’s discount exceeds 20%, a manager must approve it before closing. How
will you configure this?

Solution (Using Approval Process):

1️. Entry Criteria: Discount > 20%.
2️. Approval Step: Assign to the Sales Manager.
3️. Final Action: If approved, status updates to ‘Approved’; if rejected, notify the sales rep.

9️. Scenario: User Cannot Log In

Question: A user reports that they cannot log in to Salesforce. How will you troubleshoot?

Solution:
1️. Check Login History – Look for errors like Incorrect Password or IP Restriction.
2️. Check Profile Login Hours – Ensure login is allowed at that time.
3️. Check IP Whitelisting – Ensure they are logging in from an allowed IP range.
4️. Check Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Ensure they have completed MFA setup.

10. Scenario: Data Importing Issue

Question: You need to import 10,000 Contacts from an Excel file into Salesforce. How will you
do it?

Solution:

• I will use Data Loader because:

It supports bulk data import (up to 5 million records).
I can map fields correctly before import.
It allows data validation before inserting records.

Alternative: If under 50,000 records, use Data Import Wizard for a simpler UI.
Basic Apex Interview Questions &
Answers
1️. What is Apex in Salesforce?

Answer:
Apex is a strongly-typed, object-oriented programming language used in Salesforce to
execute business logic. It is similar to Java and is designed to run on the Salesforce platform.
Apex allows developers to write triggers, controllers, batch jobs, integrations, and test
classes to customize and automate processes.

2️. What are the key features of Apex?

Answer:
Apex provides:
✔ Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) - Supports classes, interfaces, and inheritance.
✔ Database Integration - Works seamlessly with SOQL and DML statements.
✔ Governor Limits - Ensures efficient code execution to maintain multi-tenancy.
✔ Asynchronous Processing - Supports Batch Apex, Queueable Apex, and Future methods.
✔ Built-in Exception Handling - Provides robust error-handling mechanisms.
✔ Trigger-based Execution - Automates logic before or after DML operations.

3️. What are different data types in Apex?

Answer:
Apex supports:
✔ Primitive Data Types - Integer, Double, Boolean, String, Date, Datetime, Long,
Decimal.
✔ Collections - List, Set, and Map.
✔ Objects - Instances of standard/custom Salesforce objects (Account, Contact, etc.).
✔ Enums - Used to define a set of constant values.
4️. What are Apex classes and methods?

Answer:
An Apex class is a blueprint that defines variables and methods. A method is a function inside a
class that performs a specific action.

Example:

apex

public class MyClass {

public String greet(String name) {
return 'Hello, ' + name;
}
}

This class has a method greet() that takes a name and returns a greeting message.

5️. What is the difference between Apex classes and triggers?

Answer:

Feature Apex Class Apex Trigger

Purpose Defines business logic Automates processes on data changes
Execution Called explicitly in code Executes automatically on DML events
Methods Supports multiple methods Does not support methods directly
Bulk Processing Needs manual bulkification Automatically processes bulk records

6️. What are different types of Apex collections?

Answer:
✔ List – Ordered collection, allows duplicates.
✔ Set – Unordered collection, does not allow duplicates.
✔ Map – Key-value pairs for fast lookup.

Example:

apex

List<String> myList = new List<String>{'A', 'B', 'C'};

Set<Integer> mySet = new Set<Integer>{1, 2, 3};
Map<Integer, String> myMap = new Map<Integer, String>{1 => 'A', 2 => 'B'};
7️. What is SOQL, and how is it different from SQL?

Answer:
SOQL (Salesforce Object Query Language) is used to retrieve data from Salesforce objects.
Unlike SQL, it does not support JOIN but uses relationship queries.

Example:

apex

SELECT Name, Email FROM Contact WHERE LastName = 'Smith'

This SOQL query fetches Name and Email from Contact where LastName = 'Smith'.

8️. What is the difference between SOQL and SOSL?

Answer:

SOQL (Salesforce Object Query SOSL (Salesforce Object Search

Feature
Language) Language)
Used For Querying specific objects Searching across multiple objects
Search
Structured queries Full-text search
Type
Data Scope Fields of specified objects Any field (including unstructured text)

Example:

apex

// SOQL: Retrieves contacts named 'John'

SELECT Name FROM Contact WHERE Name = 'John'

// SOSL: Searches 'John' across multiple objects

FIND 'John' IN ALL FIELDS RETURNING Contact(Name), Account(Name)

9️. What are Governor Limits in Apex?

Answer:
Governor Limits are restrictions imposed by Salesforce to ensure efficient use of resources in a
multi-tenant environment.
Key limits:
✔ SOQL Queries – Max 100 queries per transaction
✔ DML Statements – Max 150 DML operations per transaction
✔ CPU Time Limit – Max 10,000ms per transaction
✔ Heap Size – Max 6 MB for synchronous, 12 MB for async Apex

To avoid hitting limits, we must use bulkification, efficient SOQL, and optimized DML
operations.

10. What is the ‘with sharing’ and ‘without sharing’ keyword in Apex?

Answer:
✔ With Sharing – Enforces user’s security settings (CRUD, FLS, Sharing Rules).
✔ Without Sharing – Ignores security rules and runs with system-level access.

Example:

apex

public with sharing class MyClass { } // Enforces sharing rules

public without sharing class MyClass { } // Ignores sharing rules

Intermediate Apex Interview Questions

& Answers
11. What are Apex Triggers? Explain the different types.

Answer:
An Apex Trigger is code that runs before or after DML operations (insert, update, delete).

Types of Triggers:
✔ Before Trigger – Runs before the record is saved to the database.
✔ After Trigger – Runs after the record is saved.
Example:

apex

trigger AccountTrigger on Account (before insert, after update) {

if (Trigger.isBefore) {
for (Account acc : Trigger.new) {
acc.Name = 'Updated Name';
}
}
}

1️2. What is the difference between ‘before’ and ‘after’ triggers?

Answer:

Trigger Type Runs Use Case

Before Before saving the record to
Modify values before saving
Trigger DB
Access record ID, perform DML on related
After Trigger After saving the record to DB
records

1️3️. What is a Trigger Context Variable?

Answer:
Trigger Context Variables provide metadata about the DML event.

Important Context Variables:

✔ Trigger.new – List of new records being inserted/updated.
✔ Trigger.old – List of old records before update/delete.
✔ Trigger.isInsert – Checks if the trigger fired on insert.
✔ Trigger.isUpdate – Checks if the trigger fired on update.

1️4️. What is a Recursive Trigger? How do you avoid recursion in Apex?

Answer:
A Recursive Trigger occurs when a trigger calls itself indefinitely.

Solution: Use a Static Boolean Variable

apex
public class TriggerHandler {
public static Boolean isTriggerExecuted = false;
}

trigger AccountTrigger on Account (before update) {

if (!TriggerHandler.isTriggerExecuted) {
TriggerHandler.isTriggerExecuted = true;
// Perform logic
}
}

1️5️. What are Future Methods in Apex? Why are they used?

Answer:
A Future Method in Apex runs asynchronously to perform long-running tasks, such as callouts
to external systems or heavy processing, without blocking the main execution.

Key Features:
✔ Runs in a separate thread
✔ Supports callouts (if callout=true is specified)
✔ Cannot return values or be called from another future method

Example:

apex

public class FutureExample {

@future(callout=true)
public static void sendRequest(String name) {
System.debug('Processing: ' + name);
}
}

Use Case: If you need to call an external API, but Salesforce doesn’t allow callouts inside
triggers, you can use a future method to bypass this limitation.

1️6️. What is a Queueable Apex? How is it different from Future Methods?

Answer:
Queueable Apex is used for asynchronous processing, but it is more flexible than future
methods.
Key Differences from Future Methods:
✔ Supports chaining (one queueable job can trigger another).
✔ Allows complex objects like sObjects and Custom Objects.
✔ Better debugging & monitoring in Apex Jobs.

Example:

apex

public class MyQueueableJob implements Queueable {

public void execute(QueueableContext context) {
System.debug('Queueable Job Running...');
}
}

To run it:

apex

ID jobId = System.enqueueJob(new MyQueueableJob());

1️7️. What is Batch Apex? When should we use it?

Answer:
Batch Apex is used when we need to process large amounts of data asynchronously in chunks
to avoid governor limits.

Key Features:
✔ Divides records into small batches for processing.
✔ Can process millions of records.
✔ Uses Database.QueryLocator for efficient querying.

Example:

apex

global class MyBatchClass implements Database.Batchable<sObject> {

global Database.QueryLocator start(Database.BatchableContext BC) {
return Database.getQueryLocator('SELECT Id, Name FROM Account');
}
global void execute(Database.BatchableContext BC, List<Account> scope) {
for (Account acc : scope) {
acc.Name = 'Updated Name';
}
update scope;
}
global void finish(Database.BatchableContext BC) {
System.debug('Batch Job Completed!');
}
}

To run it:

apex

MyBatchClass batchJob = new MyBatchClass();

ID batchId = Database.executeBatch(batchJob, 100);

Use Case: If you need to update 1 million records, a normal Apex trigger will hit governor
limits. Instead, you should use Batch Apex.

1️8. What is the difference between Future, Queueable, and Batch Apex?

Answer:

Future
Feature Queueable Apex Batch Apex
Method
Processing Type Asynchronous Asynchronous Asynchronous (Bulk)
Yes (one job at a Yes (via finish
Supports Chaining No
time) method)
Yes (millions of
Can Process Large Data? No No
records)
Callouts Allowed? Yes Yes Yes
Supports Complex
No Yes Yes
Objects?

1️9️. What is the difference between Database.insert() and insert DML statement?

Answer:

Feature insert DML Statement Database.insert() Method

Exception Throws an error & stops
Can handle errors using false option
Handling execution
Partial Success No (stops at first error) Yes (allows partial success)
Yes (returns
Returns a Result No
Database.SaveResult[])
Example:

apex

// Using insert (stops execution on error)

insert accList;

// Using Database.insert() (continues execution)

Database.SaveResult[] results = Database.insert(accList, false);
for (Database.SaveResult sr : results) {
if (!sr.isSuccess()) {
System.debug('Error: ' + sr.getErrors()[0].getMessage());
}
}

2️0️. What is the difference between Synchronous and Asynchronous Apex?

Answer:
✔ Synchronous Apex – Runs immediately in a single transaction.
✔ Asynchronous Apex – Runs in the background to avoid blocking execution.

Feature Synchronous Apex Asynchronous Apex

Execution Runs in real-time Runs in the background
Used For Small operations Heavy processing (callouts, bulk jobs)
Example Normal Apex classes, triggers Future, Queueable, Batch Apex

2️1️. What are Governor Limits, and how do you avoid hitting them?

Answer:
Governor Limits ensure that no single Apex transaction overuses resources in Salesforce’s
multi-tenant environment.

Ways to Avoid Governor Limits:

✔ Use Bulkified SOQL Queries – Instead of running queries inside a loop, use lists.
✔ Minimize DML Operations – Use collections and update records in bulk.
✔ Use Asynchronous Processing – Move long-running tasks to Future, Queueable, or Batch
Apex.
✔ Use Limits Class – Check Limits.getQueries() to track limits.

Example: ( Bad – Query inside a loop)

apex
for (Contact c : contactList) {
Account acc = [SELECT Name FROM Account WHERE Id = :c.AccountId]; // BAD!
}

Fixed Version:

apex

Set<Id> accIds = new Set<Id>();

for (Contact c : contactList) {
accIds.add(c.AccountId);
}
Map<Id, Account> accMap = new Map<Id, Account>([SELECT Id, Name FROM Account
WHERE Id IN :accIds]);

2️2️. What is the @TestVisible annotation in Apex?

Answer:
@TestVisible is used to expose private methods and variables to test classes.

Example:

apex

public class MyClass {

@TestVisible private static Integer counter = 0;
}

Without @TestVisible, private variables cannot be accessed in test classes.

2️3️. What are Custom Metadata and Custom Settings in Apex?

Answer:
✔ Custom Metadata – Used to store configuration data that is deployable via metadata API.
✔ Custom Settings – Used for static application settings that can be accessed without SOQL
queries.
2️4️. What is the difference between @isTest and Test.startTest()/Test.stopTest()?

Answer:
✔ @isTest – Used to define test classes and methods.
✔ Test.startTest() & Test.stopTest() – Used to isolate governor limits for testing
asynchronous operations.

Example:

apex

@isTest
private class MyTestClass {
@isTest
static void testMethod() {
Test.startTest();
// Call the method that runs a future/queueable job
Test.stopTest();
}
}

2️5️. What is the best way to handle exceptions in Apex?

Answer:
✔ Use Try-Catch Blocks
✔ Use Custom Exceptions
✔ Use Error Logging in a Custom Object

Example:

apex

try {
Account acc = [SELECT Id FROM Account WHERE Name = 'Test'];
} catch (Exception e) {
System.debug('Error: ' + e.getMessage());

}
Advanced Apex Interview Questions &
Answers

2️6️. How does Apex enforce security (CRUD, FLS, Sharing Rules)?

Answer:
Apex does NOT automatically enforce CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete), FLS (Field-
Level Security), or Sharing Rules. We must manually enforce them.

How to Enforce Security in Apex:

✔ CRUD Security (Check User Permissions on Object)

apex

if (Schema.sObjectType.Account.isAccessible()) {
Account acc = [SELECT Id, Name FROM Account LIMIT 1];
}

✔ FLS Security (Check Field Access Before Querying)

apex

if (Schema.sObjectType.Account.fields.Name.isAccessible()) {
Account acc = [SELECT Name FROM Account LIMIT 1];
}

✔ Sharing Rules (Use with sharing Keyword)

apex

public with sharing class AccountHandler {

public static void getAccounts() {
List<Account> accList = [SELECT Id, Name FROM Account];
}
}

2️7️. What are the different types of Apex Triggers?

Answer:
✔ Before Triggers – Used to update records before they are saved to the database.
✔ After Triggers – Used when we need to use record Ids (e.g., inserting related records).
Example: Before Insert Trigger (Prevent Duplicate Accounts)

apex

trigger AccountBeforeInsert on Account (before insert) {

for (Account acc : Trigger.new) {
if ([SELECT Count() FROM Account WHERE Name = :acc.Name] > 0) {
acc.addError('Duplicate Account Name not allowed');
}
}
}

Example: After Insert Trigger (Create Contact After Account Creation)

apex

trigger AccountAfterInsert on Account (after insert) {

List<Contact> contacts = new List<Contact>();
for (Account acc : Trigger.new) {
contacts.add(new Contact(LastName = acc.Name, AccountId = acc.Id));
}
insert contacts;
}

2️8️. What are Apex Trigger Context Variables?

Answer:
Context variables help us determine when and how the trigger runs.

Important Context Variables:

✔ Trigger.new – Contains new records in Insert/Update.
✔ Trigger.old – Contains old records in Update/Delete.
✔ Trigger.isInsert – Returns true if it is an Insert event.
✔ Trigger.isUpdate – Returns true if it is an Update event.
✔ Trigger.isDelete – Returns true if it is a Delete event.
✔ Trigger.isBefore – Runs before DML operation.
✔ Trigger.isAfter – Runs after DML operation.

2️9️. What is a Custom Exception in Apex? Why do we use it?

Answer:
A Custom Exception is a user-defined exception used to handle specific error cases.

Example:
apex

public class CustomException extends Exception {}

public class AccountHandler {

public static void createAccount(String accName) {
if (accName == null) {
throw new CustomException('Account Name cannot be null');
}
}
}

3️0️. What is a Wrapper Class in Apex?

Answer:
A Wrapper Class is a custom class that wraps multiple objects together in a single unit.

Example:

apex

public class AccountWrapper {

public Account acc { get; set; }
public Boolean isSelected { get; set; }

public AccountWrapper(Account acc, Boolean isSelected) {

this.acc = acc;
this.isSelected = isSelected;
}
}

Use Case: Used in LWC or Visualforce pages to send multiple types of data.

3️1️. What are Platform Events in Apex? How do they work?

Answer:
Platform Events enable real-time event-driven communication between systems.

Steps to Use Platform Events:

1️. Create a Platform Event (via Setup → Platform Events).
2️. Publish the Event in Apex

MyEvent__e eventMessage = new MyEvent__e(Message__c='Test Event');

EventBus.publish(eventMessage);

3️. Subscribe to Events using Apex Triggers or LWC

3️2️. What is the difference between Queueable and Batch Apex?

Answer:

Feature Queueable Apex Batch Apex

Execution Runs Once Runs in Batches
Chaining Yes Yes (via finish method)
Large Data Processing No Yes (millions of records)
SOQL Queries 1 Query Multiple Queries Allowed

3️3️. What is the @AuraEnabled annotation in Apex?

Answer:
The @AuraEnabled annotation exposes Apex methods to LWC or Aura Components.

Example:

apex

public with sharing class AccountController {

@AuraEnabled(cacheable=true)
public static List<Account> getAccounts() {
return [SELECT Id, Name FROM Account];
}
}

3️4️. How do you call a REST API from Apex?

Answer:
✔ Using Http and HttpRequest Classes

apex

public class APIClient {

public static void callExternalAPI() {
Http http = new Http();
HttpRequest request = new HttpRequest();
request.setEndpoint('https://api.example.com/data');
request.setMethod('GET');
HttpResponse response = http.send(request);
System.debug(response.getBody());
}
}

3️5️. What is the Difference Between Database.Stateful and Database.Batchable?

Answer:

Feature Database.Stateful Database.Batchable

Purpose Maintains state between batches Runs independently for each batch
Use Case Track changes across batches Process bulk records efficiently

3️6️. What are the different types of Collections in Apex?

Answer:
✔ List – Ordered collection of elements
✔ Set – Unique, unordered collection
✔ Map – Key-value pair storage

Example:

apex

List<String> names = new List<String>{'John', 'Doe'};

Set<String> uniqueNames = new Set<String>{'John', 'Doe'};
Map<String, String> countryCodes = new Map<String, String>{'US' => 'United
States'};

3️7️. How do you handle limits in Apex callouts?

Answer:
✔ Use Asynchronous Apex (Future/Queueable Methods)
✔ Limit Concurrent Callouts
✔ Batch Requests to Reduce API Calls

3️8️. What is Apex Email Service?

Answer:
Apex Email Service allows Salesforce to process incoming emails and send automated email
notifications.
Example: Inbound Email Handler

apex

global class EmailHandler implements Messaging.InboundEmailHandler {

global Messaging.InboundEmailResult
handleInboundEmail(Messaging.InboundEmail email,
Messaging.InboundEnvelope env) {
Messaging.InboundEmailResult result =
new Messaging.InboundEmailResult();
System.debug('Email Received: ' + email.subject);
return result;
}
}

3️9️. What is a Dynamic SOQL Query in Apex?

Answer:
A Dynamic SOQL Query is built at runtime instead of being hardcoded.

Example:

apex

String query = 'SELECT Id, Name FROM Account WHERE Name LIKE \'%' +
searchTerm + '%\'';
List<Account> accList = Database.query(query);

4️0️. What is a Polymorphic SOQL Query?

Answer:
A Polymorphic SOQL Query is used when a field can refer to multiple objects.

Example: Querying the WhatId field on the Task object (which can be related to different
objects).

apex

SELECT Id, WhatId, What.Name FROM Task

Expert-Level Apex Interview Questions
& Answers

4️1️. What is the Apex Transactions model?

Answer:
Apex follows the transaction model, where a group of DML operations are executed as a
single unit of work.

✔ If all operations succeed → Changes are committed.

✔ If any operation fails → Entire transaction is rolled back.

Example (Single Transaction with Rollback)

apex

Savepoint sp = Database.setSavepoint();
try {
Account acc = new Account(Name='Test Account');
insert acc;

Contact con = new Contact(FirstName='John', AccountId=acc.Id);

insert con;

// Simulating an error
con.LastName = null;
update con;
} catch (Exception e) {
Database.rollback(sp);
System.debug('Transaction Rolled Back: ' + e.getMessage());
}

4️2️. What is the difference between with sharing, without sharing, and inherited
sharing?

Answer:

Keyword Description
with sharing Respects the user's sharing rules.
without sharing Ignores the user's sharing rules.
inherited sharing Inherits sharing settings from the caller class.
Example:

apex

public with sharing class AccountHandler {

public static List<Account> getAccounts() {
return [SELECT Id, Name FROM Account];
}
}

Best Practice: Use inherited sharing for security best practices.

4️3️. How do you prevent concurrent updates in Apex?

Answer:
To prevent record conflicts, we use:

1️. FOR UPDATE Keyword (Locks the record until the transaction completes)

apex

Account acc = [SELECT Id, Name FROM Account WHERE Id = '001...' FOR UPDATE];
acc.Name = 'Updated Name';
update acc;

2️. Optimistic Locking (System automatically checks for changes)

3️. Platform Events (Real-time updates to avoid conflicts)

4️4️. How do you handle large data volumes (LDV) in Apex?

Answer:
Salesforce imposes governor limits, so handling millions of records requires:

✔ Batch Apex (Processes 200 records per batch)

✔ Asynchronous Processing (@future, Queueable)
✔ SOQL Best Practices (Avoid SELECT *, Use indexed fields)
✔ Data Skew Handling (Avoid single-owner record skew)

Example: Batch Apex for Large Data Processing

apex

global class AccountBatch implements Database.Batchable<sObject> {

global Database.QueryLocator start(Database.BatchableContext BC) {
return Database.getQueryLocator('SELECT Id, Name FROM Account WHERE
CreatedDate = LAST_N_DAYS:30');
}

global void execute(Database.BatchableContext BC, List<Account> scope) {

for (Account acc : scope) {
acc.Name = 'Updated Name';
}
update scope;
}

global void finish(Database.BatchableContext BC) {

System.debug('Batch Completed!');
}
}

4️5️.What is the difference between Future Methods, Queueable, and Batch Apex?

Answer:

Feature Future Method Queueable Apex Batch Apex

Execution Asynchronous Asynchronous Batch Processing
Supports Chaining No Yes Yes (in finish method)
Supports Complex Processing No Yes Yes
Transaction Control No Yes Yes

When to Use?

• Future Method → Simple callouts, lightweight processing.

• Queueable Apex → Advanced processing, supports chaining.
• Batch Apex → Large data processing in batches.

4️6️. What is the Continuation class in Apex?

Answer:
The Continuation class is used for long-running callouts (up to 120 seconds).

Example:

public class LongRunningCallout {

@AuraEnabled
public static Object makeCallout() {
Continuation con = new Continuation(120);
HttpRequest req = new HttpRequest();
req.setEndpoint('https://api.example.com');
req.setMethod('GET');
con.addHttpRequest(req);
return con;
}
}

4️7️. How do you monitor Apex logs and governor limits?

Answer:
✔ Use Developer Console → “Logs” Tab
✔ Use Limits Class

apex

System.debug('SOQL Queries Used: ' + Limits.getQueries());

System.debug('DML Statements Used: ' + Limits.getDMLStatements());

4️8️. What is the Transaction Finalizer in Apex?

Answer:
Finalizers execute code after Queueable Apex completes, even if it fails.

Example:

apex

public class MyQueueable implements Queueable {

public void execute(QueueableContext context) {
System.debug('Processing Queueable Job...');
}
}

public class MyFinalizer implements Finalizer {

public void execute(FinalizerContext context) {
System.debug('Queueable Job Completed.');
}
}

4️9️. How do you handle bulk API callouts in Apex?

Answer:
✔ Use Batch Apex for callouts (Set Database.AllowsCallouts=true)
✔ Use Continuation Apex for parallel processing
✔ Use Platform Events to avoid hitting callout limits

5️0️. What is Custom Metadata and how is it different from Custom Settings?

Answer:

Feature Custom Metadata Custom Settings

Deployment Can be deployed via metadata API Cannot be deployed
Governor Limits Does not count against SOQL limits Counts against limits
Purpose Store configuration data Store custom application data

Example: Querying Custom Metadata in Apex

apex

List<My_Metadata__mdt> metaData = [SELECT DeveloperName, Field1__c FROM

My_Metadata__mdt];

5️1️. How do you optimize Apex performance?

Answer:
✔ Bulkify SOQL/DML (Avoid loops)
✔ Use @AuraEnabled(cacheable=true) (for LWC caching)
✔ Use Query Plan Tool (For optimizing SOQL queries)
✔ Avoid Recursive Triggers (Use Static Variables)

5️2️. How do you debug Apex code efficiently?

Answer:
✔ Use System.debug() for logging
✔ Use Checkpoints in Developer Console
✔ Use Log Inspector to analyze Apex Execution
5️3. What is a Skinny Table in Salesforce?

Answer:
A Skinny Table is a performance optimization technique used to improve SOQL query
performance on large objects.

✔ Salesforce automatically creates them for standard objects.

✔ They contain frequently used fields to reduce joins.
✔ Cannot be modified manually.

5️4. How do you implement OAuth authentication in Apex?

Answer:
✔ Generate Access Token using HttpRequest
✔ Use Authorization Header for API Calls

Example:

apex

HttpRequest req = new HttpRequest();

req.setEndpoint('https://login.salesforce.com/services/oauth2/token');
req.setMethod('POST');
req.setBody('grant_type=password&client_id=xxx&client_secret=yyy');
HttpResponse res = new Http().send(req);
Basic LWC Interview Questions
1️. What is LWC? How is it different from Aura Components?

Answer:
LWC (Lightning Web Component) is a modern framework built on web standards like
JavaScript, HTML, and CSS to create lightweight, fast, and efficient UI components in
Salesforce.

Differences between LWC and Aura:

• Performance → LWC is faster because it uses native browser capabilities, while Aura
relies on a JavaScript framework.
• Syntax → LWC uses modern JavaScript (ES6+), making it more aligned with industry
standards.
• Shadow DOM → LWC uses Shadow DOM, providing better security and
encapsulation.
• Reusability → LWC components can be easily reused inside Aura components, but not
the other way around.

2️. What are the advantages of using LWC?

Answer:
LWC offers several advantages, making it the preferred choice for Salesforce development:
Performance → Faster execution due to native browser support.
Security → Uses Shadow DOM for encapsulation and better security.
Simplified Development → Uses modern JavaScript (ES6, ES7) and follows web
standards.
Better Debugging → Supports browser dev tools for easy debugging.
Reusability → Can be reused inside Aura components.
Lightweight → No extra framework like Aura, making it efficient.

3️. What are the main files in an LWC component?

Answer:
Every LWC component consists of three main files:

1. HTML File (.html) → Defines the UI structure.

2. JavaScript File (.js) → Contains logic and event handling.
3. Meta Configuration File (.js-meta.xml) → Controls component visibility and usage.
Example:

myComponent.html
myComponent.js
myComponent.js-meta.xml

Additionally, we can have:

• CSS File (.css) → For styling.

• SVG File (.svg) → For custom icons.

4️. What is the role of the .js-meta.xml file in LWC?

Answer:
The .js-meta.xml file defines where and how the component can be used in Salesforce.

Example XML file:

xml
CopyEdit
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<LightningComponentBundle xmlns="http://soap.sforce.com/2006/04/metadata"
fqn="myComponent">
<apiVersion>58.0</apiVersion>
<isExposed>true</isExposed>
<targets>
<target>lightning__RecordPage</target>
<target>lightning__AppPage</target>
</targets>
</LightningComponentBundle>

Here,
✔ isExposed → Makes the component available for use.
✔ targets → Defines where the component can be used (Record Page, App Page, etc.).

5️. What is Shadow DOM in LWC? How does it improve security?

Answer:
Shadow DOM is a web standard that encapsulates a component’s structure and styles within
itself, preventing external interference.

Benefits in LWC:
✔ Better Security → Other components cannot modify LWC’s styles.
✔ No CSS Conflicts → Ensures styles do not leak outside the component.
✔ Encapsulation → Keeps LWC components self-contained and reusable.

Example:

<template>
<p class="custom-style">This style is isolated!</p>
</template>

Even if a global CSS file has .custom-style { color: red; }, it won't affect this LWC
component due to Shadow DOM.

6️. What are lifecycle hooks in LWC? Name some commonly used ones.

Answer:
Lifecycle hooks are methods that execute at different stages of a component’s lifecycle.

Common Lifecycle Hooks:

1️. constructor() → Runs when the component is created.
2️. connectedCallback() → Runs when the component is inserted into the DOM.
3️. renderedCallback() → Runs after rendering is done.
4️. disconnectedCallback() → Runs when the component is removed from the DOM.

Example:

connectedCallback() {
console.log('Component is added to the DOM');
}

7️. How do you pass data from a parent component to a child component in
LWC?

Answer:
Use the @api decorator to pass data from parent to child.

Parent Component:

<c-child-component message="Hello from Parent"></c-child-component>

Child Component:

import { api } from 'lwc';

export default class ChildComponent extends LightningElement {
@api message;
}

8️. How do you pass data from a child component to a parent component in
LWC?

Answer:
Use Custom Events to pass data from child to parent.

Child Component (Firing event):

javascript
CopyEdit
const event = new CustomEvent('mycustomevent', { detail: 'Hello Parent' });
this.dispatchEvent(event);

Parent Component (Listening to event):

html
CopyEdit
<c-child-component onmycustomevent={handleEvent}></c-child-component>

Parent Component JS:

javascript
CopyEdit
handleEvent(event) {
console.log(event.detail); // Output: "Hello Parent"
}

9️. What are decorators in LWC? Explain @api, @track, and @wire.

Answer:
Decorators enhance properties/functions in LWC.

✔ @api → Makes a property public (used for parent-child communication).

✔ @track → (Deprecated) Previously used for reactive properties. Now, JS objects are
reactive by default.
✔ @wire → Used for calling Apex methods or Lightning Data Service.

Example:

javascript
CopyEdit
import { api, wire } from 'lwc';
export default class Example extends LightningElement {
@api publicValue;

@wire(getContacts) contacts;
}

10. How does LWC handle event handling?

Answer:
LWC uses standard JavaScript event handling.

• Use addEventListener for built-in events like click.

• Use Custom Events for component communication.

Example of handling a button click:

<lightning-button label="Click Me" onclick={handleClick}></lightning-button>

javascript
CopyEdit
handleClick() {
console.log('Button clicked!');
}

Intermediate LWC Interview Questions

11. How do you call an Apex method in LWC using @wire?

Answer:
The @wire decorator automatically calls an Apex method and reactively updates the
component when data changes.

Apex Class:

apex
CopyEdit
public with sharing class ContactController {
@AuraEnabled(cacheable=true)
public static List<Contact> getContacts() {
return [SELECT Id, Name, Email FROM Contact LIMIT 10];
}
}

LWC JavaScript:
import { LightningElement, wire } from 'lwc';
import getContacts from '@salesforce/apex/ContactController.getContacts';

export default class ContactList extends LightningElement {

@wire(getContacts) contacts;
}

LWC HTML:

html
CopyEdit
<template if:true={contacts.data}>
<template for:each={contacts.data} for:item="contact">
<p key={contact.Id}>{contact.Name} - {contact.Email}</p>
</template>
</template>

Key Points:
✔ Use @AuraEnabled(cacheable=true) for better performance.
✔ The @wire decorator ensures reactivity and automatic updates.

1️2️. How do you call an Apex method imperatively in LWC?

Answer:
Imperative Apex calls run only when triggered (like a button click).

Apex Class:

@AuraEnabled
public static List<Contact> getContacts() {
return [SELECT Id, Name, Email FROM Contact LIMIT 10];
}

LWC JavaScript:

import { LightningElement, track } from 'lwc';

import getContacts from '@salesforce/apex/ContactController.getContacts';

export default class ContactList extends LightningElement {

@track contacts;

handleLoad() {
getContacts()
.then(result => {
this.contacts = result;
})
.catch(error => {
console.error(error);
});
}
}

LWC HTML:

<lightning-button label="Load Contacts" onclick={handleLoad}></lightning-

button>
<template if:true={contacts}>
<template for:each={contacts} for:item="contact">
<p key={contact.Id}>{contact.Name}</p>
</template>
</template>

Key Points:
✔ Imperative calls are triggered manually.
✔ They don’t cache data like @wire.

1️3️. What is the difference between @wire and imperative Apex calls?

Feature @wire Imperative Call

Execution Automatically on load Manually triggered
Supports caching
Caching Does not cache
(cacheable=true)
Error
Uses error property Requires try...catch
Handling
User-triggered actions, like button
Best Use Case Displaying auto-refreshing data
clicks

1️4️. What are Lightning Data Services (LDS) in LWC? How do they work?

Answer:
LDS allows LWC to fetch, create, update, and delete records without writing Apex. It is
built on User Interface API and ensures security (CRUD, FLS, Sharing Rules) automatically.

Example using LDS (lightning-record-form)

<lightning-record-form
record-id="003XXXXXXXXXXXX"
object-api-name="Contact"
layout-type="Full">
</lightning-record-form>
Key Points:
✔ No Apex required!
✔ Automatically handles security (CRUD, FLS, Sharing Rules).
✔ Optimized → Uses Salesforce’s caching for better performance.

1️5️. How do you navigate between pages using NavigationMixin in LWC?

Answer:
Use NavigationMixin to navigate between Record Pages, Objects, Custom Tabs, or External
Links.

Navigate to a Record Page

import { LightningElement } from 'lwc';

import { NavigationMixin } from 'lightning/navigation';

export default class NavigateToRecord extends

NavigationMixin(LightningElement) {
navigateToRecord() {
this[NavigationMixin.Navigate]({
type: 'standard__recordPage',
attributes: {
recordId: '003XXXXXXXXXXXX',
actionName: 'view'
}
});
}
}

LWC HTML:

<lightning-button label="View Record" onclick={navigateToRecord}></lightning-

button>

Key Points:
✔ Supports record pages, list views, objects, and external links.
✔ Uses NavigationMixin.Navigate().

1️6️. How can you style an LWC component? What are different ways to apply
CSS?

Answer:
LWC supports three types of styling:
1️. Component CSS (.css file) → Scoped to the component.
2️. Global CSS (SLDS) → Standard Salesforce Lightning Design System.
3️.Custom Styles with :host and :host-context → Advanced styling.

Example: Scoped CSS (.css file)

p {
color: blue;
font-size: 16px;
}

Example: Global SLDS Class (HTML)

<p class="slds-text-color_success">Green text using SLDS</p>

Key Points:
✔ Component styles do not leak outside.
✔ Use :host for custom component styles.

1️7️ How do you share data between two sibling components in LWC?

Answer:
Use Lightning Message Service (LMS) for sibling communication.

Message Channel (messageChannel.message-meta.xml)

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

<LightningMessageChannel xmlns="http://soap.sforce.com/2006/04/metadata"
fqn="MyMessageChannel">
</LightningMessageChannel>

Publisher Component (Firing the Event)

import { publish, MessageContext } from 'lightning/messageService';

import MY_MESSAGE_CHANNEL from '@salesforce/messageChannel/MyMessageChannel';

export default class Publisher extends LightningElement {

@wire(MessageContext) messageContext;

sendMessage() {
const message = { data: 'Hello from Publisher' };
publish(this.messageContext, MY_MESSAGE_CHANNEL, message);
}
}

Subscriber Component (Receiving the Event)

import { subscribe, MessageContext } from 'lightning/messageService';
import MY_MESSAGE_CHANNEL from '@salesforce/messageChannel/MyMessageChannel';

export default class Subscriber extends LightningElement {

@wire(MessageContext) messageContext;

connectedCallback() {
subscribe(this.messageContext, MY_MESSAGE_CHANNEL, (message) => {
console.log(message.data);
});
}
}

Key Points:
✔ LMS is best for sibling components.
✔ Works across Lightning Apps, Aura, and LWC.

I'll continue with Advanced LWC questions in the next response.

You said:

yes
ChatGPT said:

Advanced LWC Interview Questions

2️1️. How does LWC work with Salesforce security (CRUD, FLS, Sharing Rules)?

Answer:
LWC does not automatically enforce security. You must handle:
1️. CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) – Check if a user has permission on the object.
2️. FLS (Field-Level Security) – Ensure users can access specific fields.
3️. Sharing Rules – Control record visibility based on org-wide defaults & sharing rules.

Apex (Enforcing Security with Security.stripInaccessible)

@AuraEnabled
public static List<Contact> getContacts() {
List<Contact> contacts = [SELECT Id, Name, Email FROM Contact];
return (List<Contact>) Security.stripInaccessible(AccessType.READABLE,
contacts);
}

LWC (Calling Secure Apex)

@wire(getContacts) contacts;

Key Points:
✔ Use Security.stripInaccessible() to prevent unauthorized field access.
✔ Use with sharing in Apex to enforce sharing rules.

2️2️.What are the different types of events in LWC?

Answer:
LWC supports three types of events:

Event Type Description Example

Standard Events Built-in browser events click, keyup, change

Custom Events Developer-defined events new CustomEvent('myEvent')

Lightning Events Cross-component events LMS, lightning/navigation

Example: Dispatching a Custom Event (Child to Parent)

const event = new CustomEvent('myevent', { detail: 'Hello Parent' });

this.dispatchEvent(event);

Key Points:
✔ Use CustomEvent for parent-child communication.
✔ Use Lightning Message Service (LMS) for sibling components.

2️3️. How do you use Platform Events in LWC?

Answer:
Platform Events allow real-time communication across systems.

1. Create a Platform Event (MyEvent__e)

2. Subscribe in LWC using CometD API

import { subscribe, onError } from 'lightning/empApi';

connectedCallback() {
subscribe('/event/MyEvent__e', -1, (event) => {
console.log('Received event: ', event);
});
}
Key Points:
✔ Used for real-time updates (e.g., order tracking, notifications).
✔ Uses CometD API for streaming.

2️4️. How do you integrate an external system with LWC using REST API?

Answer:
LWC cannot call external APIs directly due to CORS restrictions. Instead, use Apex Callouts.

Apex Callout to External API

@AuraEnabled
public static String fetchData() {
Http http = new Http();
HttpRequest request = new HttpRequest();
request.setEndpoint('https://api.example.com/data');
request.setMethod('GET');
HttpResponse response = http.send(request);
return response.getBody();
}

LWC Calling Apex

import fetchData from '@salesforce/apex/ExternalAPIHandler.fetchData';

fetchData().then(result => {
console.log(result);
});

Key Points:
✔ LWC → Apex → External API to bypass CORS.
✔ Enable Named Credentials for authentication.

2️5️ What is Salesforce Connect, and how can LWC interact with external data?

Answer:
Salesforce Connect allows real-time access to external data without storing it.
✔ Uses External Objects (Account_External__x).
✔ Fetches data via OData, REST, or SOAP.

LWC Querying External Object

import { getRecord } from 'lightning/uiRecordApi';
import ACCOUNT_EXTERNAL_OBJECT from '@salesforce/schema/Account_External__x';

@wire(getRecord, { recordId: '001XXXXXXXXXXXX', fields:

[ACCOUNT_EXTERNAL_OBJECT.Name] })
account;

Key Points:
✔ No data storage needed in Salesforce.
✔ Ideal for large datasets from external systems.

2️6️. How do you create a custom reusable LWC component?

Answer:
Create a Generic Component that accepts dynamic properties.

Generic Card Component (Reusable)

HTML:

<template>
<lightning-card title={title}>
<slot></slot> <!-- Allows dynamic content -->
</lightning-card>
</template>

JS:

import { LightningElement, api } from 'lwc';

export default class ReusableCard extends LightningElement {
@api title;
}

Key Points:
✔ Use @api to make properties configurable.
✔ Use slots for dynamic content inside the component.

2️7️. What is the difference between Composition and Inheritance in LWC?

Answer:
Feature Composition Inheritance
Combining components inside Extending from another
Definition
each other class
<c-child></c-child> inside class Child extends
Example Parent {}
Parent
Reusability More reusable Less flexible

Preferred? Best Practice Avoid in LWC

Key Points:
✔ Use Composition (<c-child>) instead of inheritance.
✔ LWC does not support multiple inheritance.

2️8️. How does LWC handle state management?

Answer:
LWC uses JavaScript properties for state management.
✔ Use @track (older method, now automatic).
✔ Use @api for parent-child state sharing.
✔ Use Lightning Message Service (LMS) for app-wide state sharing.

Example: Managing State in LWC

import { LightningElement } from 'lwc';

export default class StateExample extends LightningElement {
count = 0;

increment() {
this.count++;
}
}

Key Points:
✔ LWC state is managed reactively.
✔ Use LMS for global state sharing.

2️9️.What is the difference between renderedCallback() and connectedCallback()?

Answer:
Method When It Runs Use Case
connectedCallback()
Runs once when component is Fetching data, setting up
inserted into DOM listeners
renderedCallback()
DOM manipulation, checking
Runs after every render
UI updates

Example:

connectedCallback() {
console.log('Component inserted in DOM');
}

renderedCallback() {
console.log('Component rendered');
}

Key Points:
✔ Use connectedCallback() for initial data loading.
✔ Use renderedCallback() carefully to avoid infinite loops.

3️0️. How do you debug LWC components effectively?

Answer:
1️⃣ Use console.log() – Print values to the browser console.
2️⃣ Use Chrome DevTools – Inspect elements and view errors.
3️⃣ Enable Debug Mode in Salesforce – Helps in detailed error tracking.
4️⃣ Use try...catch blocks – Handle exceptions in Apex & JS.
5️⃣ Use @wire debug logs – Log wired method data.

Example:

try {
console.log('Data:', this.data);
} catch (error) {
console.error('Error:', error);
}

Key Points:
✔ Use Chrome DevTools & console.log() for debugging.
✔ Enable Debug Mode in Setup → Debug Mode.
What is Salesforce Integration?
Salesforce Integration means connecting Salesforce with other applications, databases, or
services to exchange data and functionalities. For example:

• Connecting Salesforce with WhatsApp to send notifications.

• Integrating Salesforce with Google Maps to show locations.
• Syncing Salesforce with ERP systems like SAP.

Why is it important?

• Avoids manual data entry (reduces errors).

• Makes data available in real-time.
• Connects different business systems.

Types of Salesforce Integration

There are 4 main types of integrations in Salesforce:

1. Data Integration – Syncs data between Salesforce and other systems (e.g., CRM, ERP).
o Example: Integrating Salesforce with a database like MySQL.
2. Process Integration – Connects business processes across systems.
o Example: When an order is placed in an e-commerce site, it is automatically
created as an Opportunity in Salesforce.
3. User Interface (UI) Integration – Merges multiple applications into a single interface.
o Example: Embedding Google Maps inside Salesforce.
4. Security Integration – Ensures authentication and access control.
o Example: Using OAuth for single sign-on (SSO).

Ways to Integrate Salesforce

1️. Using APIs (Application Programming Interface)

APIs allow Salesforce to communicate with other systems. There are two main types:

REST API – Lightweight & best for web/mobile apps.

• Example: Fetching contact details from Salesforce.

• Used for: CRUD operations (Create, Read, Update, Delete).
SOAP API – More structured & used for complex integrations.

• Example: Syncing customer records between systems.

Other APIs:

• Bulk API – Used for handling large volumes of data.

• Streaming API – Used for real-time data updates.
• Metadata API – Used to deploy customizations (like objects & fields).

2️. Using Middleware (Integration Tools)

Middleware acts as a bridge between Salesforce and other applications. Examples:

• Mulesoft (Salesforce's official integration platform).

• Zapier (No-code automation tool).
• Boomi (Cloud-based integration).

Middleware reduces coding effort and makes integrations easy.

3️. Using Salesforce Connect (External Objects)

• If your data is stored in another system (like SAP, SQL Server) but you want to access
it in Salesforce without storing it, use Salesforce Connect.
• It uses OData (Open Data Protocol) to fetch data in real time.

4️. Using Platform Events (Event-Driven Integration)

• When something happens in one system, it triggers an event in another system.

• Example: If a new lead is created in Salesforce, send an SMS via Twilio.

Salesforce Authentication Methods (Security in

Integration)
To protect data, Salesforce uses authentication methods:

1. OAuth 2.0 – Secure & used for web apps.

2. JWT (JSON Web Token) – Used for server-to-server authentication.
3. SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) – Used for Single Sign-On (SSO).
Real-World Example: Salesforce Integration with
WhatsApp
1. Step 1: Use Twilio API to connect Salesforce and WhatsApp.
2. Step 2: Configure an Apex Trigger to send messages when a new lead is created.
3. Step 3: Use OAuth for secure communication.

End Result: Whenever a lead is created, an automated WhatsApp message is sent using
Twilio.

Summary
Salesforce Integration helps in connecting Salesforce with other apps to automate processes
and sync data.

• REST API & SOAP API → Used for API-based integration.

• Middleware (Mulesoft, Zapier, Boomi) → Simplifies integration.
• Salesforce Connect → Access external data without storing it.
• Platform Events → Enable real-time data sync.
• Authentication (OAuth, JWT, SAML) → Secure connections.

1️. REST API Integration in Salesforce (Step-by-Step Guide)

We'll create a simple REST API integration where we fetch Account details from Salesforce
using Postman.

Step 1: Enable API Access in Salesforce

Before using APIs, make sure your Salesforce org has API access:

1. Go to Setup → Profiles
2. Open the System Administrator Profile
3. Scroll down to Administrative Permissions
4. Make sure API Enabled is checked

Step 2: Generate API Credentials (OAuth 2.0)

1. Go to Setup → App Manager
2. Click New Connected App
3. Fill in details:
o Name: My REST API App
o API Name: My_REST_API_App
o Contact Email: Your email
4. Enable OAuth Settings
5. In Callback URL, enter:

https://login.salesforce.com/services/oauth2/callback

6. Select OAuth Scopes → Full Access (full)

7. Click Save & Continue
8. Copy Consumer Key and Consumer Secret

Step 3: Get Access Token (Postman)

1. Open Postman
2. Use the following URL (Replace your_client_id and your_client_secret):

https://login.salesforce.com/services/oauth2/token

3. Select POST method

4. Go to Body → x-www-form-urlencoded
5. Enter:
o grant_type: password
o client_id: your_client_id
o client_secret: your_client_secret
o username: Your Salesforce username
o password: Your Salesforce password + security token
6. Click Send
7. Copy the Access Token from the response

Step 4: Call the REST API (Fetch Accounts)

1. In Postman, create a new request

2. Set GET method
3. Use this URL to fetch Accounts:

https://yourInstance.salesforce.com/services/data/v58.0/sobjects/Account

(Replace yourInstance with your Salesforce instance URL)

4. Go to Headers → Add:
o Authorization: Bearer your_access_token
o Content-Type: application/json
5. Click Send
6. You will get the list of Accounts in JSON format

2️. REST API (Advanced) – Insert, Update,

Delete & Apex Callouts
Now that we have fetched records using GET, let's perform CRUD (Create, Read, Update,
Delete) operations using REST API.

Step 1: Create a New Record (POST)

Scenario

We will create a new Account record in Salesforce using Postman.

Steps

1. Open Postman
2. Select POST method
3. Use this URL:

https://yourInstance.salesforce.com/services/data/v58.0/sobjects/Account

4. Go to Headers and add:

o Authorization: Bearer your_access_token
o Content-Type: application/json
5. Go to Body → raw and enter:

{
"Name": "TechCorp Solutions",
"Phone": "9876543210",
"Industry": "Technology"
}

6. Click Send
7. Response will show "id": "001XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX", meaning the record is
created.

Step 2: Update a Record (PATCH)

Scenario

Now, let's update the Phone number of the Account we just created.

Steps

1. Select PATCH method

2. Use this URL (Replace 001XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX with the record ID from the previous step):

https://yourInstance.salesforce.com/services/data/v58.0/sobjects/Accoun
t/001XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

3. Go to Body → raw and enter:

{
"Phone": "1234567890"
}

4. Click Send
5. Response will show "204 No Content", meaning the update is successful.

Step 3: Delete a Record (DELETE)

Scenario

Now, let's delete the Account we created.

Steps

1. Select DELETE method

2. Use this URL:

https://yourInstance.salesforce.com/services/data/v58.0/sobjects/Accoun
t/001XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

3. Click Send
4. Response will be "204 No Content", meaning the record is deleted.

Step 4: Call an External API from Salesforce (Apex

Callout)
Scenario

Salesforce will call an external API to fetch weather details from OpenWeather API.

Steps

1️. Create a Remote Site Setting

Before making an API call, Salesforce needs to allow external sites.

1. Go to Setup → Remote Site Settings

2. Click New Remote Site
3. Enter:
o Remote Site Name: WeatherAPI
o Remote Site URL: https://api.openweathermap.org
4. Click Save

2️. Write Apex Class for API Callout

1. Go to Developer Console → File → New → Apex Class

2. Create a new class WeatherService and paste this:

public class WeatherService {

public static String getWeather(String city) {
String url =
'https://api.openweathermap.org/data/2.5/weather?q=' + city +
'&appid=your_api_key';

Http http = new Http();

HttpRequest request = new HttpRequest();
request.setEndpoint(url);
request.setMethod('GET');

HttpResponse response = http.send(request);

if(response.getStatusCode() == 200) {
return response.getBody();
} else {
return 'Error: ' + response.getStatusCode();
}
}
}
3. Replace your_api_key with your OpenWeather API Key.
4. Click Save

3️. Test in Anonymous Apex

1. Open Developer Console

2. Click Debug → Open Execute Anonymous Window
3. Run:

apex

System.debug(WeatherService.getWeather('Indore'));

4. The debug logs will show weather data for Indore!

2. SOAP API Integration

SOAP API is similar to REST API but uses XML format instead of JSON.
It is mainly used when an external system only supports SOAP.

Steps to Integrate SOAP API

1. Enable API in Salesforce (Setup → Profiles → System Administrator → API Enabled

).
2. Get WSDL (Web Service Definition Language) file from Salesforce.
3. Use it in an external system (e.g., Java, .NET) to communicate with Salesforce.

Basic SOAP API Example

Fetching an Account from Salesforce (SOAP Request in XML format)

xml

<soapenv:Envelope xmlns:soapenv="http://schemas.xmlsoap.org/soap/envelope/"
xmlns="urn:partner.soap.sforce.com">
<soapenv:Header>
<SessionHeader>
<sessionId>your_access_token</sessionId>
</SessionHeader>
</soapenv:Header>
<soapenv:Body>
<query>
<queryString>SELECT Name FROM Account WHERE Id =
'001XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX'</queryString>
</query>
</soapenv:Body>
</soapenv:Envelope>

• This query will return Account details in XML format.

Do you want me to show how to use SOAP API in Apex?

3. Salesforce to External System Integration (Callouts)

This is when Salesforce sends data to another system.

Steps to Call an External API from Salesforce

1. Enable Remote Site Setting (Setup → Remote Site Settings → Add API URL).
2. Write Apex Class to call API using HttpRequest.

Basic Code Example (Apex Callout)

Calling an external weather API from Salesforce

apex

public class WeatherService {

public static String getWeather(String city) {
String url = 'https://api.openweathermap.org/data/2.5/weather?q=' +
city + '&appid=your_api_key';

Http http = new Http();

HttpRequest request = new HttpRequest();
request.setEndpoint(url);
request.setMethod('GET');

HttpResponse response = http.send(request);

return response.getBody();
}
}

• This will fetch weather details for the given city.

4. External System to Salesforce Integration (Webhooks
& API Calls)
This is when an external system sends data to Salesforce.

Steps to Receive Data in Salesforce

1. Create a REST API in Salesforce (Apex REST Class).

2. External system sends data to that API using POST.

Basic Code Example (Apex REST API)

External system sending Account data to Salesforce

apex

@RestResource(urlMapping='/createAccount/')
global class AccountAPI {
@HttpPost
global static String createAccount(String name) {
Account acc = new Account(Name = name);
insert acc;
return 'Account Created with ID: ' + acc.Id;
}
}

• The external system can send a POST request with the Account name, and it will create
a new Account in Salesforce.

5. Salesforce Connect (Access External Data Without

Storing)
Salesforce Connect allows reading external data in real-time without storing it in Salesforce.

Steps to Use Salesforce Connect

1. Create an External Data Source (Setup → External Data Sources).

2. Define External Objects (like normal objects, but data is stored externally).
3. Use OData (Open Data Protocol) to fetch data.
6. Middleware Integration (Mulesoft, Zapier, Boomi,
etc.)
Middlewares help connect multiple systems without direct API coding.

Example Middleware Use Cases

• Mulesoft: Connects Salesforce with SAP, databases, etc.

• Zapier: Connects Salesforce with Gmail, Slack, Google Sheets.
• Boomi: Automates data flow between different systems.

Example (Zapier)

• Trigger: When a new lead is added in Salesforce.

• Action: Send an email via Gmail.
• No coding required!

7. Platform Events (Real-time Event-Based Integration)

Platform Events allow real-time data transfer between Salesforce and external systems.

Steps to Use Platform Events

1. Create a Platform Event (Setup → Platform Events → New).

2. Publish the Event (Apex Code).
3. External System subscribes to the event.

Basic Code Example (Publishing an Event)

PlatformEvent__e event = new PlatformEvent__e(Message__c = 'New Order

Received');
EventBus.publish(event);

• External systems listen for this event and take action.

8. Authentication & Security (OAuth, JWT, SAML)

This controls how users log in and access Salesforce securely.
OAuth 2.0 (Common for API Authentication)

1. External system requests an access token using client ID & secret.

2. Salesforce returns a token.
3. The token is used for API requests.

Basic OAuth Token Request (Postman)

diff

POST https://login.salesforce.com/services/oauth2/token
Body:
- grant_type = password
- client_id = your_client_id
- client_secret = your_client_secret
- username = your_salesforce_username
- password = your_password+security_token

• Response: { "access_token": "abc123xyz" }

• Use this token for API requests.

Summary
Integration Type Purpose
REST API Fetch/Send data (JSON)
SOAP API Fetch/Send data (XML)
Salesforce Callout Salesforce calls external API
External Webhook External system calls Salesforce
Salesforce Connect Access external data without storing
Middleware No-code automation between systems
Platform Events Real-time event-based integration
OAuth & Security Secure authentication