In below post we will discuss about Salesforce Apex Interview Questions and Answers
Table of Contents
FSL
Field Service Lightning
How many types of email templates in salesforce ?
Text,HTML (Using letterhead ),Custom (Using without Letter head) and Visualforce Page
What is Rollup Summary?
Rollup Summary is used to display the count of child records and calculate the sum,minimum and maximum of child records.
What is Audit trail ?
Audit Trail provides the information or track all the recent setup changes that an administrator done to organization.It stores the last 6 months data.
What is OWD ?
It defines the basic level of access to data records for all users in organization. It helps to restrict access into data.They are Private,Pubilc Read/write,Public Read/write/Transfer,Controlled by Parent,Public read only
What are folders in salesforce ?
Folders are used to store organization email templates, documents, reports and dashboards
Why use triggers in Salesforce?
Apex can be invoked by using triggers . Apex triggers enable you to perform custom actions before or after changes to Salesforce records, such as insertions, updates, or deletions. A trigger is Apex code that executes before or after the following types of operations: insert.
What programming language is Salesforce written in?
Apex is a proprietary programming language provided by the Force.com platform to developers similar to Java and C#. It is a strongly typed, object-oriented, case-insensitive programming language, following a dot-notation and curly-brackets syntax.
What is difference between workflow and trigger in Salesforce?
Workflow is automated process that fired an action based on Evaluation criteria and rule criteria. We can access a workflow across the object. Trigger is a piece of code that executes before or after a record is inserted or updated. We can use 20 DML operations in one trigger.
How many types of triggers are there in Salesforce?
There are two types of triggers: Before triggers are used to update or validate record values before they’re saved to the database.
What is JavaScript remoting in Salesforce?
JavaScript remoting is a tool that front-end developers can use to make an AJAX request from a Visualforce page directly to an Apex controller. JavaScript remoting allows you to run asynchronous actions by decoupling the page from the controller and to perform tasks on the page without having to reload the entire page
What is Apex Param?
Basically the apex:param tag is used to pass values from the Visualforce Page to the Apex Controller.
What is the use of wrapper class in Salesforce?
A wrapper or container class is a class, data structure, or an abstract data type whose instances are a collections of other objects.It is a custom object defined by Salesforce developer where he defines the properties of the wrapper class.
What is transient keyword in Salesforce?
Transient keyword in Apex classes that are serializable, namely in controllers, controller extensions, or classes that implement the Batchable or Schedulable interface. … Declaring variables as transient reduces view state size.
What is trigger ?
Trigger is piece of code that is executes before and after a record is Inserted/Updated/Deleted from the force.com database.
What are different types of triggers in sfdc?
1.Before Triggers-These triggers are fired before the data is saved into the database.2.After Triggers-These triggers are fired after the data is saved into the database.
What are trigger context variables?
Trigger.isInsert: Returns true if the trigger was fired due to insert operation. Trigger.isUpdate: Returns true if the trigger was fired due to update operation. Trigger.isDelete: Returns true if the trigger was fired due to delete operation. Trigger.isBefore: Returns true if the trigger was fired before record is saved. Trigger.isAfter: Returns true if the trigger was fired after record is saved. Trigger.New: Returns a list of new version of sObject records. Trigger.Old: Returns a list of old version of sObject records. Trigger.NewMap: Returns a map of new version of sObject records. (map is stored in the form of map) Trigger.OldMap: Returns a map of old version of sObject records. (map is stored in the form of map) Trigger.Size: Returns a integer (total number of records invoked due to trigger invocation for the both old and new) Trigger.isExecuting: Returns true if the current apex code is a trigger.
What is the difference between Trigger.New and Trigger.NewMap?
Trigger.New is Returns a list of new version of sObject records but Trigger.NewMap is Returns a map of new version of sObject records.
What is the difference between Trigger.New and Trigger.Old?
Trigger.New is Returns a list of new version of sObject records and Trigger.Old is Returns a list of old version of sObject records.
Can we call the callouts from trigger?
yes we can. It is same as usual class method calling from trigger. The only difference being the method should always be asynchronous with @future
What is the recursive trigger?
Recursion occurs in trigger if your trigger has a same DML statement and the same dml condition is used in trigger firing condition on the same object(on which trigger has been written)
What is the bulkifying triggers?
By default every trigger is a bulk trigger which is used to process the multiple records at a time as a batch. For each batch of 200 records.
What is the use of future methods in triggers?
Using @Future annotation we can convert the Trigger into a Asynchrinous Class and we can use a Callout method.
What is the order of executing the trigger apex?
1. Executes all before triggers. 2. Validation rules. 3. Executes all after triggers. 4. Executes assignment rules. 5. Executes auto-response rules. 6. Executes workflow rules. 7. If there are workflow field updates, updates the record again. 8. If the record was updated with workflow field updates, fires before and after triggers one more time. Custom validation rules are not run again. 9. Executes escalation rules. 10. If the record contains a roll-up summary field or is part of a cross-object workflow, performs calculations and updates the roll-up summary field in the parent record. Parent record goes through save procedure. 11. If the parent record is updated, and a grand-parent record contains a roll-up summary field or is part of a cross-object workflow, performs calculations and updates the roll-up summary field in the parent record. Grand-parent record goes through save procedure. 12. Executes Criteria Based Sharing evaluation. 13. Commits all DML operations to the database. 14. Executes post-commit logic. Ex: Sending email.
How do we avoid recursive triggers?
Use a static variable in an Apex class to avoid an infinite loop. Static variables are local to the context of a Web request.
How many triggers we can define on a object?
We can write more than one trigger But it is not recommended .Best practice is One trigger On One object.
What are the soql limitations in apex?
Total number of records retrieved by SOQL queries-50,000
What are the transaction limitations in apex?
Each execution of a batch Apex job is considered a discrete transaction. For example, a batch Apex job that contains 1,000 records and is executed without the optional scope parameter from Database.executeBatch is considered five transactions of 200 records each. The Apex governor limits are reset for each transaction. If the first transaction succeeds but the second fails, the database updates made in the first transaction are not rolled back.
What is the need of batch apex?
By using Batch apex classes we can process the records in batches in asynchronously.
What is Database.Batchable interface?
The class that implements this interface can be executed as a batch Apex job.
Define the methods in batchable interface?
Start: global Database.Querylocator start (Database.BatchableContext bc){} Execute: global void execute(Database.BatchableContext bc,List <p>){} Finish: global void finish(Database.BatchableContext bc) {}
What is purpose of start method in batch apex?
It collect the records or objects to be passed to the interface method execute.
What is the Database.QueryLocator?
If we use a Database.QueryLocator,the governor limit for the total number of records retrieved by SOQL queries is bypassed. (Default 50,000 It allow up to 50 million records).
What is the iterable<Sobject>?
If you use an iterable,the governor limit for the total number of records retrieved by SOQL queries is still enforced.
What is the use of execute method?
Contains or calls the main execution logic for the batch job.
How many times execute method is called?
Execute method is called for each batch of records.
What is the scope of execute method?
The maximum value for the optional scope parameter is 2,000
Can we call callouts from batch apex?
Yes we can call.
Can we call another batch apex from batch apex?
Yes you can call a batch apex from another batch apex .Either in start method or in finish method you can call other batch
How many callouts we can call in batch apex?
Batch executions are limited to one callout per execution.
Batch is synchronous or Asynchronous operations?
Asynchronous operations.
What is the default size of the batch ?
The default batch size is 200 records
What is the Database.BatchableContext?
BatchableContext Interface is Represents the parameter type of a batch job method and contains the batch job ID. This interface is implemented internally by Apex.
How to track the details of the current running Batch using BatchableContext?
You can check the AsyncApexJob.Status using the JobId from the Database.BatchableContext.
How many batch jobs can be added to queue?
Queued counts toward the limit of 5.
What is Database.State full interface?
To maintain variable value inside the Batch class, Database.Stateful is used.
What is Database.AllowCallouts?
To use a callout in batch Apex, you must specify Database.AllowsCallouts in the class definition. For example: global class SearchAndReplace implements Database.Batchable<sObject>, Database.AllowsCallouts{ //Business logic you want by implementing Batchable interface methods } Callouts include HTTP requests as well as methods defined with the webService keyword.
What is AsyncApexJob object?
AsyncApexJob is Represents an individual Apex sharing recalculation job.Use this object to query Apex batch jobs in your organization.
When a BatchApexworker record is created?
For each 10,000 AsyncApexJob records, Apex creates one additional AsyncApexJob record of type BatchApexWorker for internal use.
What is workflow ?
It is automated process that fired an action based on evalution criteria and rule cretria and Path : Setup Create Workflow & Approval process
What is trigger ?
It is a piece of code that executes before and after a record is inserted or updated.we can use 20 DML operations in one trigger
What is Wrapper class ?
It is a class whose instance are collections of other objects.It is used to display different object on visualforce pages in same table
What is static resources ?
Static resources is used to upload images, zip files, jar files, JavaScript, Css and it is refered to visual force pages.
What is difference between Output Text and Output Field ?
Output Text always display field value as text irresponsive of datatypes such as currency, lookup ..etc and Output Field is display automatically according to fields datatypes, if it currency looks currency symbol, if it is lookup type then display as link in pages.
What is difference between Input text and Input field ?
Always display field value as text box irrespective of datatypes.Display automatically according to fields data types
What is the difference between data table and Pageblocktable?
Datatable is used to display records withoutout standrad salesforce look and feel and Pageblocktable is used to display records with standrad salesforce look and feel
Can we change of class/ trigger in production environment ?
No , we can’t change class and trigger in production.we can change visual force pages in production but page does not have custom controller
What is salescloud ?
Sales Cloud refers to the sales module in salesforce.com. It includes Leads, Accounts, Contacts, Contracts, Opportunities, Products, Pricebooks, Quotes, and Campaigns.
what is service cloud ?
Service Cloud refers to the service module in salesforce.com. It includes Accounts, Contacts, Cases, and Solutions.
Can we change custom financial year to standard fiscal year once it is changed by administrator ?
No, We cannot
What is page layout and Compact layout?
Page Layout is used for web application and Compact Layout is used for Mobile applications
How many ways we can share a record ?
Role hierachy, OWD (Organization Wide Default), Manual Sharing, Crietria based sharing rules and apex sharing.
What is IsBlank and IsNull ?
IsNull is support only numbers.IsBlank is support bpth text and number
What is trigger.new and trigger.old ?
Trigger.new returns a list of new version of sObjects records. This Sobjects is only avaliable insert & update and records only modifed in before triggers
What is Trigger.NewMap and Trigger.OldMap ?
Trigger.NewMap is map of new ID versions and Trigger.OldMap is map of old ID versions
Why do we write test class ?
To test write class functionality is working or not by using test class. Salesforce does not allow deployment in production if test coverage is less than 75.
What is Future Annotation ?
By using Future Annotation, we can find methods are running asynchronously
How to write custom error in trigger ?
By using addError()
What are methods in batch apex ?
Start , Execute and Finish methods
Can we lock records in apex ?
Yes, we can lock records in apex using for update
What is visualforce Component ?
Visualforce Component is a piece of code that can be reused and encapsulated in other vf pages
How to make field as required in visualforce pages ?
By Making Field as required on visualforce page marking as required is equal to true
Can user change his own profile and role ?
User can change his role but he cannot change his profile
Can we deliver visualforce page in excel format ?
Yes we can convert visualforce into excel format by using content type
What is Apex in Salesforce?
Apex is a strongly typed, object-oriented programming language that allows developers to execute flow and transaction control statements on the Salesforce platform server in conjunction with calls to the API.
How does Apex transaction control work?
Apex transactions encapsulate DML operations and all operations that occur as a result. If any operation fails, the entire transaction is rolled back to maintain data integrity.
Explain the difference between SOQL and SOSL.
SOQL (Salesforce Object Query Language) is used to query records from a single object or related objects. SOSL (Salesforce Object Search Language) is used to search text, email, and phone fields for multiple objects simultaneously.
What is a Governor Limit in Apex?
Governor limits are runtime limits enforced by the Apex runtime engine to ensure that code does not monopolize shared resources on the Salesforce platform.
Can you explain what a trigger is and its types?
Triggers are Apex scripts that execute before or after data manipulation language (DML) events on Salesforce records. Types include before insert, before update, before delete, after insert, after update, after delete, and after undelete.
How do you write a test class in Apex?
A test class in Apex is written using the @isTest annotation. It should ideally cover positive, negative, bulk, and boundary cases for the code being tested to ensure robust coverage.
What is Bulkification in Apex?
Bulkification refers to structuring Apex code to efficiently handle multiple records at a time, ensuring it operates within governor limits when processing large data sets.
Describe the use of the with sharing and without sharing keywords.
The with sharing keyword enforces the sharing rules that apply to the current user. Without sharing runs the class ignoring the user’s permissions or field-level security.
What is Apex Collections, and name its types?
Apex Collections are complex data types that allow the storage of multiple items in a single variable. Types include Lists, Maps, and Sets.
How does the Apex Scheduler work?
The Apex Scheduler allows developers to run scheduled Apex at a specified time. Implement the Schedulable interface in your class and specify the schedule in the Salesforce UI or by using the System.schedule method.
Explain what a future method is in Apex.
Future methods are used to run processes in a separate thread, at a later time, and are annotated with @future. They are useful for operations that need to run asynchronously, like callouts to external systems, to avoid governor limit issues.
What are the best practices for error handling in Apex?
Best practices include using try-catch blocks to gracefully handle exceptions, checking for nulls before accessing variables, using custom exceptions for clearer errors, and logging errors to a custom object for audit purposes.
Describe the order of execution in Salesforce.
The order includes system validation rules, before triggers, custom validation rules, after triggers, assignment rules, auto-response rules, workflow rules, escalation rules, and finally, any processes or flows.
How can you call an Apex class from a Lightning Web Component?
Use the @wire or @invokeable annotations to expose Apex methods to Lightning Web Components. The methods must be static, and if using @wire, the method must return a value or a Promise.
What is an Apex Batch class?
An Apex Batch class allows you to define a single job that can be broken into manageable chunks, where each chunk is processed in a separate execution context. It’s useful for processing large data sets that would exceed normal processing limits.
Explain the Database.Savepoint and Database.rollback methods.
Database.Savepoint allows you to set a rollback point in your transaction. Database.rollback reverts all database changes back to the last savepoint without affecting any Apex variable modifications made since that savepoint.
How do you enforce object and field-level permissions in Apex?
Use the Schema.sObjectType methods to check for object permissions and Schema.sObjectField methods for field-level permissions to ensure your Apex code respects the security and sharing settings of the running user.
What is the difference between insert and Database.insert methods?
The insert method throws an exception and stops execution if an error occurs, rolling back all database changes. Database.insert, however, allows partial successes and returns detailed result information without throwing an exception.
How do you prevent SOQL injection in Apex?
Use binding variables in SOQL queries instead of string concatenation to ensure user inputs are treated as literals and not executable code.
Explain the concept of Custom Settings in Apex.
Custom Settings allow developers to store and retrieve persistent configuration data. They can be accessed via Apex without the need for SOQL queries, providing a more efficient way to manage application settings or variables.
What is the purpose of the @TestSetup method in test classes?
@TestSetup allows you to define a common set of data records for all test methods in a test class. This data setup runs once before any test method in the class executes, making tests run faster and helping you avoid governor limits.
Describe how you would handle batch class failures.
Implement the Database.Stateful interface if you need to preserve state across batch job executions, and use try-catch blocks within your execute method to handle exceptions gracefully. Consider logging errors to a custom object or sending notifications for monitoring.
How can you update a record without triggering its associated workflows or triggers?
Use the update statement with the Database.update(record, false) method, specifying false to prevent workflow rules, processes, or triggers from firing. Be cautious, as this bypasses all business logic, which might lead to inconsistent data states.
Explain the use of the System.runAs method in test classes.
System.runAs allows you to test your code under different user contexts, particularly useful for testing user permissions, sharing rules, or record ownership-based logic. It simulates running the code as a specific user without actually changing the current user in the test context.
What are Queueable Apex classes, and how do they differ from future methods?
Queueable Apex provides more flexibility than future methods, allowing you to chain jobs, pass complex types and collections, and monitor the job’s progress. Unlike future methods, Queueable Apex can perform DML operations before enqueuing the job.
How do you make a web service callout from Apex?
Define an Apex class with the @future(callout=true) annotation to make callouts to external web services asynchronously. Use HttpRequest and HttpResponse classes to set up your request and handle the response.
Explain dynamic Apex.
Dynamic Apex enables you to access sObject and field names dynamically at runtime using strings, useful for scenarios where the objects or fields to be accessed vary based on user input or other runtime conditions. It leverages the Schema namespace for describing sObjects and fields dynamically.
What is the Apex Email Service, and how is it used?
Apex Email Service allows you to process incoming email messages and perform operations in Salesforce, such as creating or updating records based on the email content. Implement the Messaging.InboundEmailHandler interface to define the logic for handling incoming emails.
How would you optimize a SOQL query in a trigger to avoid hitting governor limits?
Ensure queries are outside of loops, use collections to gather necessary record IDs for the query, and leverage relationship queries to minimize the number of SOQL queries. Always filter your queries as much as possible to return only the required records.
Describe the process for deploying Apex code from a sandbox to production.
Apex code deployment involves using change sets, Salesforce DX, or third-party deployment tools. Ensure your code is covered by unit tests with at least 75% coverage and all tests pass. Consider deploying during low-usage times and use deployment options like ‘Validate Only’ to catch issues before the actual deployment.
What strategies can be used for error handling in batch Apex?
Use try-catch blocks within each execution context to capture and handle errors. Implement a mechanism to log errors to a custom object or external system for post-execution review. Optionally, use the Database.Stateful interface to keep track of errors across batch chunks.
How do you ensure that test classes are not affected by org data?
Utilize SeeAllData=false (the default setting) to isolate test data from your organization’s data. Always create your own test data within test classes using @TestSetup or within each test method to ensure tests are predictable and not dependent on the org’s data state.
Explain how to use the Developer Console for debugging Apex.
The Developer Console can track debug logs, execute anonymous Apex code, and monitor system performance. To debug Apex, add debug statements using System.debug, then execute your code and review the log panels within the Developer Console to analyze execution behavior and issues.
What are custom exceptions in Apex, and how do you use them?
Custom exceptions allow you to define your own exception types by extending the built-in Exception class. Use them to throw and catch application-specific errors, providing more contextual error handling and response mechanisms within your Apex logic.
Discuss the concept of Apex Managed Sharing.
Apex Managed Sharing provides a programmatic way to share records when declarative sharing settings cannot cover complex sharing requirements. Use Apex to create sharing reasons and to share records with users or groups, adhering to the principle of least privilege.
How do you handle long-running operations in Apex?
For operations that exceed governor limits, consider using batch Apex to process data in chunks or implementing Queueable Apex for asynchronous processing. Both approaches allow breaking down a job into smaller, more manageable pieces.
What is the Apex Metadata API, and how might you use it?
The Apex Metadata API allows you to create, read, update, and delete Salesforce metadata (like custom fields or layouts) directly from Apex code. It’s useful for dynamic customizations where changes to the Salesforce metadata are required on the fly based on business logic.
Explain the concept of Idempotency in Apex web services.
Idempotency ensures that multiple identical requests have the same effect as a single request, preventing duplicate operations in web service callouts or integrations. Implement idempotent behavior in Apex by checking if an operation has already been performed before executing business logic.
Describe the use of Platform Events in Apex.
Platform Events enable event-driven architecture in Salesforce. Apex can publish and subscribe to Platform Events to communicate changes or actions across Salesforce and external systems, facilitating decoupled integrations and real-time data synchronization.
How can you ensure Apex code is bulk-safe?
Write Apex code that properly handles collections of records and uses SOQL queries and DML operations outside of loops. Test your code with large data volumes to ensure it respects governor limits and performs efficiently in bulk operations.
Discuss strategies for managing complex SOQL queries in Apex to avoid hitting governor limits.
Optimize SOQL queries by selecting only necessary fields, using efficient filtering conditions, and leveraging indexed fields to improve query performance. Also, consider lazy loading patterns where data is queried as needed rather than all at once.
What is the purpose of Test.startTest() and Test.stopTest() in Apex testing?
These methods define a test boundary within a test method, allowing for separate governor limit tracking for the enclosed operations. Test.stopTest() also ensures that all asynchronous operations started after Test.startTest() are completed, allowing for proper testing of batch and future methods.
How do you expose an Apex class as a RESTful web service?
Use the @RestResource annotation at the class level and define HTTP method handlers within the class using @HttpGet, @HttpPost, @HttpPut, @HttpDelete, and @HttpPatch annotations to expose Apex methods as RESTful web service endpoints.
Explain the importance of context in Apex triggers and how to manage it.
Trigger context variables provide information about the runtime environment, such as which records are being processed and what type of DML operation triggered the execution. Managing context is crucial for writing efficient and effective triggers, typically requiring logic to differentiate behavior based on the trigger event (before, after, insert, update, delete).
What are Apex design patterns, and why are they important?
Apex design patterns, such as Singleton, Factory, or Unit of Work, provide proven solutions for common coding challenges in Salesforce development. They are important for writing clean, maintainable, and scalable Apex code that adheres to best practices.
How would you integrate Salesforce with an external REST API using Apex?
Create an Apex class that makes HTTP callouts to the external REST API using HttpRequest and HttpResponse classes. Handle authentication, construct request headers and bodies appropriately, and parse the JSON or XML response using built-in Apex methods.
Describe how to implement error handling in Apex integrations.
Use try-catch blocks around HTTP callouts and parsing logic to catch exceptions. Log errors for monitoring and debugging purposes, and consider implementing retry logic for transient errors, adhering to the external service’s error handling guidelines.
What is the difference between synchronous and asynchronous Apex, and when would you use each?
Synchronous Apex runs in the same execution context as the calling operation, blocking until completion. Asynchronous Apex, marked by @future, Queueable, or batch classes, runs in a separate thread at a later time. Use synchronous Apex for immediate operations and asynchronous Apex for long-running, resource-intensive processes or when making callouts to external services.
How can you monitor and optimize the performance of Apex code?
Use the Developer Console, debug logs, and monitoring tools like the Salesforce Optimizer to analyze Apex execution. Look for bottlenecks, optimize SOQL queries, ensure bulk-safe operations, and refactor inefficient code patterns to enhance performance.
Discuss how to use custom metadata types in Apex logic.
Custom metadata types can be queried in Apex and used to drive dynamic behavior in applications, such as feature toggles, configuration settings, or mapping values. They enable administrators to change application behavior without modifying code, offering a flexible way to manage business logic.
Explain the best practices for deploying Apex code across Salesforce environments.
Follow a structured deployment process using sandboxes for development and testing, validate changes using change sets or deployment tools, ensure comprehensive test coverage, and schedule deployments during low-usage periods. Also, communicate changes to users and provide necessary training or documentation.
How do you implement the Singleton design pattern in Apex?
Implement the Singleton pattern by creating a private static variable to hold the single instance of the class and a public static method that gives access to this instance. Ensure that the constructor is private so that instances can’t be created outside the class.
What are the considerations when making callouts to external services from Apex triggers?
Since callouts from triggers are not allowed due to their synchronous nature, you must use asynchronous methods like @future methods or Queueable Apex to perform callouts. Also, ensure that callout logic properly handles bulk operations to prevent hitting governor limits.
Describe the process of using Named Credentials in Apex callouts.
Named Credentials provide a secure way of storing endpoint URLs and authentication details for external services. When making callouts from Apex, use the Named Credential’s name instead of the endpoint URL directly, which simplifies credential management and enhances security.
How can you dynamically access and modify sObject fields in Apex?
Use the get, put, and sObject methods to dynamically access and modify fields of an sObject. This approach allows for flexible code that can operate on fields determined at runtime, rather than compile-time.
Explain the use and limitations of the @testVisible annotation in Apex.
The @testVisible annotation makes private or protected members of a class visible to test methods. This is useful for testing the internal state of a class. However, it should be used judiciously to not expose internal workings unnecessarily, and it can’t make top-level classes or interfaces visible.
How do you ensure thread safety in asynchronous Apex operations?
In Apex, each transaction runs in its own execution context, providing natural thread safety. However, when designing asynchronous operations like batch jobs or Queueable Apex that may run concurrently, ensure that your code does not rely on static variables that may be shared across transactions or other patterns that could lead to race conditions.
What is the purpose of the Database.AllOrNone parameter in DML operations?
The Database.AllOrNone parameter specifies whether a DML operation should completely succeed or completely fail. Setting it to false allows partial success of the operation, where records that can be saved are saved, and errors are returned for others, which is particularly useful in bulk processing scenarios.
How do you optimize memory usage in large data volume Apex processing?
To optimize memory usage, process records in batches using SOQL query pagination or Apex batch classes. Avoid holding large collections in memory, and instead, process and clear them as soon as possible. Utilize lazy loading patterns and minimize the use of static variables.
Discuss the strategies for testing and mocking external web service callouts in Apex.
Use the HttpCalloutMock interface to simulate HTTP callout responses in test classes. This allows for testing callout logic without making actual calls to external services, ensuring tests are self-contained and can run in environments where the external service may not be accessible.
What is the significance of the Order of Execution in Apex triggers, and how can it affect trigger design?
The Order of Execution in Apex triggers defines the sequence in which automation and logic are applied to records. Understanding this order is crucial for designing triggers that work correctly with Salesforce’s automation features like validation rules, workflow rules, and process builder flows. It helps prevent unintended behaviors or recursion in complex implementations.
How do you handle large datasets with SOQL without hitting governor limits?
Use SOQL query pagination with the OFFSET keyword, or process records in chunks using the LIMIT clause and iterative queries. Apex batch classes are specifically designed for processing large datasets efficiently by dividing the job into smaller batches.
Explain how to implement custom transaction control in Apex.
Custom transaction control can be achieved using the Savepoint and Database.rollback methods to create savepoints and revert to them if needed. This is useful in complex operations where you might need to partially roll back changes due to custom logic or exceptions.
What is Event-Driven Architecture in Salesforce, and how does Apex support it?
Event-Driven Architecture (EDA) in Salesforce involves decoupling application components through events. Apex supports EDA via Platform Events and Change Data Capture, allowing developers to publish and subscribe to events that represent significant changes or actions in the system, facilitating asynchronous, loosely-coupled integrations.
Discuss the role and usage of Apex in Salesforce Lightning Component development.
Apex serves as the server-side controller for Lightning Components, handling data operations and business logic execution. Through @AuraEnabled methods, Apex exposes functionality to the client-side Lightning Component framework, enabling complex interactions and data manipulation within Lightning applications.
How can developers use Apex to interact with Salesforce Metadata API?
Apex can make callouts to the Salesforce Metadata API to read, create, update, or delete metadata. This is useful for dynamic customizations or tools within Salesforce that need to modify the metadata programmatically, like creating custom fields or modifying page layouts based on runtime logic.
What considerations should be taken when refactoring legacy Apex code?
When refactoring, prioritize understanding the business logic and intended outcomes of the existing code. Ensure comprehensive test coverage before making changes, refactor in small, manageable steps, and continuously test to maintain functionality. Consider performance, governor limits, and current best practices to modernize the codebase effectively.
What techniques are available for optimizing SOQL performance in Apex?
To optimize SOQL performance, use selective queries that leverage indexed fields and avoid using negative operators or leading wildcards in LIKE statements, which can prevent the use of indexes. Also, limit the number of queried fields to those necessary for your logic. Utilizing the Query Plan tool can help identify and optimize costly queries.
Describe the handling of recursive triggers in Apex.
Handling recursive triggers involves implementing static variables to prevent the trigger from executing more than once per transaction, or using a more sophisticated pattern like a recursion control class to manage trigger execution on a per-record basis, ensuring logic only runs when necessary and avoiding governor limit issues.
Explain the concept and application of Custom Metadata Types in dynamic Apex programming.
Custom Metadata Types are key to driving dynamic behavior in Apex applications. They allow developers to store configurable data that can be retrieved in Apex without SOQL queries, making them ideal for situations where application behavior needs to change based on configurable parameters or conditions not known at compile time.
What is the approach to unit testing asynchronous Apex, such as @future methods and batch jobs?
Unit testing asynchronous Apex requires invoking the asynchronous code within a test method and then wrapping the invocation between Test.startTest() and Test.stopTest(). This ensures that the asynchronous process is completed before assertions are made, allowing for accurate testing of the code’s effects.
How do you use Apex to interact with the Salesforce UI, like Lightning Components or Visualforce pages?
Apex serves as the backend for both Lightning Components and Visualforce pages. With Lightning Components, Apex methods are exposed using @AuraEnabled, and with Visualforce, controller or extension classes provide the logic. Apex methods handle data operations and business logic, which the frontend can invoke dynamically.
Discuss strategies for securing sensitive data in Apex, especially when making external callouts.
Securing sensitive data in Apex, particularly in external callouts, involves adhering to best practices like using Named Credentials for endpoint authentication, encrypting sensitive data in transit and at rest, and ensuring that any sensitive information is properly handled according to compliance standards. Utilize Apex Crypto classes for encryption needs and be mindful of logging practices to avoid exposing sensitive data in debug logs.
What is Apex Enterprise Patterns, and how do they impact Salesforce development?
Apex Enterprise Patterns, inspired by common software development patterns, provide a structured approach to organizing Apex code for scalability, maintainability, and efficient cloud resource utilization. Implementing these patterns, such as the Service Layer, Domain Layer, and Selector Layer, helps in managing complex logic and large codebases by separating concerns and promoting code reuse.
How does Apex integrate with Salesforce Flow and Process Builder?
Apex can be integrated with Salesforce Flow and Process Builder through Invocable Methods. These special Apex methods, marked with the @InvocableMethod annotation, allow them to be called from Flow and Process Builder, bridging declarative automation tools with the powerful programming capabilities of Apex for complex logic that can’t be achieved through configuration alone.
Explain the use of Platform Cache in Apex for performance optimization.
Platform Cache in Apex is used to store frequently accessed data that doesn’t change often, reducing the need for repeated queries or calculations and thereby improving application performance. Apex can utilize both Org and Session cache partitions to suit different caching needs, with proper invalidation strategies to ensure data consistency.
Discuss the implications of mixing DML operations and callouts in Apex.
Mixing DML operations and callouts in the same transaction requires careful ordering due to Salesforce’s restriction on making a callout after a DML operation has occurred in the same transaction context. To circumvent this, perform callouts before DML operations or use asynchronous Apex (@future methods or Queueable Apex) to separate the callout logic from the DML operations.
How do you approach error and exception handling in complex Apex integrations?
Error and exception handling in complex Apex integrations involves implementing robust try-catch-finally blocks to gracefully manage known and unexpected errors. Logging error details to a custom object or external logging service can aid in troubleshooting. Additionally, using custom exceptions can help in conveying specific error conditions back to the calling process, allowing for more nuanced error management and recovery strategies.
How do Flows and Apex interact in Salesforce?
Flows can call Apex classes to execute complex logic through Invocable Methods, allowing a blend of declarative and programmatic solutions.
What’s the purpose of a batch class in Apex?
Batch classes process large data sets or long-running operations in smaller chunks to stay within governor limits.
How do you schedule an Apex class to run at regular intervals?
Implement the Schedulable interface in your Apex class and specify the schedule using the Salesforce UI or the System.schedule method.
When should you use the @future annotation in Apex?
Use @future for methods that perform operations asynchronously, especially for operations that are resource-intensive or require callouts to external systems.
What distinguishes Scheduled Apex from other Apex types?
Scheduled Apex is specifically designed to run at predefined times, useful for regular maintenance tasks like data cleanup or batch job initiation.
How is Apex used in Visualforce pages?
Apex serves as the controller for Visualforce pages, providing the logic and data manipulation behind the user interface.
What is an Offset in a SOQL query, and when would you use it?
OFFSET is used in SOQL queries to skip a specified number of records before returning results, helpful for implementing pagination.
What is a custom controller in Visualforce?
A custom controller is an Apex class that implements all of the logic for a Visualforce page, without relying on standard controller behaviors.
How do you display data in a table format on a Visualforce page?
Use the <apex:dataTable> component in Visualforce to display data in a table format, binding it to an Apex controller for dynamic data retrieval.
What are key considerations for integrating Salesforce with external systems?
Consider data formats, authentication, governor limits, and error handling. Use REST or SOAP APIs for web services and middleware if needed for complex integrations.
How do you expose an Apex class as a REST API?
Annotate the class with @RestResource and define methods with @HttpGet, @HttpPost, etc., to handle RESTful operations.
How do you handle exceptions in batch Apex?
Use try-catch blocks within each execute method, and consider logging exceptions to a custom object for post-processing analysis.
What are the benefits of using Scheduled Apex for data maintenance tasks?
Scheduled Apex allows for regular, automated clean-up or data analysis tasks, ensuring data integrity and supporting business processes without manual intervention.
Why is it important to test @future methods, and how can it be done?
Testing @future methods ensures asynchronous code executes as expected. Wrap calls to @future methods between Test.startTest() and Test.stopTest() to force synchronous execution in test context.
In what scenario would you use a Visualforce custom controller instead of a standard controller?
Use a custom controller when you need full control over the behavior and logic of a Visualforce page, beyond what standard controllers offer, especially for complex data manipulations or when the standard controller does not support the required objects.
Describe a scenario where using the OFFSET keyword in a SOQL query is beneficial.
OFFSET is beneficial for implementing pagination in Visualforce pages or Lightning Components, allowing users to navigate through large datasets efficiently.
What are key factors to consider when building a data table in Visualforce?
Consider data volume, user interface responsiveness, and governor limits. Implementing pagination and conditional rendering can improve performance and user experience.
Explain how Salesforce integrates with external REST APIs.
Salesforce integrates with external REST APIs through Apex callouts, using HttpRequest and HttpResponse classes. Authentication, endpoint URL configuration, and request headers must be correctly set up for successful integration.
How can developers ensure that their Apex REST API supports bulk operations efficiently?
Developers should design their API to accept collections of records for processing and use bulkified Apex methods to handle these records within governor limits.
What are the implications of using custom controllers in terms of record access and security?
Custom controllers run in system context, so developers must explicitly enforce record access and field-level security checks to respect organization-wide defaults and sharing rules.
How do you optimize performance in a Visualforce page displaying large datasets?
Implement server-side pagination, limit the fields queried, use read-only mode where possible, and consider asynchronous data loading to enhance page performance.
Can Scheduled Apex and Batch Apex be used together? Describe a use case.
Yes, Scheduled Apex can initiate Batch Apex jobs. This is useful for regular data processing tasks, such as nightly data synchronization or cleanup operations that exceed single transaction limits.
What is the significance of understanding the order of execution in Salesforce when working with Apex Triggers?
Understanding the order of execution is crucial for predicting how and when data will be modified by different automation layers (e.g., validation rules, workflow rules, and triggers), helping developers design efficient and conflict-free triggers.
What strategies can be employed to avoid hitting governor limits in complex Apex applications?
Efficiently bulkify Apex code to handle large data sets, use SOQL queries wisely by fetching only necessary fields, leverage lazy loading, and minimize DML operations by aggregating data changes.
How do you implement role-based access control in Apex?
Utilize the with sharing keyword to enforce user permissions and sharing rules. Additionally, check for user roles and permissions explicitly using Apex if you need to apply more granular access control within your logic.
Describe the process of unit testing a Visualforce controller.
Create test methods that instantiate the controller with necessary data, mimic user actions by calling controller methods, and assert the outcomes. Use Test.setCurrentPage() to simulate the Visualforce page context.
What are the implications of not handling exceptions in scheduled Apex jobs?
Unhandled exceptions in scheduled Apex jobs can cause the job to fail silently, potentially disrupting scheduled processes and data integrity. Always include comprehensive error handling and notification mechanisms.
When integrating Salesforce with an external system, how can you ensure data consistency across systems?
Implement robust error handling, use transactional logic where possible, and consider a two-phase commit pattern if the external system supports it. Regularly audit and reconcile data between systems to catch and resolve discrepancies.
How can developers use the Test.isRunningTest() method in their Apex code?
Test.isRunningTest() can be used to conditionally execute code blocks only during test execution, useful for bypassing logic that’s not testable or behaves differently in test context, like callouts. However, use it sparingly to avoid diverging too much from production code behavior.
What considerations should be made when dynamically constructing SOQL queries in Apex?
Ensure queries are injection-safe by escaping single quotes in user inputs. Consider governor limits, and avoid unnecessary complexity which could impact maintainability and performance.
Explain how Custom Metadata Types can drive feature toggles in Apex applications.
Custom Metadata Types can store configurations for feature toggles, allowing admins to enable or disable features without code deployment. Apex code checks these configurations at runtime to conditionally execute feature-specific logic.
How do you ensure that Apex code adheres to Salesforce’s multi-tenancy requirements?
Adhere to governor limits, write efficient and bulkified code, and ensure that your code can run in an org with other applications without consuming excessive shared resources.
Describe a scenario where a Visualforce page would be preferred over a Lightning Component.
Visualforce might be preferred for rendering complex PDFs, integrating with third-party libraries that are not compatible with Lightning, or when building applications for Salesforce Classic.
What is the significance of the Apex Governor Limit on the number of future calls in a transaction?
This limit ensures that asynchronous operations do not overload Salesforce’s shared resources. Developers must design their applications to minimize the number of future calls, aggregating asynchronous workloads where possible.
In what scenario would you use Database methods over direct DML operations in Apex?
Database methods are used when you need more control over transaction behavior, such as allowing partial successes in bulk operations, or when you require detailed result feedback for complex error handling.
How can Lightning Web Components (LWC) and Apex be securely integrated?
Securely integrate LWC and Apex by exposing only necessary data and operations through @AuraEnabled methods, enforcing CRUD and FLS checks within Apex, and adopting a defensive programming mindset to protect against unauthorized data access.
How can you leverage Apex Managed Sharing for complex sharing requirements?
Apex Managed Sharing allows developers to programmatically share records based on complex business logic that can’t be addressed with declarative sharing settings, enabling precise control over record access in custom applications.
What approach should be taken for error handling in Apex REST services?
Implement comprehensive try-catch blocks to catch exceptions, use HTTP status codes to communicate the nature of errors to clients, and provide meaningful error messages in the response body to facilitate troubleshooting by consumers of the service.
How do you optimize query performance in Apex using custom indexes?
Request custom indexes on fields that are frequently queried in filters, especially in large data volumes. Use the FORCE INDEX hint in SOQL queries to suggest the Salesforce query optimizer to use the custom index, improving query performance.
Explain the role of Platform Events in system integrations.
Platform Events facilitate event-driven integrations, allowing Salesforce to publish events that external systems can subscribe to, or vice versa. This decouples systems by enabling them to communicate asynchronously through events, improving scalability and maintainability.
What considerations should be made when migrating Visualforce pages to Lightning Web Components?
Consider redesigning the user interface to align with the Lightning Experience UI guidelines, refactor the backend Apex logic for performance and security, and utilize the modern web standards supported by LWC for enhanced user interactions.
How can developers ensure their Apex classes are reusable and modular?
Follow the SOLID principles, particularly focusing on single responsibility and interface segregation, to build modular Apex classes. Utilize service classes, utility classes, and the Apex Enterprise Patterns to structure code for reuse across multiple contexts.
Discuss the impact of record locking in Salesforce and how to manage it in Apex.
Record locking ensures data integrity but can lead to lock contention in concurrent transactions. Manage it by minimizing the scope of transactions, ordering DML operations consistently across the application, and using the FOR UPDATE SOQL clause judiciously to lock records.
When is it appropriate to use the @AuraEnabled(cacheable=true) annotation in Apex?
Use @AuraEnabled(cacheable=true) for methods that retrieve data without modifying the server state, allowing Lightning Components to cache the method’s return value, reducing server round-trips and improving component performance.
How does the Batchable interface in Apex handle large datasets differently than standard Apex classes?
The Batchable interface processes records in batches, allowing each execution to operate within its own governor limits context. This approach is essential for processing large datasets that would otherwise exceed governor limits in a single transaction.
What strategies can be employed to maintain a high code coverage and ensure meaningful Apex tests?
Write tests that cover various scenarios, including positive, negative, and edge cases. Use SeeAllData=false by default to isolate test data from production data, and aim to test not just for coverage but for functionality, ensuring your code works as expected under different conditions.
Describe how Change Data Capture (CDC) can complement Apex development.
CDC allows developers to receive real-time notifications of Salesforce data changes. This can be used in Apex to trigger post-change synchronization processes, analytics, or external system updates, ensuring systems remain in sync with Salesforce data changes.
How can dynamic Apex be used to build flexible applications?
Dynamic Apex, utilizing Schema methods, allows developers to access sObject and field information at runtime. This capability is crucial for building applications that can adapt to metadata changes without requiring code updates, ideal for package development or applications that must work across multiple Salesforce orgs.
What are the key considerations when implementing Apex callouts to external services?
Considerations include handling endpoint authentication securely, managing timeouts, parsing response data correctly, and ensuring callouts are made asynchronously from triggers or synchronous processes to comply with governor limits and best practices.
Explain the use of custom labels in Apex and Visualforce.
Custom labels offer a method for creating multilingual applications by storing text values that are accessible from Apex and Visualforce. They promote reuse across the application and ease the process of localization by allowing translations without code changes.
How do you use the @TestVisible annotation effectively in Apex testing?
The @TestVisible annotation grants test methods access to private members of a class, allowing for more thorough testing of internal logic. However, it should be used judiciously to maintain encapsulation and avoid designing tests around implementation details rather than behavior.
Discuss the implementation of continuous integration (CI) and continuous deployment (CD) with Apex code.
Implementing CI/CD for Apex involves using tools like Salesforce DX and third-party CI/CD platforms. Key practices include maintaining a version-controlled source of truth, automated testing, and incremental deployments to ensure code quality and facilitate rapid, reliable releases.
What is the significance of context-specific trigger handlers in Apex?
Context-specific trigger handlers allow developers to encapsulate trigger logic for different DML operations and record events (e.g., before insert, after update) into separate methods, improving code organization, readability, and maintainability.
How can you improve the user experience in Visualforce pages using AJAX?
AJAX can enhance Visualforce pages by enabling partial page updates and asynchronous interactions, reducing the need for full page refreshes. This results in a smoother and faster user experience, especially in forms or data-heavy pages.
Explain how to manage session state in Salesforce Lightning components interfacing with Apex.
Lightning components are stateful on the client side but interact with stateless Apex controllers. To manage session state, use client-side storage, such as Lightning Data Service or browser storage, and pass necessary state information to Apex controllers as method parameters.
What approaches can be taken to debug Apex code effectively?
Use the Developer Console and debug logs with appropriate log levels to inspect code execution. Leverage checkpoints and the Apex Replay Debugger in Visual Studio Code for a more interactive debugging experience, allowing step-through execution of code.
How does the Database class differ from direct DML statements in Apex?
The Database class methods, such as Database.insert(), offer additional control over DML operations, allowing for partial successes and detailed result feedback. This is contrasted with direct DML statements, which apply an “all or nothing” approach and throw exceptions upon the first error.
Discuss the use of Apex to implement complex data validation beyond declarative capabilities.
Apex triggers and classes can enforce complex validation logic that’s not feasible with declarative validation rules, such as cross-object validations, time-dependent checks, or validations that require extensive logic or external data lookups.
What is the role of Apex in Salesforce mobile app development?
Apex serves as the server-side logic layer for Salesforce mobile applications, handling data operations, business logic, and integrations. It provides the backend services that mobile apps consume via Salesforce’s mobile SDK or through Lightning and Visualforce pages adapted for mobile.
How do you ensure high-quality Apex code in a team development environment?
Adopt code review practices, enforce coding standards and guidelines, implement automated testing and code analysis tools, and foster a culture of quality and continuous improvement within the development team.
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