How to Setup Salesforce Code Builder?

How to Get Started with Salesforce Code Builder? Salesforce Code Builder is a helpful online tool that combines the strengths of Visual Studio Code, Salesforce Extensions for VS Code, and Salesforce CLI. It’s all available directly on your web browser, making coding clearer and more accessible.

This platform provides a contemporary development experience that is accommodating for developers at every level of expertise. It simplifies the process for both administrators and developers to work in the cloud environment, eliminating the need to download software, worry about machine specifications, or deal with complex setups.

Code Builder is a dynamic development environment that can be activated within seconds, tailored to your specific Salesforce organization and project needs. Code Builder provides you with the ability to use a wide range of Salesforce languages and frameworks. This includes Apex, SOQL, Visualforce, Aura, and Lightning Web Components.

In addition, it provides an array of developer tools like debuggers for Apex, Linting, and more, enhancing your development workflow. You can install Code Builder as a managed package into any supported Salesforce organization edition. 

Setting up Code Builder for the first time can be confusing, particularly if you’re new to Salesforce development. However, with the proper guidance, it’s a clear process that can help streamline your development workflow and improve overall efficiency. This guide will take you through the process of setting up Salesforce Code Builder, enabling you to leverage this advanced tool for your Salesforce development projects.

What is Code Builder in Salesforce?

Salesforce Code Builder is a tool that helps software developers write, test, and deploy their computer code on the Salesforce platform. It’s an online tool that can be accessed from anywhere, anytime, by anyone. It provides a place for developers to write their code without downloading or installing any specific software on their computers. 

You can use Code Builder for different programming languages, and it has helpful features like templates and add-ons to make development easier. It works with other Salesforce tools to help developers create and deploy high-quality software quickly, conveniently, and efficiently.

How to Setup Salesforce Code Builder?

Now that we know what a Salesforce Code Builder is, let’s delve into the inner recesses of this tool to understand how to set up a Code Builder step-by-step. 

Step 1: Sign up for a Salesforce Developer Account

The first step to setting up Salesforce Code Builder is to sign up for a Salesforce Developer Account. It is a free account; you can use it to build and test your Salesforce applications.

To sign up, you can go to the Salesforce Developer website, click the “Sign Up” button, and fill in the required credentials. Once you sign up, you will be redirected to the Developer Console page, which is the central hub for all your development activities.

Step 2: Enable Salesforce Code Builder

To commence the process of Code Builder, you will need to enable it in your Salesforce Developer Account. To do so, you need to go to the Setup menu, select “Developer Settings,” and then opt for “Enable Code Builder.” And that is how you can access it from the Developer Console.

Step 3: Set up a GitHub Account

Salesforce Code Builder can sync with GitHub, a highly popular code repository and collaboration platform. And to use Code Builder, you will mandatorily need a GitHub account.

Once you create a GitHub account, you’ll need to create a new repository for your Salesforce project. This is where you will store all of your code, which Code Builder will use to deploy your application.

Step 4: Connect Code Builder to GitHub

Now that you have a GitHub account and repository, it’s time to connect Code Builder to your GitHub account. The procedure to do this is simple. Go to the Developer Console and click on the “Code” menu. Then click on “Connect to GitHub.” Once you do this, you will be taken to the Salesforce authorization page to access your GitHub account. Following this, you will be able to select the repository you created in step 3.

Step 5: Create a Scratch Org

Before you can start building your application, you’ll need to create a Scratch Org. You can use this temporary Salesforce environment to develop and test your application. To create a Scratch Org, go to the Developer Console and click on the “Code” menu. Then click on “New Scratch Org.”

Once you’ve configured your Scratch Org, click on the “Create Scratch Org” button. This will create a new Salesforce environment you can use to build your application.

Step 6: Build and Test your Application

Now that you have the Scratch Org set up, you can start working on your application. You can use Code Builder to write code, create objects and fields, and configure your Salesforce environment.

As you build your application, you can use the built-in testing tools to ensure your code is working correctly.

Step 7: Deploy your application

Once you’ve built and tested your application, you can deploy it to your production environment. For this, move to the Developer Console and click on the “Deploy” menu. Next, you will need to select the metadata you want to deploy, such as Apex classes, Visualforce pages, and Lightning components. You can opt to deploy all of the metadata in your repository.

Step 8: Monitor and maintain your application

Your task doesn’t end after deployment. The next step is to monitor it for errors or issues. You can use Salesforce’s built-in monitoring tools to track your application’s performance and identify any problems that might arise. Maintaining your application by updating it as needed and fixing any bugs is essential. Salesforce Code Builder makes it easy to update and maintain your code, so you can keep your application running smoothly and efficiently.

Benefits of Using Salesforce Code Builder

Salesforce Code Builder offers several benefits for developers building applications on the Salesforce platform. It increases productivity by providing a web-based interface enabling developers to write and test code anywhere. It has a collaborative feature that allows you the collaboration of tools that make it easy to work on projects with other developers. Code Builder helps ensure the quality of code by providing tools for testing, debugging, and version control.

Related Read: How to Use Code Builder in Salesforce and its Benefits.

Summing Up

Establishing Salesforce Code Builder is a simple yet powerful step that can significantly enhance your development workflow and contribute to the production of efficient, high-quality code. By adhering to the steps detailed in this blog post, you can easily set up Code Builder and confidently construct your Salesforce applications. 

Consistent monitoring and maintenance of your application are vital to guarantee it continues to align with your requirements and deliver value to your organization. For those looking to kickstart or further their journey in this realm, consider taking the Salesforce Code Builder Course

In conclusion, Salesforce Code Builder offers a comprehensive, accessible solution for developers of all skill levels. Its cloud-based nature removes the need for complex installations, making it a convenient and efficient tool for Salesforce development. As you venture into the world of Salesforce Code Builder, remember that the key lies in continuous learning, practice, and refinement of your skills. Happy coding!