Salesforce Code Editor

For developers working in the fluctuating world of Salesforce, the Salesforce Code Editor is an indispensable tool for efficient code writing. The Code Editor is a critical component of Salesforce development, and this series explores its inner workings to help you better understand it. 

In this blog, you will learn about:

• Features and capabilities of Salesforce code editor
• Different types of code editor
• Step-by-step process to guide you through code editor
• Detailed knowledge about the interface and all

Overview of Features and Capabilities of Salesforce Code Editor

Code Writing and Editing

• Syntax highlighting and autocompletion help developers write code efficiently.
• The console provides features like code folding for better code organization.

Debugging Tools

• For debugging purposes, developers can step through code execution, check variables, and set breakpoints.
• Logs and debug information help identify and resolve issues in the code.

Version Control

While Salesforce Developer Console does not provide built-in version control, developers often use external version control systems like Git.

SOQL and SOSL Query Tools

Developer Console includes tools for executing SOQL and SOSL queries to interact with Salesforce data.

• Execute Anonymous: Developers can run Apex code snippets anonymously using the Execute Anonymous feature for quick testing and experimentation.
• Testing Framework: Apex unit tests can be written and executed to ensure the robustness of the code.
• Deployment Tools: The console allows developers to deploy code between different Salesforce environments (e.g., sandbox to production).

Different Types of Salesforce Code Editors

Visual Studio Code (VS Code)

Salesforce provides extensions for Visual Studio Code that enable developers to build Salesforce applications directly in this widely-used IDE.

Illuminated Cloud

A popular third-party IDE built for Salesforce development on the IntelliJ IDEA platform.

Force.com IDE

An Eclipse-based IDE for Salesforce development. However, Salesforce has shifted its focus to VS Code for future development.

Navigating the Interface

File Explorer

The File Explorer, located on the left side of the window, provides a tree view of your project’s directory structure. It allows you to navigate files and folders, open, create, and delete files, and manage your project’s assets.

Iconography:

• Folders: Represented by a directory icon.
• Files: Displayed with their respective file type icons.

Right-Click Options:

• Open: Opens the selected file.
• New File/Folder: Creates a new file or folder.

Code Window

The central area of the interface is the code window. It displays the content of the currently opened file. Here are some key features:

Tabs:

• A tab at the top of the code window represents each open file.
• Click on a tab to switch between open files.

Code Highlighting:

• Syntax highlighting is applied to enhance the readability of your code.
• Different colors are used for keywords, strings, comments, etc.

Line Numbers:

•   The code window conveniently displays line numbers on the left for easy reference.

Minimap:

• A condensed version of the entire file is displayed on the right for quick navigation.

Search and Replace:

• Use the search bar at the top to find specific text in your file.
• Replace functionality is also available.

Code Folding:

• You can collapse and expand sections of your code for a cleaner view.

Integrated Terminal

It enables the execution of command-line commands directly within the editor, eliminating the need to switch between the two.

Terminal Tabs:

• Multiple terminal tabs can be opened for different tasks.

Command Execution:

• Run commands directly from the terminal.
• For Salesforce development, you might use the terminal to execute Salesforce CLI commands.

Output:

• Shows the output of commands and scripts.
• Error messages and warnings are also shown here.

Clear Terminal:

• Use the clear button to remove the previous output and start with a clean terminal.

Activity Bar

The Activity Bar is located on the side of the window and contains icons for different views and features:

Explorer Icon:

• Opens/closes the File Explorer.

Source Control Icon:

• Integrates with version control systems like Git.

Run and Debug Icon:

• Offers tools for running and debugging your code.

Extensions Icon:

• Manages installed extensions, including Salesforce-related extensions.

Status Bar

The Status Bar conveys details about your project’s current condition:

Programming Language Mode:

• Reveals the programming language in use for the current file.
• Cursor Position: Displays the cursor’s current location regarding line and column numbers.
•  Indicates the number of errors and warnings in the current file.

Also Read – Salesforce DX: A Complete Guide

Setting Up Your Salesforce Code Editor

Step 1: Install Visual Studio Code

Download and install Visual Studio Code. from the official website.

Step 2: Install Visual Studio Code extensions for Salesforce

1. Obtain and set up Visual Studio Code by downloading it from the official website.
2. Open Visual Studio Code.
3. Access the Extensions view by pressing Ctrl+Shift+X or clicking the Extensions symbol in the Activity Bar on the window’s side.

Step 3: Install Salesforce CLI

The Salesforce CLI (Command Line Interface) is essential for Salesforce development.

1. Download and install Salesforce CLI from the official Salesforce website: Salesforce CLI.
2. According to your operating system’s instructions, install the software.

Step 4: Authenticate Salesforce CLI with Your Org

1. Open a terminal in VS Code (`Ctrl+“) or any terminal you choose.
2. Run this command to log in to your Salesforce org: bashCopy code.
3. sfdx force:auth:web: login -a <your-org-alias> 
4. Follow the instructions to authenticate.

Step 5: Create a Salesforce Project

1. In VS Code, open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P).
2. Type and select “SFDX: Create Project.”
3. Choose the project type (Standard or Manifest).
4. Choose a directory and provide the name of your project.

Step 6: Open Your Salesforce Project in VS Code

1. Open VS Code.
2. Click on “File” > “Open Folder” and select the folder where you created your Salesforce project.

Step 7: Configure Your Salesforce Project

The Salesforce project should have a sfdx-project.json file. Update it with the necessary configuration, such as:

• Set the default username for your Salesforce org.
• Configure package directories and test levels.

Step 8: Connect your Salesforce Org with Visual Studio Code 

1. Open Visual Studio Code and go to the Command Palette (Ctrl + Shift + P).

2. Type and select “SFDX: Authorize an Org.” Choose the environment and provide the org alias.

3. Follow the prompts to enter org credentials in your default browser. Once done, your Salesforce org is connected to Visual Studio Code. Now, you’re ready for development!

Step 9: Install Salesforce Extensions (Optional)

You might want to install additional Salesforce-related extensions depending on your development needs.

Step 10: Start Coding

You can start coding in Salesforce using your configured VS Code setup. You can create, edit, and deploy Salesforce components directly from VS Code.

Developers’ Important Features

Syntax Highlighting and Code Completion

• Syntax Highlighting: Enhances code readability by using different colors for keywords, variables, and comments.
• Code Completion: Provides intelligent suggestions as you type, saving time and reducing errors.

Intelligent Code Suggestions

• Autocomplete: Predictive suggestions for code snippets and method names.
• Parameter Hints: Displays information about method parameters while typing.

Version Control Integration

• Git Integration: Seamless integration with Git for version control.
• Visual Diffs: Visual representation of code changes between different versions.
• Commit and Push: Execute Git commands within the editor.

Collaboration and Team Development

• Live Share: Team up instantly with members on the same codebase.
• Pair Programming: Work together with another developer in a shared session.

Integrating Code Reviews into the Code Editor

• Pull Requests: Review and comment on pull requests directly within the editor.
• Code Linters: Use linters to enforce coding standards during reviews.

Salesforce-Specific Features

 Salesforce CLI Integration

• SFDX Commands: Execute Salesforce CLI commands directly from the integrated terminal.
• Org Authentication: Authenticate and manage Salesforce org connections.

Apex Language Support

• Syntax Highlighting and Autocomplete: Enhanced support for Apex language features.
• Apex Unit Testing: Run and debug Apex unit tests.

Visualforce and Lightning Component Development

• Lightning Web Components (LWC): Tools for creating Lightning web components.
• Visualforce Pages: Develop and deploy Visualforce pages.

Conclusion 

A well-configured code editor is more than a tool; it catalyzes efficiency in Salesforce development. Mastering its intricacies empowers developers to write high-quality code, collaborate seamlessly, and quickly navigate projects. Investing time in optimization sets the stage for building robust solutions on the Salesforce platform.

To further enhance your skills, consider exploring saasguru’s Salesforce labs. A resource offering mini-projects and a step-by-step approach with real-time validation of your code and configurations. Whether you’re focusing on admin, developer, or interview scenario projects, saasguru’s Salesforce Labs provide a supportive environment where you can confidently progress at your own pace, without second-guessing. 

Join the saasguru today and take your Salesforce journey to the next level.