Salesforce Platform Developer 1 Tutorial: For Beginners

If you are a coder and passionate about developing applications then Salesforce Platform Developer 1 can be your dream job. Becoming a Salesforce Platform Developer 1 is a highly sought-after achievement in the field of Salesforce development. To earn this certification, you must successfully pass the Salesforce Certified Platform Developer 1 exam, which evaluates your understanding of the Salesforce Platform and your ability to design, develop, test, and deploy custom applications. 

This tutorial aims to teach the fundamentals of Salesforce Platform Development, providing the essential knowledge required to pass the Salesforce Platform Developer 1 Certification Exam.

In this tutorial, we will explore key concepts like the Salesforce data model, Apex programming language, Visualforce pages, and beyond.

Additionally, this article will discuss the diverse programmatic options Salesforce offers to help you build and customize your applications. Let’s get started

MVC Architecture

In Salesforce, the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture comprises three components: the Model, View, and Controller. The Model component is composed of standard objects such as Account and Opportunity, as well as custom objects that you create. It also includes fields and relationships that make up the data in your application.

The View component represents the presentation layer for displaying the data to the user. This includes Visualforce pages, page layouts, components, and tabs.

The Controller component serves as the application logic layer and is responsible for processing user interactions. Whenever a user interacts with a Visualforce page, the Controller takes over and performs the necessary actions based on the input.

To become a Salesforce developer, it is crucial to understand the workings of Salesforce applications. In action, the user sends information to the Salesforce application via Visualforce. This data is then transferred to the application logic layer written in Apex. Based on the data, the database is updated with inserts or removals. Additionally, Salesforce offers web services that allow direct access to the application logic. 

When developing applications in Salesforce, developers have two options: declarative or programmatic. To create the user interface, one can use the declarative approach, which involves page layouts and record types. Alternatively, one can use the programmatic approach, such as Visualforce pages and components. Generally, the programmatic approach should be used only if the necessary user interface cannot be achieved using the declarative approach.

Now that we’ve explored the workings of Salesforce applications, the MVC architecture used for Salesforce development, and the two approaches available to Salesforce developers, it’s time to delve into Apex and Visualforce.

Apex

One of the first things you’ll need to learn as a Salesforce Platform Developer 1 is Apex, Salesforce’s proprietary programming language. Apex is similar to Java and C#, but with a few unique features that make it perfect for developing on the Salesforce Platform. 

Apex is a powerful programming language designed specifically for the Salesforce Platform. One of its most important features is its ability to interact directly with the Salesforce database.

Related read – Apex Best Practices in Salesforce

With Apex, developers can easily create, read, update, and delete records in the Salesforce database. This means they can manipulate data in various ways, including performing complex queries and customizing data validation rules. Apex also includes several built-in features that simplify working with the Salesforce data model, such as support for object relationships and the ability to define custom fields and objects.

Along with its direct database capabilities, Apex also provides various options, making it an excellent choice for building custom applications on the platform. And one of the key components that developers will need to become familiar with is Visualforce.

Use Coupon Code BLOG20 to avail flat 20% discount on saasguru Programs.

Visualforce

This powerful markup language is used to create custom user interfaces that are tightly integrated with Apex. Similar to HTML, Visualforce defines the layout and content of custom pages and components.

Visualforce includes components like forms, tables, and charts, among others. These components can be customized and combined in various ways to create highly customized user interfaces that meet the specific needs of individual businesses and users.

There are several situations where Visualforce can be utilized, such as creating email templates, designing mobile user interfaces, generating PDF documents from Salesforce data, embedding them into standard page layouts, overriding standard Salesforce pages, and developing custom tabs for your application.

One of the most significant benefits of Visualforce is its tight integration with Apex. This allows developers to seamlessly connect the user interface with their applications’ underlying data and business logic, resulting in a powerful and efficient development experience.

Visualforce also includes many features that make creating responsive and mobile-friendly user interfaces easy. For example, it supports responsive design, allowing your pages to adjust automatically to different screen sizes and resolutions. It also supports mobile-specific features, such as touch events and device-specific styling.

Salesforce Maps also offer collaboration capabilities. Sharing the Map’s data with others enables them to access and modify it, fostering collaboration on projects by ensuring everyone is working with the same information. Moreover, users can leave comments on maps, allowing them to discuss the data easily. In this way, it is easy to solicit feedback and input from others.

SOQL And SOOL

Knowing how to retrieve and insert data from databases is an essential skill for software developers. In Salesforce, data retrieval can be achieved through the use of two query languages, namely SOQL and SOSL. If you aspire to be a Salesforce developer, you should be proficient in both these languages. Below is an elaborate explanation of these languages:

Salesforce Object Query Language (SOQL) is a query language used to retrieve data from the database in the form of a list of sObjects, a single sObject, or an Integer for the count method. Think of SOQL as similar to a SELECT SQL query.

SOQL is used to search your organization’s Salesforce data for specific information. It allows you to query data from standard or custom object records, child-to-parent relationships, and parent-to-child relationships. SOQL statements can be executed in Apex code using the database class methods, or through the Salesforce REST and SOAP APIs.

SOSL stands for Salesforce Object Search Language. SOSL is used to search for specific text within multiple fields across several standard or custom objects in Salesforce. SOSL queries can retrieve data that is not accessible through a single object query using SOQL. The syntax of SOSL queries is similar to the syntax of a full-text search query, where keywords are used to search for text in records.

Class and Method

Classes and methods are fundamental concepts in the Apex programming language, as they are in most object-oriented programming languages. A class can be thought of as a template that defines the properties and behavior of an object, while a method can be viewed as a subroutine that manipulates data and returns a value.

In Apex, classes can contain variables, methods, constructors, and other components. Each instance of a class represents a specific object, and each object can have its own unique attributes and behaviors. Methods in Apex are similar to functions in other programming languages and can be used to perform specific tasks or operations on data.

Developers use classes and methods in Apex to encapsulate code and make it reusable. By defining common behaviors and functionalities within a class, developers can create instances of the class whenever needed, saving time and effort in coding. Methods within a class can be called multiple times with different parameters, allowing developers to perform the same operation on different data sets.

Governor Limits and Bulk Operations

Governor Limits and Bulk Operations are important concepts in Salesforce that developers need to understand to build effective and efficient applications.

Governor Limits refer to the maximum amount of resources that can be used by an Apex transaction. These limits are put in place to ensure that a single transaction does not consume excessive resources, which could impact the performance and stability of the Salesforce platform. Some common Governor Limits include CPU time, heap size, and database queries. It is important for developers to understand these limits and design their code to work within them to avoid errors and exceptions.

Bulk Operations are a powerful feature in Salesforce that allows developers to perform a single operation on multiple records simultaneously. Bulk Operations can be performed using Apex code or through the Salesforce user interface. Common bulk operations include data imports, updates, and deletions.

When working with Governor Limits and Bulk Operations in Salesforce, developers must carefully consider the impact of their code on system resources. They should design their code to work within the Governor Limits and utilize Bulk Operations whenever possible to minimize resource usage and improve performance. It is also important to test their code thoroughly to ensure that it functions correctly and does not exceed the Governor Limits.

Development Lifecycle

The first step in the development lifecycle is to design the application. This involves working with your clients to understand their needs and requirements and developing a solution that meets those needs. You will need to create a data model, define the user interface, and determine the business logic used to process data.

Once the design is complete, you can begin developing the code. This involves writing Apex code to implement the business logic and creating Visualforce pages to define the user interface. You will also need to create test classes to ensure your code works correctly.

Testing is an important part of the development lifecycle. Salesforce provides several tools and frameworks that can be used to test your code, including the Apex Test Framework and the Lightning Testing Service. You will need to create unit tests, integration tests, and end-to-end tests to ensure your application functions correctly.

Finally, once your application is complete and tested, you can deploy it to production. Salesforce provides a number of tools and services to help you deploy your application, including the Force.com Migration Tool and the Salesforce CLI. 

After knowing the basics of the Salesforce Platform Developer 1 it is common to wonder what kind of study material you should use to sharpen your knowledge and where you can access the study content.

Salesforce Platform Developer 1 Study Material

Good Quality study material is crucial to becoming a Salesforce Platform Developer. Anyone who desires to stand out from the cloud computing industry’s crowd must be aware that earning Salesforce certification adds great value to your existing skill set. And study content is the backbone of the Salesforce certification journey. 

Consider the following points to clear your doubts about the study resources:-

1. While choosing the content to prepare for the certification exam, ensure that the content you receive is created by experienced professionals instead of some sites or platforms that distribute exam dumps in the name of certification prep material.
2. Utilize Salesforce’s official cert prep material available on Trailhead before going with the third-party content. Trailhead is the most trustworthy platform to access high-quality study resources like videos and modules. 
3. Another crucial component of Salesforce PD1 study material is the practice exams.
4.  

Salesforce Platform Developer 1 Practice Exams

• Salesforce Platform Developer 1 practice exams are an effective way to prepare for the certification exam. These exams simulate the actual exam and allow candidates to test their knowledge and skills. 
• Taking practice exams can help identify knowledge gaps and improve test-taking strategies, build confidence, and reduce test anxiety. Salesforce offers official practice exams for purchase on their website, while third-party practice exams can also provide a source of practice questions. It’s important to note that not all third-party practice exams are of the same quality or accuracy. 
• By utilizing practice exams, candidates can increase their chances of passing the certification exam and advancing their careers in the Salesforce ecosystem.

Refrain from Using Salesforce Platform Developer 1 Dumps

Salesforce Platform Developer 1 certification is valuable for developers seeking career advancement in the Salesforce ecosystem. However, the certification exam can be challenging, leading many candidates to turn to Salesforce Platform Developer 1 dumps for preparation.

While these dumps may provide practice questions and an idea of what to expect, it’s crucial to note that Salesforce does not officially endorse them. Using Salesforce Platform Developer 1 dumps for exam preparation is considered cheating and can result in certification revocation.

Moreover, relying on these dumps can lead to a narrow focus on memorization rather than a comprehensive understanding of the Salesforce platform and its capabilities. Outdated or inaccurate information in the dumps can also cause confusion and false confidence in candidates.

Fortunately, Salesforce offers official study materials, Trailhead modules, webinars, and practice exams to help candidates prepare for the Platform Developer 1 certification exam. Utilizing these resources ensures a comprehensive and ethical exam preparation process, ultimately assisting the candidates to develop and implement solutions on the platform.

Instead of relying on exam dumps, enroll in a Salesforce PD1 certification course to organize your cert prep journey and access the study modules created by Salesforce experts.

Salesforce Platform Developer 1 Certification Course

Salesforce Platform Developer 1 Certification Course provides an in-depth understanding of the platform and its features and prepares developers to take the Platform Developer 1 certification exam.

The course content for becoming a Salesforce Platform Developer 1 is comprehensive and covers various topics essential for developing custom applications on the Salesforce Platform. The course content is designed to help developers acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to pass the Salesforce Certified Platform Developer 1 exam. That is why it also covers hands-on exercises.

Some of the key topics covered in the course include Apex programming, which is the core programming language used to develop custom business logic and data manipulation on the Salesforce Platform.

In addition to the technical skills, the course also focuses on the best practices and methodologies for developing and deploying solutions on the Salesforce platform. This includes code testing, version control, and deployment strategies.

The Salesforce Platform Developer 1 Certification Course is available online and in person and can be completed at the candidate’s pace.

Upon completing the course, candidates will have a thorough understanding of the Salesforce platform and the skills needed to develop and deploy solutions.

Summing Up

With its cloud-based platform, automation capabilities, and customization options, Salesforce will continue to grow. Salesforce Platform Development is a valuable skillset for anyone looking to advance their career in the tech industry. 

The tutorial provides a comprehensive overview of the Salesforce platform, covering topics like Apex programming, Visualforce development, and Salesforce’s Lightning framework. By mastering the Salesforce data model, Apex programming language, and Visualforce pages, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Salesforce Platform Developer 1.To ace the Salesforce PD1 certification exam, enroll in the saasguru Salesforce PD 1  training program and kickstart your Salesforce journey.