What Does a Salesforce Developer Do?

If you want a comprehensive understanding of the Salesforce platform and its opportunities, then the job profile of a Salesforce developer is the most suitable for you. 

This guide will unwind the mystery behind a Salesforce developer’s multiple roles and responsibilities. 

The field of Salesforce App Developer is specifically created for those whose world revolves around coding in multiple languages. The Salesforce developers create business processes and custom applications using various tools provided by Salesforce. They connect and collaborate with the Sales, assistance, and marketing team to make sure that they are fulfilling the customers’ needs. 

So, the job of a Salesforce developer involves performing various tasks, and due to technical skills, it always remains higher in demand. 

Who is a Salesforce Developer, and what does a Salesforce developer do?

Salesforce developers customize and manage the Salesforce platform by using three technologies:-

1. Visualforce
2. Apex
3. Lightning Platform

Working as a Salesforce developer includes the following tasks:-

1. Customization of the Salesforce platform
2. Coming up with analytical and precise solutions
3. Being able to understand and fulfill the client’s needs
4. Solving problems using computer code

So, organizations demand Salesforce developers if the Salesforce implementation includes platform customization and database modeling.

Some other tasks performed by the Salesforce developers are the following:-

1. Writing backend logic using Apex
2. Integrating Salesforce with other systems
3. Creating and handling customer communities
4. Maintaining appexchange solutions
5. Configuration of the CRM products

The junior-level Salesforce developers are responsible for assisting business users, handling the project documentation, working closely with the Salesforce admins, deploying code, initiating new projects, test cases, and user manuals, writing codes, and maintaining code quality. 

On the other hand, the Salesforce developers with more than five years of experience have higher responsibilities and tasks to perform. It includes fulfilling the business requirements by meeting clients and analysts, creating the custom solutions using Salesforce functionality, heading the entire deployment process, handling post-deployment tasks, guiding junior developers, collaborating with the marketing and sales teams, etc. 

If you want to start your career as a Salesforce developer, you must understand the three crucial certifications that you can obtain:-

• Salesforce Platform App Builder certification- The credential is for professionals who know how to use pre-built functions and APIs on Salesforce to design custom applications.
• Salesforce Platform Developer 1 certification- The certification is designed for those who have experience working with the Salesforce platform and knows how to implement programmatic solutions on the Salesforce platform. Go through the exam guide for Salesforce Platform Developer 1 certification. The guide will help you decide on the right strategy for you.
• Salesforce Platform Developer 2 certification- This certification is created for individuals who have advanced programming skills using the lightning platform and also understand data modeling to come up with solutions for complex business problems. 

So, to obtain these certifications, you need to prepare with an intelligent strategy and plan. You can follow the below-listed steps to start your learning journey for a Salesforce developer job.

1. Learn and clear your basics of software development. You must know your way around Apex, SOQL, Visualforce, and Java.
2. Join an online course and take the help of Trailhead modules as much as you can. Follow the official Salesforce guide and design some business apps once you complete your basics by following the Trailhead lessons.
3. Improve and work on your soft skills such as troubleshooting, communication, and problem-solving skills. Theoretical knowledge and technical skills are essential. But soft skills are equally necessary for a Salesforce certification.

Besides, grow your network on the Trailhead community and LinkedIn to explore more about the Salesforce ecosystem. 

How AI is Shaping the Future of Salesforce Development

Here’s a breakdown of how AI is impacting different aspects of Salesforce development:

1. AI-Powered Workflow Automation

AI tools, such as Einstein Automate, enable developers to build smarter workflows with minimal coding effort. This automation allows Salesforce Developers to create business processes that learn and adapt over time, optimizing workflows for efficiency. Developers can automate repetitive tasks like data entry, process triggers, and updates, reducing manual intervention and human error. 

For example, developers can use Einstein Automate to build complex multi-step workflows that analyze data patterns and trigger actions based on predictive insights.

2. Predictive Analytics for Enhanced Decision-Making

Salesforce Einstein’s AI capabilities, like Einstein Prediction Builder, allow developers to integrate predictive analytics directly into their applications. Developers can create custom models that predict outcomes such as customer churn, lead conversion likelihood, or sales forecasting. 

This AI integration allows developers to build apps that provide actionable insights, enabling businesses to make data-driven decisions. By embedding predictive models, developers can help companies optimize their marketing, sales, and customer service strategies.

3. Personalized Customer Experiences through AI

Salesforce Developers are now using Einstein GPT to build applications that deliver highly personalized customer experiences. AI-powered chatbots and recommendation engines can be easily integrated into custom applications, providing users with real-time suggestions and support. 

Developers can use these tools to create intelligent apps that adapt to user preferences and behaviors, offering tailored product recommendations, personalized service responses, or predictive lead scoring.

4. AI-Enhanced Custom Lightning Web Components (LWC)

With the integration of AI tools like Einstein Vision and Einstein Language, developers can build Lightning Web Components that process images, text, and language. For example, Einstein Vision allows developers to build applications that can recognize images, while Einstein Language can analyze text sentiment and intent. 

This allows developers to create powerful, AI-driven custom components that enhance the front-end user experience, making apps more interactive and responsive to user input. These components are particularly useful for industries like e-commerce, where visual product recognition and personalized service can drive customer satisfaction.

5. AI in Data Management and Integration

AI is revolutionizing how Salesforce Developers handle data. Tools like Einstein Data Insights help developers create intelligent data pipelines that clean, enrich, and deduplicate data automatically. 

By integrating AI into data management processes, developers can ensure that the Salesforce instance remains optimized and accurate, reducing the need for manual data cleaning and making integration with third-party systems more efficient.

6. AI-Powered Testing and Deployment

AI can even assist in testing and deployment processes. With AI-powered testing tools, developers can automate test cases and simulate real-world scenarios to ensure their applications run smoothly across different environments. 

AI can predict potential deployment issues and suggest fixes before code goes live, making the development process faster and more reliable.

To Sum Up

The job involves developing innovative, evolving, and unique solutions for the Salesforce platform. As a Salesforce developer, you get a chance to work on the most advanced technology, and as you gain more experience, you get an opportunity to negotiate a higher salary.

So, if you are thinking about starting your career as a Salesforce developer, take the next crucial step by enrolling in the saasguru Salesforce Developer Training Course and getting certified. 

FAQs

1. What is the role of a Salesforce Developer?

A Salesforce Developer customizes and manages the Salesforce platform by creating tailored business processes, applications, and solutions using tools like Apex, Visualforce, and Lightning Platform. 

They collaborate with teams across the organization to ensure Salesforce implementations meet business needs and client requirements. Their role also involves integrating Salesforce with other systems, developing custom functionalities, and maintaining apps on the Salesforce AppExchange.

2. Does Salesforce developer require coding?

Yes, a Salesforce Developer’s role involves coding. They primarily use Apex, Salesforce’s proprietary coding language, to create backend logic, as well as Visualforce and Lightning Web Components for building user interfaces. Developers write code to customize the Salesforce platform, automate processes, and build custom applications and solutions.

3. What does it take to be a Salesforce Developer?

To become a Salesforce Developer, you need a strong foundation in software development, including familiarity with programming languages such as Apex, Java, SOQL, and JavaScript. You also need to understand Salesforce’s data model, security, and user interface development. 

Earning Salesforce certifications (e.g., Platform App Builder, Platform Developer I, and II) is a crucial step to validating your skills. Additionally, soft skills like communication and problem-solving are important, as developers often collaborate with multiple teams.

4. What coding language does Salesforce use?

Salesforce uses several coding languages, including Apex (for server-side logic), Visualforce (for user interface creation), SOQL (Salesforce Object Query Language), and Lightning Web Components (LWC), which are built using JavaScript.

5. Is Salesforce front-end or backend?

Salesforce development involves both front-end and back-end development. Front-end development includes creating user interfaces using Lightning Web Components and Visualforce. 

Back-end development involves writing business logic and server-side automation using Apex. Salesforce Developers often work on both aspects depending on the project.

6. Is Salesforce Developer a good career?

Yes, Salesforce Developer is a great career path. With the increasing demand for Salesforce customization across industries, skilled developers are highly sought after. The role offers opportunities for growth, specialization (e.g., becoming a Salesforce Architect or Consultant), and competitive salaries.

Additionally, as Salesforce continues to integrate cutting-edge technologies like AI, the career outlook for developers remains strong.