Introduction to Apex Programming

Apex is object-oriented. It is also an on-demand programming language. Just like any other programming language, it can be compiled, stored, and run. This can be entirely done on the Force.com platform. Apex syntax is almost similar to Java and acts like the stored procedures. In Apex, the developers can attach business logic to the record save process. Moreover, Apex has built-in support for unit test creation and its execution. Apex is a language that is perfect for a multi-tenant environment, that is why it is perfect for the Force.com platform. Apex is developer-friendly and is easy to use. Moreover, version control is super easy in Apex.

How does Apex work?

Using the Apex programming language, when the developers write & save the code in the platform, it is compiled on the force.com platform. Then the program is stored in the form of metadata in the Salesforce servers. In this case, the end-users can send the request from UI and then retrieve results from Salesforce servers. This has been described in the architecture below.

Special features of Apex

Apex has certain capabilities, that is why it is quite famous amongst the developers. These features are listed below:

The Apex programming language supports DML calls which can be used to insert, update, and delete a record.
With Apex programming, we can retrieve records with Inline SOQL or SOSL statements.
We can do bulk processing with a looping control structure.
Apex has got a unique feature of a record locking syntax, that can prevent record update conflicts.
With apex, we can create custom public API calls.
It supports the sending and receiving of emails.
Apex programming language supports integrating Web services or XML requests.
It provides warnings and errors to prevent objects referenced by Apex from being modified.

What is the difference between, conventional programming language and Apex programming language?

The core difference between Apex and a conventional programming language, Apex programming language is completely constrained, as it can perform only what the system allows to do. A conventional language is not controlled by any system, it is independent and not system dependent.

Apex Class & Apex Triggers

Apex Classes refer to a collection of variables and a complete library of methods that can be reused. On the other hand, Apex Trigger is a script that gets executed before or after a specific data manipulation language (DML) event, implemented on a particular Salesforce object.

When we should use the Apex programming language?

Certain scenarios are tailor-made for using Apex Programming language. Some of these scenarios are described below:

Apex is custom made for the application of complex business logic to rows of data then needs to be saved by any means.

When we need to create additional web services API functionality for taking out a logic either within Salesforce or to any of the external applications.

Apex can be used for calling out to external Web service and then process the results.

Apex can be used to program the handling of incoming or outgoing emails which is quite complex.