Apex is a powerful programming language used to customize Salesforce applications. Writing efficient and scalable Apex code is crucial for maintaining performance and ensuring future scalability. Below are some best practices to follow when writing Apex code.
1. Follow Governor Limits
Why? Salesforce enforces governor limits to ensure shared resources are efficiently used.
Best Practices:
1. Optimize SOQL queries by using selective filters.
2. Avoid using DML statements inside loops.
3. Use bulk processing techniques.
2. Use Bulk Processing
Why? Apex should be written to handle large datasets efficiently.
Best Practices:
1. Use collections (Lists, Sets, Maps) to process records in bulk.
2. Use FOR EACH loops instead of single record processing.
3. Implement batch Apex for processing large data volumes.
3. Avoid SOQL and DML in Loops
Why? Running SOQL queries or DML operations within loops can lead to performance issues and hitting governor limits.
Best Practices:
1. Query records before the loop and store them in a collection.
2. Perform bulk DML operations outside the loop.
4. Use Custom Settings and Custom Metadata
Why? Hardcoding values in Apex code is a bad practice.
Best Practices:
1. Store configurable values in Custom Settings or Custom Metadata Types.
2. Implement Exception Handling
5. Use them dynamically in Apex to enhance maintainability.
Why? Proper error handling ensures a better user experience and easier debugging.
Best Practices:
1. Use try-catch blocks to handle exceptions.
2. Log errors using a custom logging mechanism.
3. Provide meaningful error messages.
- Use Asynchronous Processing When Necessary
Why? For time-consuming operations, consider asynchronous methods.
Best Practices:
1. Use Future Methods for simple asynchronous execution.
2. Use Queueable Apex for chaining jobs.
3. Use Batch Apex for processing large records efficiently.
4. Use Scheduled Apex for executing jobs at specific times.
- Use Security Best Practices
Why? To ensure data security and compliance.
Best Practices:
1. Enforce field-level and object-level security using WITH SECURITY_ENFORCED in SOQL queries.
2. Use isAccessible(), isUpdateable(), and isDeletable() methods.
3. Avoid hardcoding user IDs and profile names.
- Write Test Classes with High Coverage
Why? Salesforce requires at least 75% code coverage for deployment.
Best Practices:
1. Use @isTest annotation.
2. Create test data using Test.loadData() or Test.createData().
3. Cover positive, negative, and bulk scenarios.
4. Use Test.startTest() and Test.stopTest() to handle governor limits.
- Optimize SOQL Queries
Why? Inefficient SOQL queries can slow down performance.
Best Practices:
1. Use indexed fields for selective queries.
2. Avoid using SELECT *; instead, query only required fields.
3. Use LIMIT and ORDER BY when necessary.
- Follow Apex Design Patterns
Why? Using design patterns improves code maintainability and reusability.
Best Practices:
1. Singleton Pattern for reusing objects.
2. Repository Pattern for managing database interactions.
3. Factory Pattern for creating test data efficiently.