What is apex?

Apex is a proprietary, object‑oriented programming language created by Salesforce. It runs on the Salesforce cloud platform (Force.com) and is used to write custom business logic, automate processes, and extend the functionality of Salesforce applications.

Let's break it down

  • Syntax: Apex looks a lot like Java - it uses classes, methods, variables, loops, and exception handling.
  • Execution: Code runs on Salesforce servers, so you never manage hardware or operating systems.
  • Key parts: You can write Apex classes (reusable code), triggers (code that runs automatically when data changes), batch jobs (large‑scale processing), and test classes (automated tests).
  • Security: Apex runs in a multitenant environment with built‑in security checks, such as field‑level security and sharing rules.

Why does it matter?

Apex lets businesses tailor Salesforce to their exact needs without leaving the platform. It enables automation of repetitive tasks, enforcement of complex validation rules, integration with external systems, and creation of custom user interfaces, all of which can boost productivity and reduce errors.

Where is it used?

  • Triggers: Automatically run code when records are created, updated, or deleted.
  • Custom Classes: Encapsulate reusable logic for Lightning components, Visualforce pages, or REST APIs.
  • Batch Apex: Process millions of records in chunks to stay within platform limits.
  • Scheduled Apex: Run jobs at specific times (e.g., nightly data clean‑up).
  • Integration: Call external web services or expose Salesforce data via custom APIs.

Good things about it

  • Built into Salesforce: No extra servers or infrastructure to manage.
  • Familiar syntax: Java developers can pick it up quickly.
  • Strong typing & compile‑time checks: Reduces runtime errors.
  • Robust security model: Enforces sharing rules and field‑level security automatically.
  • Rich tooling: Integrated with Salesforce Developer Console, VS Code extensions, and automated testing framework.

Not-so-good things

  • Platform‑only: Apex code runs exclusively on Salesforce; you can’t use it outside that ecosystem.
  • Governor limits: Strict runtime limits on CPU time, database queries, and memory to protect shared resources, which can make complex processing tricky.
  • Proprietary language: Learning Apex doesn’t directly translate to other platforms.
  • Debugging constraints: Real‑time debugging is limited; you often rely on logs and test results.
  • Longer deployment cycles: Changes must go through Salesforce change‑set or CI/CD pipelines, adding overhead.