Salesforce's Metadata API
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A Salesforce's Metadata API is a Web API that allows developers to retrieve, create, deploy, update, or delete customized information in Salesforce, such as custom object definitions and page layouts.
- Context:
- It can (typically) be used for managing the modification and release process for complex Salesforce organizations.
- It can (often) allow developers to migrate configuration changes between Salesforce organizations or export customization as XML metadata files.
- It can (typically) enable developers to manage customizations programmatically using XML metadata files and modify existing customizations in the organization.
- It can (often) be accessed using tools like the IDE of Force.com or Ant Migration Tool, which are built on top of the Metadata API.
- It can (often) involve working with both managed and unmanaged packages in Salesforce.
- It can (typically) support different types of metadata, including Account Settings, AccountRelationshipShareRule, ActionLinkGroupTemplate, and AnalyticSnapshot, among others.
- It can (often) be integral in creating and maintaining flexible Salesforce applications tailored to specific business needs.
- It can (often) require knowledge of Salesforce's customization features and understanding of metadata and data distinctions in Salesforce.
- ...
- Example(s):
- Counter-Example(s):
- Direct data manipulation using Salesforce's Data APIs.
- Standard Salesforce customization without the use of an API.
- Non-programmatic customization of Salesforce orgs, such as manual changes in the Salesforce UI.
- See: Salesforce Einstein's API, Force.com IDE, Salesforce Customization.
References
2024
- (Salesforce Developers, 2024) ⇒ Salesforce Developers. (2024). “Salesforce Metadata API Introduction.” In: https://developer.salesforce.com/docs/atlas.en-us.api_meta.meta/api_meta/meta_intro.htm).
- NOTE: This source provides an introduction to the Salesforce Metadata API, detailing its functionalities and uses in Salesforce customization.
- (Salesforce Ben, 2024) ⇒ Salesforce Ben. (2024). “What Is Salesforce Metadata? A Complete Overview.” In: https://www.salesforceben.com/).
- NOTE: This article describes Salesforce metadata and differentiates it from data, explaining various metadata types and how they are used within Salesforce.
- (Forcetalks, 2024) ⇒ Forcetalks. (2024). “Understanding Metadata API in Salesforce | The Developer Guide.” In: https://www.forcetalks.com/).
- NOTE: This guide provides insights into the workings of Salesforce's Metadata API, including how to create custom objects and fields through the API and its limitations.
- (Janbask Training, 2024) ⇒ Janbask Training. (2024). “A Complete Guide for Salesforce Metadata API.” In: https://www.janbasktraining.com/).
- NOTE: This comprehensive guide covers the use of Salesforce Metadata API for managing modification and release processes in Salesforce, including handling both managed and unmanaged packages.