Getting Started With Apex as an Admin

From Clicks to Code

@ChrisAlunLewis

Christopher Alun Lewis Developer, Cloud Clew

Getting Started With Apex as an Admin

Why Code?

Changing Perceptions of Coding

Practical Methods in Learning to code Apex

Helpful Resources

What we will cover…...

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Why Code?The setup menu is fantastic, but it only allows you to do so much...

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Code is more fine controlledIt allows much more flexibility, to create more custom business processes

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Lose the labels!

DEVELOPER

ADMIN

SKILLS

UNDERSTANDING

Emphasis on skills over titles

Apex Code != Explosions It’s ok to make some mistakes, you will not blow up your org!

Keep safe with code

Get a

Developer

Edition

Make

Small

Changes

Use the

Setup

Menu

Test,

Test,

Test

Getting Started Strategy : It’s all about what YOU want!In my experience, the best way to learn something is:

GET

HANDS ON!

CREATE SOMETHING YOU WANT!

Example 1: Verifying Configuration Logic with Apex Tests

Changes are always happening in your org

How do you make sure all your workflows / processes still work?

Build an Apex test class! They ensure functionality works, not just code.

Tests methods are easy to start with as they always follow the same pattern:

SetupRecords

VerifyResults

Perform Action

Example Workflow Rule

SetupRecords

PerformAction

VerifyResults

Class

Check the Test Passes Using the Developer Console

Example 2: Automating a Repetitive Task

Have a mundane repetitive job you have to do every morning /week/month?

Use scheduled Apex to do it automatically!

Example: Deactivating users who haven’t logged in for 90 days….

Example Class

Scheduling Through the Setup Menu

Scheduling Through the Setup Menu

Example 3: Build an App/Controller to Help you!

Think of something that you wish was easier in your day to day job

Do you have a need to update several related records at once?

Mass migrate users between profiles?

Create it using a new Apex Class and Visualforce Page / Lightning Component

Coding Buddies!! Check out your local Developer User Group

Salesforce StackExchange

Helpful Resources

Getting Started With Apex as an Admin

Why Code?It opens up infinite possibilities of customisation not possible with clicks

Changing Perceptions of CodingOvercome your fears and be prepared to make mistakes, if you never try you never learn.

Practical Methods in Learning to code ApexUse Test Methods to verify your org configuration, build code that helps you!

Helpful ResourcesCoding Buddies / DUGs / StackExchange

What we’ve covered

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Q&A

Thank Y u