Getting Started with Writing Code in Salesforce Developer Console

Salesforce provides a powerful cloud-based platform for developing applications, and the Salesforce Developer Console is a built-in tool that allows developers to write, test, and debug Apex code efficiently. For those getting started with writing code in Salesforce Developer Console, this guide will provide a solid foundation.

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What is Salesforce Developer Console?

The Salesforce Developer Console is an integrated development environment (IDE) within Salesforce that allows developers to:

Write Apex classes and triggers
Execute SOQL (Salesforce Object Query Language) queries
Debug and analyze logs
Run test classes for Apex code
Monitor performance and troubleshoot issues

Now, let’s dive into the steps to start writing a program in the Salesforce Developer Console.

Steps to Write a Program in Salesforce Developer Console

Step 1: Open the Salesforce Developer Console

1. Log in to your Salesforce org.
2. Click on your profile icon (top-right corner).
3. Select Developer Console from the dropdown.

This will open the Developer Console in a new window.

Step 2: Open the Correct Tab to Write Code

Creating a New Apex Class

If you want to write a new Apex class, follow these steps:

1. Click on File → New → Apex Class.

2. A pop-up window will appear. Enter a name for your class (e.g., MyFirstClass).
3. Click OK.

4. A new tab will open in the Developer Console where you can write your Apex code.

Example: Writing a Simple Apex Class

Now, type the following code in the newly opened tab:

public class MyFirstClass {
    public static void sayHello() {
        System.debug('Hello, Salesforce Developer!');
    }
}

• public class MyFirstClass → Declares the class.
• public static void sayHello() → Defines a method that prints a message.
• System.debug('Hello, Salesforce Developer!'); → Logs the message to the debug log.

This creates a class named MyFirstClass.
It has a method sayHello() that prints a message in the debug log.

Step 3: Save the Apex Code

Once you have written the code:

1. Click File → Save OR press Ctrl + S (Windows) / Cmd + S (Mac).

2. If there are no errors, the code will be saved successfully.

Step 4: Open the Execute Anonymous Window

To run the Apex method, use the Execute Anonymous Window.

How to Open Execute Anonymous Window?

1. Click on Debug → Open Execute Anonymous Window.

2. A new pop-up window will appear.

Step 5: Write Code to Execute the Class Method

In the Execute Anonymous Window, type the following code:

MyFirstClass.sayHello();

This calls the method inside the class you created.

Step 6: Execute the Code

1. Click the Execute button.
2. The code runs immediately, and the output is recorded in the Debug Logs.

Step 7: Check the Debug Logs for Output

To see the output:

1. Click Logs (bottom panel in Developer Console).
2. Select the latest log entry.
3. In the log file, search for System.debug output.

You should see:

CopyEditHello, Salesforce Developer!

Hello, Salesforce Developer!

Bonus: Running SOQL Queries in Developer Console

If you need to fetch records from Salesforce, use the Query Editor.

How to Open the Query Editor?

1. Click on Query Editor at the bottom of the Developer Console.
2. Enter a SOQL query.

SELECT Id, Name FROM Account LIMIT 10

3. Click Execute to fetch records.

Summary of Tabs to Open at Each Step

Additional Features in Developer Console

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, explore the following features:

1. SOQL Queries → Run database queries using Query Editor.
2. Debug Logs → Analyze execution flow and troubleshoot errors.
3. Apex Test Execution → Test your code with unit tests.
4. Triggers → Automate processes with Apex triggers.

Conclusion

Writing and executing Apex code in the Salesforce Developer Console is simple if you follow the correct steps. You need to:

1. Open the Developer Console.
2. Create an Apex Class in the Apex Class Editor Tab.
3. Write and Save the Code.
4. Open Execute Anonymous Window to run the method.
5. Check the Debug Logs for output.

By following this structured approach, you can efficiently develop, test, and debug Apex code in Salesforce.

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