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Over 150,000 customers from various industries use the Salesforce platform and Salesforce Customer 360 to run their organizations effectively.
Salesforce's success relies on thousands of administrators, consultants, and developers. Salesforce administrators and consultants can configure the platform without coding skills, while Salesforce developers can expand the platform in many ways.
Salesforce developers help solve complex problems related to custom Salesforce development. They customize the platform, integrate different systems, and develop customer apps. They use both coding and no-code tools to accomplish their tasks.
This post will discuss Salesforce programmers' roles, responsibilities, skills, and services they provide to customers.
What is a Salesforce Developer?
A Salesforce developer is a programmer who works on both the back-end and front-end of software. They create applications using the Salesforce platform, Lightning App Builder, and Heroku.
Salesforce engineers use various tools, including the Visualforce framework, Apex code, Aura components, and the Lightning framework. They also work with web services, SQL, Salesforce Object Query Language (SOQL), Salesforce Object Search Language (SOSL), HTML, and JavaScript.
Salesforce developers can work in various roles, such as consultants, CRM developers, integration engineers, data migration programmers, or developers focused on customization.
Salesforce Developer Languages and Platforms Engineers Use
A Salesforce programmer should be familiar with both front-end and back-end technologies and Salesforce developer tools and programming languages.
Force.com
This platform makes it easy to create cloud-based programs and systems.
Lightning App Builder
This tool helps you create pages and other components for your applications. It can be used for one-page apps and programs to control and download your reporting dashboards.
Heroku
This cloud platform is flexible and easy to scale. It helps Salesforce app developers work more efficiently on app development.
Apex
This programming language lets you create custom connectors, make API calls, and adjust systems as needed.
Visualforce
This framework is designed to create user interfaces using XML syntax. It is mainly used to generate HTML.
The Lightning Component
This is a modern user interface framework for building interactive web apps for both mobile and desktop devices. It includes two sets of Lightning Web components.
Lighting Aura Components
These components help create single-page apps and build multi-tier, separate components.
Salesforce Object Query Language (SOQL)
This language helps you search for specific information in Salesforce data within your organization. SOQL is made for Salesforce data, similar to how the SELECT statement works in Structured Query Language (SQL).
Salesforce Object Search Language (SOSL)
This language helps create text-based search queries for the search index.
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Read more about the Salesforce ecosystem and products in “What is Salesforce and what it is used for”
What Does a Salesforce Developer Do?
Salesforce developers create Lightning web components and Visualforce pages. They build custom features for Salesforce, help develop apps for AppExchange, and create integration solutions. They also make apps for internal use and list apps on AppExchange.
Salesforce Developer Requirements and Skills
Top Requirements for a Salesforce Developer
Basic Salesforce developers’ technical prerequisites include the following:
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Bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering
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Prior work experience in the development of applications and software
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Hands-on experience with scripting languages like MYSQL, JavaScript, Apex, Native, and VisualForce
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Proficiency in the Salesforce CRM platform
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In-depth experience with designing customer-facing interfaces
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Fundamental object-oriented programming techniques (OOPs)
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Basic knowledge of Java, C#, and .Net
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Apex DML, Apex Triggers, Apex Testing, Batch Apex
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Data management and modeling competence
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Understanding of Salesforce Object Query Language (SOQL) and Salesforce Object Search Language (SOSL)
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Experience in building and maintaining sites hosted on Force.com or Site.com
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Expertise in Lightning Framework
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APIs & Integrations
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Basic understanding of the development and maintaining Customer communities.
Salesforce Developer Qualifications and Necessary Certifications
To become a certified Salesforce developer, a software engineer should initially pass one of these essential exams:
Salesforce Certified App Builder
This certification teaches you how to use the no-code features of the Salesforce platform.
Platform Developer I
This certification will help you understand different programming features.
JavaScript Developer I
This certification shows that the developer is skilled in using JavaScript with NodeJS and web browsers.
A Salesforce developer can enhance their skills by earning either the Platform Developer II certification or the Application Architect certification. They can also pursue specialized certifications in specific areas.
B2C Commerce Developer
This certification shows the engineer can configure, manage users, and develop on the Salesforce B2C Commerce Digital platform.
Marketing Cloud Developer
This certification focuses on creating personalized messages and landing pages. It also covers advanced ways to segment your audience and effectively use reporting and analytics.
Industries CPQ Developer
This credential confirms that the programmer can create and set up software that helps with pricing and quoting for Salesforce clouds in the media, energy, and utilities sectors.
Omnistudio Developer
This certification shows you can use the tools in OmniStudio to create cloud apps.
Slack Certified Developer
This certification shows the developer can build interactive apps on the Slack platform.
MuleSoft Certified Developer
This credential shows the engineer can create, test, and launch APIs and integrations using the MuleSoft platform.
A Salesforce developer can advance to become a Salesforce Technical Architect. To do this, they must pass several certifications, including Identity and Access Management Architect, Integration Architect, and Data Architect.
You can learn more about available Salesforce certifications you may find in our blog post “How to Select a Salesforce Implementation Partner: In-Depth Guide from Certified Experts.”
Salesforce engineers need to be skilled in both technical tasks and soft skills.
Fundamental Salesforce Developer Skills
The desired set of Salesforce developer skills looks like this:
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Analytical skills,
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Communication skills,
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Problem-solving skills,
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Logical skills,
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Designer’s mindset,
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Attention to detail,
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Learner’s mindset,
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Process automation.
Hiring a certified Salesforce developer is not always essential for your project's success. However, certification shows that the developer is skilled in the Salesforce platform and solidifies their technical abilities.
The success of a development project does not rely only on the knowledge and skills of the developer.
The process is complex and has multiple steps. It begins with a detailed business and technical needs analysis, followed by development and management changes. If you look for someone who can do everything—like being a great developer, QA engineer, project manager, and business analyst all at once—you might end up with someone who isn’t good at any of those roles.
Partnering with a Salesforce developer company like Codleo is essential to avoid using a complicated solution that no one understands and doesn’t meet your business needs.
Our agency has over 70 Salesforce consultants, app builders, and developers. When you work with us, you tap into the combined knowledge of our entire team. We have successfully supported more than 300 businesses in the past 10 years.
We have substantial experience developing apps for AppExchange and custom software. This allows us to use the best practices for Salesforce development and stay updated on the latest business consulting and project management trends.
What Do Salesforce Developers Do for Clients? Their Key Responsibilities
Salesforce developers have a wide range of technical knowledge and skills. They can provide various consulting and development services, including:
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Salesforce technical consulting and system evaluation.
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Designing solutions (creating architecture) and reviewing code, including the considerations, limitations, and impact.
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We use batch classes to move data without losing or damaging it.
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Create designs that are easy to use and visually appealing. When setting up the components in the Lightning App Builder, use custom styles to support different versions of the components.
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You can create Lightning Components using the Lightning App Builder to make component development easier.
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Creating a database involves organizing data effectively. This includes removing duplicate entries, querying data from different types of objects, and ensuring that operations perform well while following system limits.
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Fixing code coverage problems and creating test classes.
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We create custom objects, reports, and dashboards tailored for sales and marketing needs.
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You can create custom fields and validation rules for new and existing objects. You can also add custom features using custom controllers and extensions.
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Manage user roles, application security, system security, single sign-on setup, and customized security rules.
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Design and development of Apex Classes, Controller Classes, extensions, and Apex Triggers across multiple objects and applications for various functional needs.
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We will integrate with third-party solutions already set up and running on the client’s systems.
Wrap Up
Salesforce development improves user experience and satisfaction with the product. A Salesforce developer works behind the scenes to customize your solution, address user issues directly, maximize your sales investment, and give you an edge over your competitors.
If you want to join the Salesforce team, you can get a precise estimate of your Salesforce project costs and hire skilled engineers. Codleo has over 70 Salesforce experts with experience in more than 10 Salesforce Clouds, AppExchange apps, and custom software development. Contact us to start improving your technology today.
Why Codleo as Your Salesforce Development Partner
Choosing Salesforce as your central CRM platform can be challenging, especially for custom development. Selecting the right Salesforce Cloud and customizing your system to fit your specific needs is essential. Custom development allows you to enhance Salesforce features beyond what is available, creating a platform that truly serves your business.
Salesforce development partners like Codleo Consulting help businesses build, customize, and scale Salesforce applications for long-term success. From developing apps for the AppExchange to creating custom workflows, integrations, and Lightning components, we make Salesforce work how you need it to.
Why Choose Codleo for Salesforce Development?
Codleo Consulting is a Salesforce Summit [Platinum] Consulting Partner and a software development company specializing in technical Salesforce implementations. We've helped global enterprises turn complex business needs into scalable Salesforce solutions for over a decade.
Visit our case studies to see our impact in action.
What We Offer:
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Custom Salesforce App & Component Development
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200+ Skilled Professionals including Salesforce Developers, App Builders, and Admins
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Salesforce Certified Resources with expertise in Apex, Lightning, and API integrations
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Onshore & Offshore Delivery Models to align with your budget
Have a Salesforce development project in mind but not sure how to begin? Whether you're looking to build from scratch or optimize your current setup, Codleo is your trusted Salesforce partner.
Explore our Salesforce Development Services or talk to us today.
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