Data and API – An Overview
Salesforce provides robust tools to access, manage, and integrate data using its powerful API (Application Programming Interface) offerings. Whether you’re working with third-party systems, building custom apps, or managing large volumes of data, Salesforce APIs are essential.
? What is Salesforce Data?
Salesforce data refers to all the information stored within your Salesforce org — including:
- Standard Objects: e.g., Accounts, Contacts, Opportunities.
- Custom Objects: User-defined objects tailored to your business.
- Metadata: Configuration data such as page layouts, validation rules, or custom fields.
- Files & Attachments: Documents, images, and other stored files.
? What is the Salesforce API?
The Salesforce API allows external systems and apps to interact with Salesforce data — enabling integrations, automations, and real-time data exchanges.
? Common Salesforce APIs
| API Name | Use Case | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| REST API | Access records using HTTP requests (GET, POST, etc.) | Mobile apps, web apps, integrations |
| SOAP API | A robust, XML-based API for working with Salesforce data | Enterprise systems, legacy apps |
| Bulk API / Bulk API 2.0 | Load or delete large volumes of data asynchronously | Data migrations, backups |
| Streaming API | Receive real-time updates via push notifications | Live dashboards, alert systems |
| Metadata API | Deploy or retrieve configuration and customizations | CI/CD, DevOps, version control |
| Tooling API | Access metadata for tools and IDEs | App development environments |
| GraphQL API (Pilot/GA) | Query multiple related objects in a single call | Performance-optimized queries |
? Authentication & Security
Salesforce APIs require secure authentication using one of the following:
- OAuth 2.0 – Recommended method for apps and integrations.
- Session ID / Token – Used in trusted, internal environments.
- Connected Apps – Used to register third-party apps and define access scopes.
All API interactions respect user permissions and profiles — so only authorized data is accessible.
⚙️ How to Enable and Use the API
- Ensure API Access
- Available in Enterprise, Unlimited, Developer, and Performance editions.
- Users must have the “API Enabled” permission.
- Create a Connected App (For OAuth)
- Go to Setup → App Manager → New Connected App.
- Enable OAuth settings, define callback URL and scopes.
- Use External Tools or SDKs
- Popular tools: Postman, Workbench, Data Loader, cURL.
- SDKs available in Java, JavaScript, .NET, and more.
?️ Example Use Cases
- Sync Salesforce Leads with a marketing platform (via REST API).
- Build a mobile app that reads and writes Contact records.
- Automate nightly data exports using Bulk API.
- Deploy changes between sandboxes using Metadata API.
- Get real-time notifications when an Opportunity is updated (via Streaming API).
? Best Practices
- Use the REST API for simplicity and speed.
- Use Bulk API for large data jobs to avoid hitting governor limits.
- Always respect API rate limits (based on edition/license).
- Secure your data using proper OAuth flows and scopes.
- Use Named Credentials for easier and more secure authentication.
? FAQs
Q: What’s the API limit in Salesforce?
A: Depends on edition and user licenses. You can check it in Setup > System Overview.
Q: Can I use APIs in Salesforce Lightning Experience?
A: Yes! API access works across Classic and Lightning interfaces.
Q: Is the API available in Salesforce Essentials?
A: No, API access is only available in higher editions like Enterprise and above.
