Database and Objects in Salesforce

Data modeling in Salesforce is fundamental to designing and structuring the data within the platform. These data models are introduced to support an organization’s business processes and objectives effectively.

It involves creating a blueprint that defines how data will be organized, related, and stored in Salesforce objects, enabling efficient management, retrieval, and reporting of critical information. 

The database and objects in Salesforce form the backbone of data management and organization. Suppose you’re a student or an aspiring Salesforce professional. In that case, understanding these fundamental concepts is crucial for effectively harnessing the power of Salesforce.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the world of Salesforce databases and objects, breaking complex ideas down into simple, easy-to-grasp concepts.

What is a Database?

A database is a central repository for data, like a warehouse of all information, where you can systematically store data. In a database, the data is organized in rows and columns. So it can be accessed, managed, retrieved, and updated effortlessly. 

Databases are divided into two categories:

1. Relational Databases
2. Non-relational Databases or No SQL Databases

An organization may use them individually or combined, depending on the nature of the data and its required functionality. Databases do more than simply assist in structuring and organizing data through tables.

They are also used to store massive columns of data for various users. Some examples of databases are MySQL, SQL Server, MongoDB, Oracle Database, PostgreSQL, Informix, Sybase, and others.

For managing these databases, a Database Management System (DBMS) is used. The most commonly used language for interacting with and manipulating databases is Structured Query Language (SQL). 

Databases should do the following:

• Use tables to structure and organize information
• Load more data than RAM allows 
• Accommodate multiple users/admins

It is expected that databases can do the above, but not all databases are created equal. In some cases, databases are immobile, flat, and hyper-focused on a singular activity. 

Many of us might be aware of the pictorial representation of databases. If not, then let us show you the format as an instance for you:

Note: Some important rules of relational databases are as follows:

• Data related to each object/entity is stored in a separate table.
• Each table must comprise a number of columns of a particular data type, such as number, text, or date.
• Each table in a database must have a primary key that uniquely identifies each row. 
• Information is stored in the rows of tables.
• Tables can be related to other tables using the concept of primary key and foreign key.

What is the Salesforce Database?

In Salesforce, think of a database as an organized place where we gather and arrange data neatly. Salesforce uses a multi-tenant database architecture to manage customer data. Oracle has historically been used to efficiently handle customer data. This Oracle database is like a large storage space where all the information about Salesforce products, such as Sales Cloud, Service Cloud, and Marketing Cloud, is stored. 

Data is systematically organized into rows and tables inside the Salesforce database. Each row represents a single record, and each column represents a different piece of information about the record. So, this database does a great job of keeping important customer info like contact details, account info, and transaction history all in one place.

Architecture of Salesforce Database

The Salesforce database design architecture is intended to provide an adaptable and flexible interface for workers, customers, and partners. It is made up of multiple interconnected layers in sequence. The layers are joined to provide a strong and multi-tenant database. 

As a cloud-based corporation, all the components are housed in a multi-tenant database. It shares all database resources among all tenants and stores data securely. Data services, APIs, and AI services all rely on metadata. It is the fundamental layer of all the services.

Some important features of the architecture are as follows: 

• The multi-tenancy ensures that essential functions remain constant regardless of growth within the organization, data storage, or processing power.
• Metadata in the architecture includes all custom setups, scripts, and functions. This component allows the user to browse the site more quickly. 
• The APIs allow various software in the architecture to communicate with one another for quick information exchange. Their use is to find the metadata being sought. 

Aside from its functional characteristics, the physical organization of the Salesforce Database consists of several components. Salesforce uses distinct terminology for the three fundamental components of the database. Objects, Fields, and Records.

Let’s discuss them in detail.

What are Objects in Salesforce?

In Salesforce, data is organized into “objects.” Think of objects as the building blocks that structure your data. An object is a table that contains a collection of fields and records. Various sorts of relationships connect objects. The Salesforce platform supports the following types of Objects in Salesforce:

1. Standard Objects in Salesforce

These are the objects built within Salesforce for you. These include information such as Contacts, Leads, Accounts, and more. 

2. Custom Objects in Salesforce

These are the objects you can construct based on your needs for specific business processes and features. They extend the functionality of the standard object. 

3. External Objects in Salesforce 

These objects can be developed to map the data held outside your organization. The mix of these categories allows organizations to move between different types of data and make the platform flexible to their needs. 

Note: Each object in the Salesforce platform has several built-in features, such as the user interface, sharing model, security, and more. 

Now that you know about databases in Salesforce, their architecture, and their objects, let’s take a look at how you can interact with data in the database.

Database Query in Salesforce

You should see the data stored in databases in their raw form and query it based on specific criteria. You can use queries on Salesforce databases to uncover valuable insights from data.

For these queries, you have three choices:

• DML or Data Manipulation Language
• Salesforce Object Query Language (SOQL)
• Salesforce Object Search Language (SOSL)

One simple example of a query created in SOQL language structure is as follows:

Database Methods in Salesforce

These are the Database Class methods that provide another way to perform operations that are otherwise handled by DML statements, such as insert, update, etc. The main reason for using Database methods rather than DML statements is due to their flexibility. 

Consider these to get more insights:

• Database methods allow for partial updates. For example, if you want to insert 10 records into an object and there is a required field on the object, that field is not provided for all 10 records. It can be done in the Database method by specifying the parameter as true or false.
• You can get the list of successful and failed records in the Database methods. For example, a public static Database.SaveResult insert (sObjectrecordtoInsert, Boolean allOrNone). In this case, the allOrNone parameter specifies whether the operation allows partial success.

An example of an insert operation performed through the Database method is provided in the following:

//Insert operation using Database Method
APEX_Customer__c objCust = new APEX_Customer__c();
objCust.Name = 'Test';
insert objCust;
//Add 2 Invoices
//Create a list which will store invoices
List<APEX_Invoice__c> InvoiceListToInsert = new List<APEX_Invoice__c>();
//First Invoice
APEX_Invoice__c objCustInvoice1 = new APEX_Invoice__c();
objCustInvoice1.APEX_Status__c = 'Pending';
objCustInvoice1.APEX_Amount_Paid__c = 5000;
objCustInvoice1.APEX_Customer__c = objCust.Id;
InvoiceListToInsert.add(objCustInvoice1);
//Second Invoice
APEX_Invoice__c objCustInvoice2 = new APEX_Invoice__c();
objCustInvoice2.APEX_Status__c = 'Paid';
objCustInvoice2.APEX_Amount_Paid__c = 9000;
InvoiceListToInsert.add(objCustInvoice2);
//Database Insert method. We are passing two parameters.
//First: List of the Invoice records we need to insert
//Second: AllorNone
Database.SaveResult[] resultlist = Database.insert(InvoiceListToInsert, false);
//Check which records got successfully inserted and which got failed
for(Database.SaveResult SR : resultlist)
{
    //Successful records
    If(SR.isSuccess())
    {
        System.debug('Successfully inserted these records: '+SR.getID());
    }
    //Failed records
    else
    {
        for(Database.Error SRError : SR.getErrors())
        {
            System.debug('Following error has occured');            
            //Get error status code and message
            System.debug(SRError.getStatusCode()+' : '+SRError.getMessage());           
            //Know which fields are affected
            System.debug('Fields of Invoice object which are affected : '+SRError.getFields());
        }
    }
}

Database Model in Salesforce

In Salesforce, the database model is the blueprint that defines how data is structured, organized, and related within the platform. It outlines which objects exist, what fields they have, and how they’re interconnected. In the Salesforce platform, objects represent database tables, fields represent columns, and records represent rows. A proper data model ensures that Salesforce data is kept clean, accurate, and actionable. 

Some of the best practices for designing the data model that can help you make the most out of it are: 

• Using a naming convention that is both clear and consistent. 
• Create custom objects/fields only when necessary.
• Making a data model that is scalable and simple.
• Set appropriate permissions for the users in the data model.
• Avoid using any special characters in object/field names.

Salesforce Database Management

Salesforce Database management involves maintaining the integrity and security of your data. Salesforce takes care of most of this for you. But as a Salesforce professional, you should understand how data is backed up, secured, and accessed.

Salesforce’s database provides a quick, secure, and sophisticated way to connect to crucial data points. Specifically defined relationships link together items in Salesforce. 

Salesforce objects primarily have three types of connections. They are based on data sharing, accessing issues, and deletion. Database Class Salesforce holds the following sorts of relationships:

1. Many-to-many relationships
2. Many-to-One relationships
   • Master-Detail (tightly coupled)
   • Look Up (loosely coupled)
   • Hierarchical (Self relationship)

In a Nutshell

Salesforce databases and objects are the foundation of your CRM journey. They empower you to store, organize, and retrieve data efficiently, allowing businesses to make informed decisions and provide stellar customer experiences.

As a student or future Salesforce expert, familiarizing yourself with these concepts is a vital step in mastering the platform. So, explore Salesforce’s database architecture, and start building your data-driven success story in the world of CRM technology. In the next part of this series on data modelling, we will discuss applications and tabs in Salesforce.

Next Topic