Blog Summary

  • Explore Salesforce Apex interview questions covering basic concepts, intermediate development topics, advanced Apex practices, and asynchronous Apex.
  • Explore important topics like Triggers, SOQL, SOSL, test classes, and exceptions.
  • Understand why Apex interview questions matter in 2026 and how they help you prepare for real-world Salesforce development scenarios.

Are you preparing for the Salesforce Apex interview? We’ve got your back! Understanding this powerful programming language can be tedious, but we have provided you with the most popular Apex interview questions and answers. 

Remember that the key to success is not simply memorizing answers but also capturing the fundamental concepts and applying them in real-world settings. Keep practicing, being curious, and improving your knowledge to become an expert Salesforce Developer. To feel confident and well-prepared, you should read the entire questions covered in our blog. 

Salesforce Apex Interview Questions for Beginners

1. What is Apex?

Apex is an OOP (Object-Oriented Programming Language) that helps developers implement transactional control statements and execute flow in association with calls to the API. It uses syntax that is quite similar to Java syntax, but it works like a database-stored process. Apex enables developers to carry out business logic with the majority of system events, including tab clicks, associated record updates, and Visualforce pages. 

2. What is Apex Scheduler? 

Apex Scheduler is a useful feature that is used to schedule the logic written in an Apex class that implements the Schedulable interface at specified times.

To schedule an Apex class: 

 public class DailyCleanupJob implements Schedulable {
    public void execute(SchedulableContext sc) {
        Database.executeBatch(new CleanupBatch(), 200);
    }
}
// Every day at 2:00 AM
System.schedule('Daily Cleanup', '0 0 2 * * ?', new DailyCleanupJob());

3. What is an Abstract Class? 

An abstract class in object-oriented programming cannot be constructed on its own but is intended to be subclassed. It may include abstract methods without implementation, which derived classes must define.

4. What do you understand about Scheduler Class in Apex? 

A Scheduler Class in Salesforce is an Apex class that implements the Schedulable interface, allowing you to schedule Apex code to execute at specific intervals, such as daily or weekly, via the Salesforce user interface or the System.schedule() method.

Interview readiness check

Think you are ready for a Salesforce Developer interview?

5 quick questions. Find out where you stand before the real interview.

Question 1 of 5 Salesforce Developer

You have both a before insert and after insert trigger on Opportunity. A field needs to be stamped before the record hits the database. Which trigger do you use?

A. After insert, it runs after the record is saved so it’s safer
B. Before insert, changes here go straight to the record without a separate DML
C. Doesn’t matter, both can update fields the same way
D. Before insert fires first but you still need after insert to persist the value
Question 2 of 5 Salesforce Developer

Which of the following is true regarding Platform Events in Salesforce?

A. Platform Events are always published immediately or after commit depending on publish behavior
B. They cannot be subscribed to using Lightning Web Components (LWC)
C. They do not support database rollbacks even if the transaction fails
D. They are processed synchronously within the publishing thread
Question 3 of 5 Salesforce Developer

How do you prevent trigger recursion in Salesforce Apex?

A. Using a System.runAs() block inside the trigger execution
B. Using a custom setting to dynamically disable triggers
C. Using a public static boolean flag variable in a helper class
D. Trigger recursion is automatically prevented by the multi-tenant architecture
Question 4 of 5 Salesforce Developer

What is the correct way to query related parent fields in a LWC wire service using GraphQL or standard Apex wire?

A. Using standard SELECT Account.Name, (SELECT Contact.Name FROM Contacts) FROM Account
B. Using parent-to-child relationship dot notation like Account__r.Name
C. LWC wire services do not support querying relationship fields directly
D. Querying parent fields via relationship notation Account.Name using the fields parameter
Question 5 of 5 Salesforce Developer

When integrating Apex with callouts, which exception is thrown if you perform a DML operation before making a callout in the same transaction?

A. DmlException
B. CalloutException (“You have uncommitted work pending…”)
C. System.LimitException
D. No exception is thrown; Salesforce automatically splits it into two transactions

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5. What are Apex Triggers? 

Apex Triggers are scripts that run before or after a Salesforce record is created, changed, or deleted. They are used to carry out specialized tasks and automate procedures.

6. What are SOSL and SOQL?

SOSL (Salesforce Object Search Language) and SOQL (Salesforce Object Query Language) are query languages used to search for Salesforce data. SOQL queries a single object, but SOSL queries many objects.

Features SOQL SOSL
Purpose Retrieve records by criteria Search text across objects
Search Scope Usually one or related objects using relationships Multiple objects at once
Returns List<SObject> List<List<SObject>>
Example SELECT Name FROM Account FIND ‘John’ IN ALL FIELDS

7. What do you mean by test class in Apex? 

The test class in Apex is useful for writing unit tests for customized Apex code. It helps ensure that code works expectedly and meets the standard requirement of having at least 75 percentage of code coverage.

8. How do you deal with exceptions in Apex? 

There is a unique approach of using try-catch blocks to handle the exceptions in Apex. In this process, developers try a block of code and detect any exceptions that arise. This process allows us to prevent errors gracefully. 

Example:

try {
    insert accounts;
} catch (DmlException e) {
    for (Integer i = 0; i < e.getNumDml(); i++) {
        System.debug(e.getDmlMessage(i));
    }
} catch (Exception e) {
    // log, then rethrow if the caller needs to know
    throw e;
} finally {
    // cleanup that always runs
}

9. Differentiate between before and after trigger.

Before triggers are used to alter or validate record values before saving them to the database, whereas after triggers are used to retrieve system-set record values, such as a record’s ID and perform actions like DML on related record, validation, Sending email, etc.

Features Before Trigger After Trigger
Runs Before the records are saved to the database. It runs after the record is saved to the database.
Main Use Validate or change the record Update the related records
Record ID Not available for new records Available after the record is saved
Example Set or modify a field before saving Create a related Task after saving

10. What is an Apex transaction? 

An Apex transaction is a collection of actions completed as a single unit. All operations either finish successfully or are rolled back in the event of an error.

Read More:

What is Apex and its Features

Salesforce Apex Interview Questions for Professionals

1. What are the best ways to write maintainable Apex Code?

There are some best practices that include writing usable and modular code, consistent and clear conventions and adhering to coding standards of the Salesforce. Some pointers that you can consider are:-

  • One trigger per object that delegates to the handler class.
  • Use custom metadata, named credentials and no hard-coded URLs.
  • Write proper test cases to achieve code coverage and validate the functionality.
  • Use static analysis tools such as Salesforce Code Analyzer to identify potential code quality and security issues.

2. How would you use the custom metadata types in the Apex?

Apex uses custom metadata classes to store customizable application data, which can be fetched effectively in code without exceeding SOQL restrictions.

3. What is Apex Context, and what are its types? 

Apex context is the execution environment in which Apex code runs, such as batch jobs, web services, and triggers. Every context has its own behavior and governor limits. 

4. How to manage transactional control in Apex?

In Apex, transactional control is managed by using the methods of the Database class for DML operations that allow granular error control and partial success handling. 

5. How do we handle callout limits in Apex? 

Callout limits can be controlled by batching callouts when practical, implementing future methods or batch Apex for asynchronous calls, and keeping track of callout times and sizes.

6. What strategies can be implemented to manage governor limits in complex Apex applications? [Asked at Accenture]

Should ensure that code is following best practices, like not using DML or SOQL queries. Also, whenever any bulk or long-running processes are taking place, then you need to use asynchronous Apex. Developers use Salesforce technologies to provide efficient exception handling and monitor system limits.

To manage Salesforce governor limits, developers should follow Apex best practices.

  • Avoid SOQL and DML operations inside loops.
  • Use bulkification to process multiple records efficiently.
  • Use collections such as Lists, Sets and Maps.
  • Use Asynchronous Apex for bulk or long-running processes.

Monitoring governor limits and optimize code to reduce unnecessary processing.

7. How to ensure code readability and maintainability in large Apex projects?

Optimizing the best coding practices, implementing modular coding patterns, utilizing clear and consistent naming conventions, and using thorough documentation for readability and maintainability. 

8. How can the technical debt and feature development be balanced in the Apex? 

Balancing means prioritizing feature development based on business requirements while dedicating time to address technical debt through refactoring and optimization.

9. How to ensure security in Apex?

Security is ensured by adhering to Salesforce’s security requirements, utilizing sharing and field-level protection, and frequently examining code for weaknesses.

10. How do we deploy and manage Apex code in multiple environments?

Version control systems, such as Git, use a CI/CD pipeline for automated testing and deployment, ensuring code consistency across multiple environments. sf commands are used within CI/CD for the same.

Asynchronous Interview Questions in Salesforce

1. What is Asynchronous Apex? [Asked at PwC]

Asynchronous Apex allows Apex code to run later or in the background instead of during the current transaction. It is useful for long-running operations, large data processing, and external callouts that do not need to complete immediately. Asynchronous jobs run in a separate transaction with their own governor limits, and Salesforce processes them when system resources are available.

The main types of Asynchronous Apex are:

  • Future Methods
  • Queueable Apex
  • Batch Apex
  • Scheduled Apex

Asynchronous Apex allows Salesforce to process the job separately from the current transaction and execute it when system resources are available. This helps handle long-running or resource-intensive operations without making the user wait for the entire process to complete. 

2. Where can we use the Asynchronous Apex? 

Asynchronous Apex can be used in the time-consuming operations like:

  • Scheduling the job for a specific time
  • Drafting and sending emails to the end-user
  • Writing complex reports by using the Apex code
  • Sharing recalculation 
  • Chaining the Apex code, which can use the API call

3. What are the types of Asynchronous Apex? 

Salesforce has four types of Asynchronous Apex: future methods, batch Apex, queueable Apex, and scheduled Apex. Each type of Asynchronous Apex enables processes to run in the background, improving performance and efficiency.
Salesforce provides four main types of Asynchronous Apex that allow developers to run processes in the background, improving performance and efficiency.

  • Future Methods: Run tasks asynchronously, such as simple background processing and callouts.
  • Batch Apex: Processes large amounts of data in smaller batches for data processing and maintenance.
  • Queueable Apex: Handles complex background jobs and supports job chaining.
  • Scheduled Apex: Runs Apex code at a specific time or on a set schedule such as running a daily data cleanup job.

4. State the benefits of Asynchronous Apex. 

Asynchronous Apex provides various benefits:

  • Improved Performance: It helps to improve performance by moving long-running processes to the background, freeing up system resources.
  • Prevents Timeouts: Handles time-consuming activities without generating request timeout.
  • Efficient Data Processing: Improves the management of significant data volumes and complex operations.
  • Scalability: Allows for concurrent processing, which improves program scalability.
  • Enhanced User Experience: Maintains responsiveness of the main program, resulting in a smoother user experience.

5. What is the correct approach to using Asynchronous Apex? 

Asynchronous Apex is best suited for resource-intensive or time-consuming operations, including data processing, external service calls, and scheduled tasks. It preserves system stability and performance by handling errors correctly and monitoring them.

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Scenario-based interview questions on Apex

1. How would you bulkify a trigger for 1,000+ records? [Asked at TCS]

Firstly, collect the record IDs in a set, query all the records in a single SOQL query, and perform DML outside the loop. This prevents governor-limit issues when processing a large volume of records.

Example:

trigger ContactTrigger on Contact (after update) {
    Set<Id> accountIds = new Set<Id>();

    for (Contact c : Trigger.new)
        if (c.AccountId != null) accountIds.add(c.AccountId);

    List<Account> accounts = [
        SELECT Id FROM Account WHERE Id IN :accountIds
    ];

    update accounts;
}

2. How would you design a bulk-safe roll-up Trigger? [Asked at Deloitte]

To design a bulk-safe roll-up trigger collect Account IDs, use an aggregate SOQL query to calculate the total Opportunity Amount, and update the Accounts in one DML operation.

Assume Total_Opportunity_Amount__c is a Currency field on Account.

trigger OpportunityTrigger on Opportunity (after insert, after update, after delete, after undelete) {

Set<Id> accountIds = new Set<Id>();

if (Trigger.isDelete) {
for (Opportunity opp : Trigger.old) {
if (opp.AccountId != null) {
accountIds.add(opp.AccountId);
}
}
} else {
for (Opportunity opp : Trigger.new) {
if (opp.AccountId != null) {
accountIds.add(opp.AccountId);
}
}
}

if (Trigger.isUpdate) {
for (Opportunity opp : Trigger.old) {
if (opp.AccountId != null) {
accountIds.add(opp.AccountId);
}
}
}

Map<Id, Decimal> accountTotals = new Map<Id, Decimal>();

for (AggregateResult ar : [
SELECT AccountId accountId, SUM(Amount) totalAmount
FROM Opportunity
WHERE AccountId IN :accountIds
GROUP BY AccountId
]) {
accountTotals.put(
(Id) ar.get('accountId'),
(Decimal) ar.get('totalAmount')
);
}

List<Account> accountsToUpdate = [
SELECT Id, Total_Opportunity_Amount__c
FROM Account
WHERE Id IN :accountIds
];

for (Account acc : accountsToUpdate) {
acc.Total_Opportunity_Amount__c =
accountTotals.containsKey(acc.Id)
? accountTotals.get(acc.Id)
: 0;
}

update accountsToUpdate;
} 

3. How would you fix a non-selective SOQL query? [Asked at TCS]

A non-selective SOQL query can be fixed by making the query more selective by filtering records in SOQL instead of retrieving unnecessary records and filtering them in Apex.

Instead of: SELECT Id, Name FROM Opportunity
Use: SELECT Id, Name
FROM Opportunity
WHERE StageName = 'Closed Won'

This reduces the number of records returned and improves query performance.

4. How would you optimize an Apex solution that is hitting governor limits? [Asked at Accenture]

First, I’ll find the limit that is being exceeded and then optimize the code. Common solutions include removing SOQL/DML from loops, using collections, reducing unnecessary queries, and using asynchronous Apex where appropriate.

For example, instead of querying inside a loop:

for (Account acc : Trigger.new) {
    List<Contact> c = [
        SELECT Id FROM Contact
        WHERE AccountId = :acc.Id
    ];
}
Query all Contacts at once:
Set<Id> ids = new Map<Id, Account>(Trigger.new).keySet();

List<Contact> contacts = [
    SELECT Id, AccountId
    FROM Contact
    WHERE AccountId IN :ids
];

Final Word

Getting ready for the Salesforce Developer interview can be stressful, but you can confidently answer any question with the correct resources and a solid approach. Understanding the essential concepts of Apex is also helpful in showcasing your knowledge. This compilation of popular Apex interview questions and answers will give you a strong base, ensuring you are prepared to impress your hiring authorities.

Best of luck with the interview preparation, and your journey in the Salesforce ecosystem will be fruitful and successful. Happy coding!

Author

Shrey Sharma

Shrey Sharma is the Founder of S2 Labs and a 2019 Salesforce MVP. He's trained 50,000+ students into Salesforce careers and runs Salesforce Hulk, the largest Salesforce-focused YouTube community. He's been a featured speaker at Salesforce community events worldwide, and his mission with S2 Labs remains simple: real mentorship, hands-on projects, and a clear path from classroom to career.

Shrey Sharma

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