SOQL Basics (Salesforce Object Query Language)

Salesforce Object Query Language (SOQL) is an essential tool that helps retrieve data from any Salesforce object. It is helpful in most cases, such as when building a custom UI or backend logic. In this chapter, we will look at when you can use SOQL. Whether you’re creating custom user interfaces or crafting backend logic, SOQL allows you to search and filter your Salesforce data effectively.

What is SOQL (Salesforce Object Query Language) Query?

SOQL (Salesforce Object Query Language) is Salesforce’s query language. It is designed to retrieve data from the Salesforce database according to the specified conditions and objects. These objects can be both standard and custom. Similar to all Apex code, SOQL is also case insensitive.

SOQL query Syntax Structure:

SELECT fieldList
FROM objectType
[WHERE conditionExpression]
[ORDER BY fieldOrderByList ASC|DESC NULLS FIRST|LAST]
[LIMIT numberOfRowsToReturn]
[OFFSET numberOfRowsToSkip]

When to use SOQL?

It is important to understand when and where you can use SOQL to achieve an efficient process and effective results. The simple rule to follow is to use SOQL when you know which objects the data resides in, and you want to:

• Retrieve that data from a single object or from multiple objects that are related to one another.
• Count the number of records that meet the specified criteria.
• Sort results as part of the query.
• Retrieve data from number, date, or checkbox fields.

SOQL Query Use Cases

Here are some SOQL queries and SOQL query examples to better understand its uses.

You can use SOQL for following use case:

1. Reporting: Extracting specific data for reporting purposes.
2. Automation: Fetching records as part of business logic within Apex triggers or classes.
3. Data Management: Retrieving and manipulating Salesforce data via integrations or dashboards.
4. Relational Queries: Fetching records based on relationships (parent-child or child-parent).

SOQL Query Types

Here are some SOQL basics queries and their examples to better understand their uses. The following are some basic SOQL queries:

1. Basic Query (Standard Object)

SELECT Id, Name FROM Account

2. Filtered Query

SELECT Id, Name FROM Account WHERE Industry = ‘Technology’

3. Query with Parent-Child Relationship (Standard)

SELECT Name, (SELECT Name FROM Contacts) FROM Account

4. Query Custom Object

SELECT Name, Status__c FROM CustomObject__c WHERE Status__c = ‘Active’

5. Aggregated Query

SELECT COUNT(Id) FROM Opportunity WHERE StageName = ‘Closed Won’

In the next topic, we will be covering how to write a SOQL query in Apex.