Learn what API name in Salesforce is and why it’s important for Salesforce users. Find out how to locate the API name and best practices for naming API.
If you’re a Salesforce user, you’ve probably heard the term “API name” thrown around a lot. But what does it actually mean, and why should you care? In this article, we’ll explore the basics of API name in Salesforce, why it’s important, and how it can impact your overall Salesforce experience.
API name is a unique identifier for different Salesforce objects, such as fields, records, and custom objects. It’s different from the object label, which is the name that you see on the user interface. While the object label can be changed, the API name remains the same and is used by developers to reference the object in their code.
Understanding API name is crucial for Salesforce users, especially those involved in customization and integration projects. By knowing the API name of an object, you can easily reference it in your code, customize its behavior, and integrate it with other systems. On the other hand, not knowing the API name can lead to confusion, errors, and wasted time trying to locate the correct object.
In the next sections, we’ll dive deeper into what API name is, how to find it in Salesforce, and best practices for naming API to improve your Salesforce experience.
Table of Contents
What is an API Name in Salesforce?
Defining API Name
In simple terms, API name in Salesforce is a unique identifier used to reference different objects, such as fields, records, and custom objects. It’s a string of characters that is different from the object label, which is the name that appears on the user interface. API names are used by developers to reference the objects in their code and can be used in customizations and integrations.
Use of API Names in Salesforce
API names are used extensively in Salesforce for different purposes, such as customizations, integrations, and reporting. By knowing the API name of an object, you can easily reference it in your code, customize its behavior, and integrate it with other systems. For example, if you’re building a custom application and want to retrieve data from Salesforce, you’ll need to know the API name of the object that contains the data.
Different Types of API Names in Salesforce
There are different types of API names in Salesforce, such as object API name, field API name, and record ID. The object API name is used to reference an object, the field API name is used to reference a specific field within an object, and the record ID is used to reference a specific record within an object. Each API name serves a different purpose and is used in different contexts.
In the next sections, we’ll explore how to find the API name of an object in Salesforce, how to use API names in Salesforce, and best practices for naming API in Salesforce.
How to Find the API Name of an Object in Salesforce
Now that you understand the importance of API name in Salesforce, let’s explore how to find it. Here are step-by-step instructions to locate the API name of an object in Salesforce:
Step 1: Go to Object Manager
To locate the API name of an object, first, go to the Object Manager in Salesforce. You can find it by clicking on the gear icon in the top right corner and selecting “Setup” from the dropdown menu. Then, in the left-hand sidebar, under “Platform Tools,” click on “Object Manager.”
Step 2: Locate the Object
In the Object Manager, you’ll see a list of all the objects in your Salesforce org. Locate the object for which you want to find the API name and click on it.
Step 3: View the API Name
Once you’re on the object’s detail page, you’ll see various tabs such as “Fields & Relationships,” “Validation Rules,” etc. Click on the “Fields & Relationships” tab. Here, you’ll see a list of all the fields and relationships for that object, along with their API names in parentheses.
API Name vs. Object Label
It’s important to note that API names and object labels are not the same. Object labels are the names displayed on the user interface, whereas API names are used by developers to reference the object in their code. For example, the object label for the “Account” object might be “Customer,” but the API name will always be “Account.”
By following these simple steps, you can easily find the API name of any object in Salesforce. Knowing the API name can help you customize objects, reference them in your code, and integrate them with other systems.
How to Use API Names in Salesforce
Once you’ve located the API name of an object in Salesforce, it’s time to put it to use. In this section, we’ll explore some of the ways you can use API names in Salesforce to improve your workflow and productivity.
Using API Names in Salesforce Functionalities
API names can be used in various Salesforce functionalities to customize and automate your workflow. Here are some examples:
Reports and Dashboards: When creating reports and dashboards in Salesforce, you can reference object fields by their API name to include them in your analysis. This allows you to create more comprehensive reports and gain deeper insights into your data.
Validation Rules: Validation rules in Salesforce allow you to control data quality by enforcing specific conditions. By using API names in your validation rules, you can reference object fields and create more complex rules based on the data they contain.
Workflows and Process Builder: Workflows and Process Builder in Salesforce automate repetitive tasks and streamline your workflow. By referencing object fields by their API name, you can create rules and actions that trigger based on specific data changes.
Using API Names in Customizations and Integrations
API names are also essential in customizations and integrations in Salesforce. Here are some examples:
Custom Fields and Objects: When creating custom fields and objects in Salesforce, you’ll need to assign them a unique API name. This allows you to reference them in your code and integrate them with other systems.
API Integrations: Integrating Salesforce with other systems often involves using APIs. By knowing the API names of different objects and fields, you can easily map data between systems and ensure that your integrations run smoothly.
In summary, API names are a critical component of working with Salesforce. By using them in different functionalities, customizations, and integrations, you can improve your workflow, streamline your processes, and build more powerful applications.
Best Practices for Naming API in Salesforce
When it comes to naming API in Salesforce, there are some best practices that you should follow to ensure consistency, clarity, and ease of use. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:
1. Be descriptive and concise
The API name should accurately describe the object and its purpose, without being too long or complicated. Avoid using abbreviations or acronyms that may not be easily understood by others. For example, instead of using “acct” for “account,” use the full word “account” to make it clear to everyone.
2. Use CamelCase
CamelCase is a naming convention that uses capital letters to separate words in a name. It’s commonly used in Salesforce and other programming languages to make the name more readable. For example, “OpportunityName” instead of “opportunityname” or “opportunity_name.”
3. Avoid starting with a number or special character
API names should always start with a letter, not a number or special character. This is because Salesforce uses the first character of the API name to determine the object type. Starting with a number or special character can cause confusion and errors.
4. Follow a consistent naming convention
Consistency is key when it comes to naming API in Salesforce. Make sure to follow a consistent naming convention across all objects to make it easier for developers to understand and use your code. You can use a prefix or suffix to indicate the object type, such as “obj” for custom objects or “fld” for custom fields.
5. Test your API name before deployment
Before deploying your API name, make sure to test it thoroughly to ensure that it works as expected. This will save you time and effort in the long run and prevent any issues from arising later on.
By following these best practices, you can improve the readability, maintainability, and usability of your Salesforce code. A well-named API can make a significant difference in how your Salesforce system functions and how easy it is to work with.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, understanding API name in Salesforce is a crucial aspect of developing and customizing Salesforce applications. By knowing the API name of an object, you can easily reference it in your code, customize its behavior, and integrate it with other systems.
In this article, we’ve covered the basics of API name in Salesforce, how to find it, and best practices for naming APRemember that API names are unique identifiers and should be named in a consistent and meaningful way, following best practices such as using descriptive names and avoiding special characters.
By following these guidelines, you can improve your Salesforce experience and make your customizations and integrations more efficient and effective. If you’re new to Salesforce or looking to expand your knowledge, there are plenty of resources available online, such as the Salesforce Developer Documentation and Trailhead, to help you along the way.
At ProgramMatek, we’re committed to providing comprehensive guides, tutorials, and examples to help you get started with APIs and improve your Salesforce experience. We hope this article has been informative and helpful, and we encourage you to explore our API category for more insights and tips.