Salesforce Tooling API: Introduction And Use Case

When it comes to Salesforce, there are numerous properties and features that businesses imply for optimized benefits. With the same aspiration in mind, small-scale companies, large-scale companies, medium-scale companies, as well as Proprietors are swiftly moving towards Salesforce and integrating it into their sales processes. However, after integrating Salesforce, things start to get a bit hazy with complex applications. One point where users struggle the most is Salesforce Tooling API. 

Indeed, the Tooling API is used by developers! But if you are using Salesforce at any instance, you need to know the Salesforce Tooling API and when to use it. In this blog, we are here to introduce API in front of you and by the end of it, you will have prominent information on when and how to use Tooling API. 

What Do You Mean By Salesforce Tooling API? 

The Salesforce Tooling API is a type of software interface used to develop interactive customized apps or tools for Lightning Platform applications. Amongst many other APIs, Salesforce Tooling API is used a lot. Tooling API provides access to metadata information in the Salesforce platform by using SOAP and REST interface. In order to understand the definition of Tooling API, you need to understand the terminologies used. 

1. Metadata

While sorting and categorizing the data you’ve collected, you try to form bundles with unifunctional data in them. Now, Metadata is that data formed after the combination of unifunctional data. 

2. SOAP

Single Object Access Protocol is abbreviated as SOAP, which is a messaging protocol based on XML. SOAP has been single-handedly wavering the flag of Tooling API before the arrival of REST. In fact, large organizations and applications still rely on SOAP.  

3. REST 

Representational State Transfer, also known as REST, has similar functions when compared to SOAP. However, REST is a lighter API to use, which is why most modern organizations use REST for mobile applications. 

Now, after understanding the definition and basic concept of Tooling API, let’s take a step forward to ‘how to use Tooling API’ and discuss the requirement of its use. 

Why Do You Need Tooling API In Salesforce?

When you start using Salesforce, you would definitely want to integrate the essential data you’ve collected earlier into Org. Now, the problem arises that your business needs the data for smooth functioning, and transferring the data into Org will become a hurdle. Since, your team is working with Salesforce and implementing new features, you need a smooth flow of your business. This is where the Salesforce Tooling API arrives in the arena. 

With Tooling API, you can simply create a gateway with API endpoints and use the data whenever required. The endpoints can be used for both inlet and outlet transfer of data, which creates a smooth functioning and allows your team to take their time in learning the module. 

Objects Used In Tooling API

There are objects which are crucial for you to extract the functions of Salesforce Tooling API. Now, if we start to discuss each object individually, we can write a book on it. So, we will discuss some of the objects that are associated with Salesforce Tooling API to provide you an idea. 

• AnimationRule– When the data is transferred to or from Org, the path users have the option to view the animations. This object represents the criteria to describe the condition for displaying the animation. 

• ApexClass– The object is basically the duplicate version of Apex Class, that can be used when the original is deleted or misplaced. 

• ApexClassMember– The Apex Class copy is used for editing, compiling, and saving. It is also known as the working copy. 

• ApexCodeCoverage– The test results of code coverage for an Apex Class are represented by this object. 

• ApexComponents– The object is a duplicate copy of Visualforce Components. It is used once the original component is unavailable. 

• ApexPage– The object is a copy of the Apex Page and is used on the unavailability of it. 

• ApexTestSuite– Suite to be included in a test run of Apex Class. Each class is associated with the suite. 

• SOQLResult– The result of the SOQL query is represented by the object for further use.  

Use Cases Of Salesforce Tooling API 

After knowing ‘why to use Tooling API’, it’s time to jump to ‘how to use Salesforce Tooling API’. For that, here are the use cases of Tooling API for different business organizations. 

Fine-Grained Access

Tooling API can be used when you need fine-grained access to an organization’s metadata. Its SOQL capabilities for many metadata types allow you to retrieve smaller pieces of metadata. Smaller retrieves improve performance, which makes Tooling API a better fit for developing interactive applications.

Access Metadata with Standard Object Properties

The object placed in the database of either your hard drive or Salesforce Org will be represented by certain pre-assigned properties. Now, accessing metadata with such properties eases out the task of transferring data. These properties are pre-defined which makes them easy to recall with the help of Tooling API.  

Carry Out Continuous Integration

We have already discussed the integration process of metadata through endpoints. Now, the Tooling API carries our continuous integration that saves time and enhances the productivity of your business. When you send a query through the data stored on your side, the changes will be made in the Org, as well. The process removes all the hurdles and maintains a smooth flow. 

Retrieve Metadata Through Object’s Field

When the data is stored in the database, the object is an actual representation of a particular dataset. Now, Tooling API allows you to retrieve the metadata by recalling the fields of these objects. This is another use case of the API which can be used across different businesses. 

Get Acquainted With the Salesforce Tooling API!

Salesforce Tooling API can be termed as one of the most crucial parts of the CRM, with essential features hovering all over the environment of Salesforce. Now, you might understand why getting familiar with the Tooling API is a necessity. Next time, when you are sitting with the developers while transferring the data, the information aforementioned will surely help you make better decisions. If you want to know more about the ‘how to use the Salesforce Tooling API’ part or seek a Salesforce Development Company for your business, Ksolves are just a call away! 

Contact Us for any Query

Email : sales@ksolves.com

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