Notes
In Salesforce, custom settings refer to a feature that allows you to create and store custom data values that can be used in your Salesforce application. These custom settings are similar to custom objects, but they are primarily used to store data that is configuration-related rather than transactional. Custom settings can be accessed via the Salesforce user interface or through Apex code, and they are typically used to store data that remains relatively constant and needs to be shared across multiple users or components of your Salesforce application.
Here are some key points about custom settings in Salesforce:
-
Types of Custom Settings: Salesforce provides two types of custom settings:
-
Hierarchy Custom Settings: These settings are similar to custom objects and have a hierarchical structure. You can define different values for these settings at the organization level, profile level, or user level. When retrieving a value, Salesforce first checks at the user level, then the profile level, and finally the organization level to find the most specific value.
-
List Custom Settings: List custom settings are like custom objects with a predefined list of records. They are ideal for storing data that does not need a hierarchical structure.
-
Use Cases: Custom settings are often used to store configuration data that may need to be changed occasionally but doesn't change frequently. For example, you might use custom settings to store default email templates, business hours, application settings, or feature flags.
-
Accessing Custom Settings Data: You can access custom settings data in several ways:
-
Via the Salesforce user interface: You can create, edit, and view custom setting records through the Salesforce setup menu.
-
Through Apex code: You can use Apex code to retrieve and update custom setting data. Apex provides methods to query and manipulate custom setting records.
-
Security and Permissions: Custom settings respect Salesforce's security model. You can control who has access to view or modify custom settings records by setting appropriate profile and permission set permissions.
-
Data Migration: Custom settings data can be migrated between Salesforce environments using tools like the Salesforce Data Loader or Salesforce DX.
-
Apex Triggers and Custom Settings: You can use Apex triggers to enforce business logic based on changes to custom settings data. For example, you can have a trigger that fires when a custom setting value is updated and performs certain actions based on that change.
-
Global Access: Hierarchy custom settings can be accessed globally, making them useful for storing values that need to be available throughout your Salesforce organization.
In summary, custom settings in Salesforce provide a way to store and manage custom configuration data that is used across your Salesforce application. They are particularly useful for settings that may change occasionally and need to be shared among multiple users or components within Salesforce.
