Salesforce Metadata: What Bring Magic to a Salesforce Org
minutes read
Salesforce Metadata is the magic potion that makes Salesforce so seamless and powerful. Everything that happens within the Salesforce ecosystem has to do with creating, collecting, tracking, and evaluating data from various sources. Metadata is a critical feature of Salesforce that allows users to carry out various processes efficiently. In this blog, we delve deeper into what Metadata is and its potential.
What is Salesforce Metadata?
Salesforce Metadata encompasses the codes, fields, configurations, page layouts, and logic that are used to build the informational architecture of a Salesforce organization. These elements together make Salesforce appear the way it does. Salesforce Metadata API allows users to import metadata into Salesforce and customize the interface.
What are the Types of Salesforce Metadata?
Salesforce Metadata can be categorized into the following types based on the solution they offer:
- Data
Every activity carried out in your Salesforce ecosystem is performed using numerous data structures and sets. The sets contain key information about organizations, teams, customers, partners, and every other factor connected to your company. Moreover, it is the data structures that form the foundation for customization. Few examples of these Metadata include Value Sets, Custom Objects, Custom Apps, etc. - Programmability
It is the custom code, which is integrated into the CRM platform to develop applications, perform integrations or execute various processes. Some examples of this Metadata include Apex Triggers, Apex Classes, Apex Page, etc. - Presentation
This category focuses on the way users connect and communicate with the CRM. VisualForce, Apex Triggers, Apex Classes, etc., are a few of the examples that fall under this category. - Permissions and Security Model
The security model ensures that users have access to the right org records. It encompasses Profiles, Field Level Security, Sharing Rules, etc.
What is the Importance of Salesforce Metadata?
Now that we have successfully entered the digital realm, it doesn’t make sense to rely on hard-coded applications to complete various tasks. Today there are myriad apps at your disposal to make these tasks easier. Additionally, there’s a rapidly growing need for personalization at every end. Companies expect developers to build solutions that are unique and cater to their organizational needs. They need a bespoke solution in which functionalities can be altered based on evolving needs. Metadata is a feature that allows developers to do the same efficiently.
Salesforce Metadata enables you to create a Salesforce application that is tailored to your preferences without the need for complicated programming. Considering the growing technological advancements, the need for Metadata solutions has become more than ever.
How Does Metadata Differ From Data?
The confusion between metadata and data is common. Although both of them have some similarities, they are vastly different.
| Metadata | Data |
| It is also known as data on data and contains details of various data sets. In Metadata, you use a specific data set and make an in-depth assessment of various elements like types, dates, and origins. | It is defined as an assortment of information such as observations, facts, descriptions, or measurements of a particular entity. These sets allow you to find patterns, track them and identify trends. |
| Metadata typically does not come under sensitive information and it is not subjected to GDPR or HIPAA regulations. However, proper security measures need to be followed to prevent information from digital threats. | Data contain highly sensitive information such as purchase history, customer lists, internal processes, and much more. Therefore it should be treated as confidential and falls under different regulations. |
Metadata contains valuable information pertaining to the org. And, data vulnerabilities exist in every aspect of the Salesforce environment. This is why stringent security considerations should be paramount at every development stage. Proper Metadata security protects the Metadata from cyber criminals. Furthermore, you are constantly adding to the metadata and doing a lot of customization. Therefore, backing it up on a regular basis ensures that the information can be retrieved whenever required. On the whole, a proper security procedure can help you safeguard metadata, maintain data relationships, and reduce the consequences of error or data loss.