Salesforce Basic Terminology

Apex
Salesforce’s native programming language used to write custom logic, integrate with external systems, and automate complex processes.

Batch Apex
A feature that allows processing large sets of records asynchronously in chunks, ideal for background data updates and cleanups.

Chatter
Salesforce’s social collaboration tool that enables teams to share files, post updates, and collaborate in real time.

Communities
Branded portals in Salesforce for customers, partners, or employees to connect, find answers, and engage with your business.

Console
A user interface designed for support agents and sales reps to manage multiple records and tabs efficiently in one workspace.

Custom Object
A user-created object that stores data specific to your business needs, like “Invoices” or “Subscriptions.”

Data Loader
A client application used to import, export, update, and delete large volumes of data quickly in Salesforce.

Debug Log
A log that records code execution and errors—helpful for developers troubleshooting Apex code or automation.

Delegated Administration
Allows certain non-admin users to perform admin tasks, like creating users or resetting passwords, for specific roles or groups.

Einstein Analytics
A business intelligence tool that helps you visualize, explore, and get insights from your Salesforce and external data.

Field
A specific data point stored on an object, such as “Phone Number,” “Email,” or “Opportunity Amount.”

Field-Level Security
Controls whether a user can view or edit specific fields on records, regardless of their access to the object.

Flow
A visual automation tool used to create guided screens, logic-based processes, and record automation—without writing code.

Governor Limits
System-enforced limits in Salesforce to prevent one user’s code from consuming too many shared resources.

Lightning Web Components (LWC)
A modern JavaScript-based framework for building fast, reusable web components on the Salesforce platform.

Managed Package
A bundle of Salesforce components (apps, objects, Apex classes, etc.) that can be shared, sold, or installed into other orgs.

Metadata
Information that describes how Salesforce is structured—like objects, fields, page layouts, and automation settings.

Multi-Currency
Enables organizations to handle transactions in multiple currencies while tracking exchange rates and reporting consistency.

Object
A table in Salesforce used to store data—either standard (like Accounts or Contacts) or custom (like Projects or Events).

Opportunity
A record that represents a potential revenue-generating deal or sale in the CRM.

Page Layout
Controls the placement and visibility of fields, buttons, and related lists on a record detail page.

Dashboard
A collection of charts, graphs, and tables that visually represent reports for tracking KPIs and performance metrics.

Lightning Experience
The modern Salesforce user interface designed for speed, responsiveness, and better usability.

Permission Set
Grants additional access or functionality to users without changing their profile. Can be stacked for flexible permissioning.

Salesforce Mobile App
An official Salesforce app that gives users access to records, dashboards, and tasks on-the-go.

SOQL (Salesforce Object Query Language)
Used to retrieve records from Salesforce objects—similar to SQL but tailored to Salesforce’s data model.

Trigger
A block of Apex code that runs automatically in response to events like record creation, update, or deletion.

Sandbox
A copy of your production org used for testing, development, or training without affecting live data.

Process Builder
A no-code tool that lets you automate processes based on record changes using rules and immediate actions.

Lightning App Builder
A drag-and-drop builder for designing custom pages for Lightning Experience and the Salesforce Mobile App.

Data Model
Describes how objects and their fields relate to each other in your Salesforce org.

Knowledge Base
A central repository of help articles, FAQs, and documents used in customer service and self-service portals.

API
Application Programming Interface—a set of rules that lets external systems communicate with Salesforce.

REST API
A lightweight API protocol using standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, etc.) to integrate external apps with Salesforce.

Authentication
The process of verifying a user’s identity before granting access to Salesforce features or data.

Validation Rule
Checks if data entered into a record meets specific criteria. If not, it prevents the record from being saved.

Dependent Picklist
A dropdown field where options in one picklist depend on the value selected in another.

List View
A filtered and sortable view of records based on specified criteria—great for managing data quickly.

Global Value Set
A reusable set of picklist values that can be used across multiple fields in different objects.

Sharing Settings
Controls who can view, edit, or delete records—based on ownership, role hierarchy, or criteria.

Approval Process
Automates the steps required to get a record approved based on certain conditions and user roles.

Audit Trail
A log of administrative changes made in Setup—like field creation, workflow changes, and new profiles.

Field History Tracking
Tracks changes made to specific fields on records, including old and new values, user, and timestamp.

Report
Displays Salesforce data based on filters and groupings—ideal for insights, summaries, and exports.

Queue
A shared list of records waiting to be worked on, often used for Lead, Case, or Task assignments.

Record Type
Customizes page layouts and picklist values for different business scenarios within the same object.

Sharing Rule
Grants broader access to records beyond role hierarchy—for example, sharing all high-value Opportunities with a team.

Custom Tab
A user-defined tab that appears in the Salesforce app and links to objects, pages, or web content.

Profiles
Define what users can see and do in Salesforce—object access, field-level permissions, and app visibility.

Role Hierarchy
Determines data visibility based on a user’s position in the org structure—managers can see their team’s records.