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Salesforce Integration Cheatsheet

1. Introduction to Salesforce Integration

• Definition: Integration connects Salesforce to external systems for seamless data sharing.
• Common Integration Types:
o Real-time Integration: Data is synced immediately (e.g., REST, SOAP APIs).
o Batch Integration: Data is synced periodically (e.g., ETL tools).
o Middleware-based Integration: Uses tools like MuleSoft or Informatica.

2. Key Concepts and Terminologies

• API: Application Programming Interface, a way for systems to communicate.

• Endpoints: URL for accessing Salesforce APIs.
• Authentication:
o OAuth 2.0 (Preferred).
o Username-Password.
• Web Services:
o REST API: Lightweight and JSON-based.
o SOAP API: XML-based, ideal for complex transactions.
• Data Loader: Tool for bulk data import/export.
• External Services: Declarative integration with external APIs using OpenAPI specs.

3. Salesforce Integration Tools and APIs

APIs

1. REST API:
o Ideal for lightweight integrations.
o JSON or XML payloads.
o Example: Query Account Data.
o GET /services/data/v57.0/sobjects/Account/001xx000003DGbP

Authorization: Bearer <Access_Token>

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2. SOAP API:
o XML-based; suitable for enterprise-grade integration.
o Requires WSDL file.
o Example: Create Lead:
o <soapenv:Envelope ...>
o <soapenv:Body>
o <create xmlns="urn:enterprise.soap.sforce.com">
o <sObjects>
o <type>Lead</type>
o <FirstName>John</FirstName>
o <LastName>Doe</LastName>
o </sObjects>
o </create>
o </soapenv:Body>

</soapenv:Envelope>

3. Bulk API:
o Optimized for handling large datasets.
o Operates in two modes:
▪ Bulk API 1.0 (CSV-based).
▪ Bulk API 2.0 (JSON-based).
4. Streaming API:
o Real-time notifications for data changes.
o Uses PushTopic and Platform Events.

Tools

• Postman: Testing Salesforce APIs.

• Workbench: API testing and troubleshooting.
• Data Loader: Batch data processing.

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4. Integration Design Patterns

Remote Process Invocation

• Request and Reply: Salesforce calls an external system and waits for a response.
• Fire and Forget: Salesforce calls an external system without waiting for a response.

UI Update Based on Data Changes

• Use Platform Events or Change Data Capture.

Data Synchronization

• Bidirectional sync using middleware like MuleSoft.

Data Virtualization

• Use Salesforce Connect and External Objects.

5. Security in Integrations

• OAuth 2.0:
o Grant Types: Authorization Code, Client Credentials, Refresh Token.
o Scopes: Define API access level.
• Named Credentials:
o Simplifies endpoint and credential management.
o Example Setup:
▪ URL: https://api.example.com.
▪ Authentication: OAuth 2.0.
• Shield Platform Encryption: Encrypts sensitive data.

6. Error Handling and Debugging

• Common HTTP Status Codes:

o 200 OK: Successful request.
o 401 Unauthorized: Authentication issue.
o 500 Internal Server Error: Server-side issue.
• Debugging Tools:
o Salesforce Debug Logs.
o Postman for API testing.
o Workbench for checking API responses.

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7. Best Practices

1. Governor Limits:
o API Limits: 100,000 API calls/day (Enterprise Edition).
o Bulkify operations to avoid hitting limits.
2. Data Management:
o Use External IDs for upserts.
o Avoid hard deletes; prefer soft deletes.
3. Versioning:
o Always specify API versions.
4. Monitoring:
o Set up alerts for API usage.
o Use Event Monitoring.

8. Example Scenarios

Scenario 1: Fetch Account Details via REST API

• Request:
• GET /services/data/v57.0/sobjects/Account/001xx000003DGbP

Authorization: Bearer <Access_Token>

• Response:
• {
• "Id": "001xx000003DGbP",
• "Name": "Acme Corporation",
• "Phone": "123-456-7890"

Scenario 2: Outbound Message via Workflow

• Trigger external system call on record updates.

• Configure in Workflow Rule.
• Endpoint URL required.

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9. FAQs

• What is the difference between REST and SOAP APIs?

o REST is lightweight and uses JSON; SOAP is robust and XML-based.
• How to debug integration issues?
o Use debug logs, check error codes, and validate authentication.

10. Useful Links

• Salesforce REST API Documentation

• SOAP API Developer Guide
• Integration Patterns and Practices

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