Declarative vs. Programmatic Development: Click or code

Salesforce enables organizations to optimize their workflows and build customized solutions through a highly adaptable and feature-rich environment. Developers and administrators have two main approaches to implementing these customizations: Declarative Development and Programmatic Development.

A common debate within the Salesforce ecosystem revolves around when to use Flows (a declarative tool) and when to use Apex (a programmatic approach). Understanding the differences between these two methods is crucial for optimizing performance, maintainability, and scalability.

Understanding Declarative Development (Point-and-Click Approach)

Declarative development refers to creating functionality using Salesforce’s built-in tools without writing code. It includes features like:

• Flow Builder – Automates processes using a visual drag-and-drop interface.
• Approval Processes – Manages record approvals without coding.
• Validation Rules & Formula Fields – Implements logic without Apex.
• Custom Objects & Page Layouts – Configures UI elements without code.

Advantages of Declarative Development:

1. User-Friendly: Salesforce administrators can create and modify Flows without developer intervention.
2. Faster Development: Flows allow quick implementation without the need for coding expertise.
3. Lower Maintenance Cost: Since there’s no custom code, upgrades and debugging are simpler.
4. Reliable and Secure: Salesforce regularly enhances its declarative features to ensure consistent security and dependable performance.
5. Easier to Troubleshoot: The visual Flow Debugger makes identifying issues straightforward.

Limitations of Declarative Development:

1. Complexity Limitations: While Flows are powerful, they have execution limits and are not ideal for highly complex logic.
2. Performance Issues: Handling bulk records in Flows can lead to governor limits being hit.
3. Limited Debugging Capabilities: While the debugger is useful, it doesn’t provide deep insights like Apex does.
4. Not Ideal for API Integrations: Flows cannot handle API calls, making them unsuitable for external integrations.

Understanding Programmatic Development (Code-Based Approach)

Programmatic development involves writing custom code to implement functionality that cannot be achieved through declarative tools. Apex is Salesforce’s exclusive programming language, designed with object-oriented and strongly typed principles, enabling developers to implement custom logic, triggers, bulk processing, and external system integrations.  Apex programming enables the execution of advanced logic that surpasses what declarative tools can achieve.

Advantages of Apex Development:

1. Flexibility and Customization: Apex allows developers to implement highly customized logic, complex validation rules, and sophisticated workflows tailored to unique business needs.
2. Performance Optimization: Apex supports bulk processing and asynchronous operations (batch Apex, future methods) to efficiently manage large datasets and avoid platform limits.
3. Scalability: Apex can manage enterprise-level implementations with robust logic and error handling.
4. API Integrations: Apex can expose REST/SOAP web services, enabling Salesforce to integrate seamlessly with external systems.
5. Robust Error Handling and Debugging: Developers can use try-catch blocks, debug logs, and testing frameworks to build reliable, maintainable code.

Limitations of Apex Development:

1. Developer Dependency: Unlike Flows, writing and maintaining Apex code demands programming expertise and familiarity with Salesforce’s platform intricacies.
2. Higher Maintenance: Custom code requires regular updates, testing, and documentation.
3. Longer Development Time: Writing, testing, and deploying Apex code takes more time than configuring Flows.
4. Execution and Resource Limits: Developers must be cautious of limits like CPU time, DML statements, and SOQL queries per transaction.

When to Use Flows vs. Apex?

Deciding whether to use Flows or Apex is influenced by various aspects such as the complexity of the task, the amount of data involved, available developer expertise, and performance requirements.

Use Flows When:

• You want a low-code solution that admins can manage without developer involvement.
• There is a need to automate routine actions such as modifying records, dispatching emails, or generating tasks.
• The automation is relatively simple or moderately complex and can be handled visually.
• The data volume is low to medium, and performance constraints are minimal.
• You want to reduce dependency on developers and speed up deployment cycles.

Use Apex When:

• The business logic is too complex for Flows involving intricate calculations, multiple object interactions, or advanced validations.
• You need to work with large datasets efficiently or require asynchronous processing for background jobs (e.g., Batch Apex, Queueable, Scheduled jobs).
• You need to integrate Salesforce with third-party APIs or external databases.
• You require fine-grained control over transaction behaviour, error handling, and performance optimization.
• You need advanced error handling and debugging capabilities.

Flows vs. Apex: A Comparative Analysis

Learn more about Apex vs Flow.

Combining Flows and Apex

In many scenarios, the best approach is a hybrid one—using declarative tools for the bulk of automation and Apex for the complex or performance-critical parts. For example, a Flow might handle user interactions and simple record updates, while Apex triggers or classes handle complex validations or integrations behind the scenes.

Here’s how to use them together strategically:

1. Use Flows for Simplicity, Apex for Complexity: If a business requirement can be handled via Flow, use it. Only resort to Apex if necessary.
2. Call Apex from Flows: If you need additional functionality, you can invoke Apex Actions inside Flows.
3. Follow Salesforce Best Practices: Optimize SOQL queries, bulkify operations, and minimize DML statements.
4. Test and Monitor Performance: Use debug logs, Flow Debugger, and Apex Testing Framework to ensure reliability.
5. Avoid Mixing Triggers and Flows: If a Flow and an Apex Trigger operate on the same object, it can cause unintended recursion or conflicts.

Conclusion

Both Flows and Apex play vital roles in Salesforce development. The key is understanding when to use each approach to maximize efficiency and maintainability.

• Flows are ideal for quick automation and standard business processes without coding.
• Apex is necessary for advanced use cases like bulk processing, API integrations, and complex logic.

By leveraging the strengths of both and thoughtfully selecting when to use Flows versus Apex, Salesforce developers and admins can build scalable, optimized, and maintainable solutions that align with their business goals and technical capabilities. As Salesforce continues evolving, mastering both declarative and programmatic approaches will make you a more effective and versatile Salesforce professional.