Database-Aware
Learning Content
Last updated: July 21, 2026
Introduction to Apex Features
In the previous chapter, we learned what Salesforce Apex is, why it is used, and where it fits within the Salesforce ecosystem. Before writing Apex code, it's important to understand the features that make Apex different from other programming languages.
Apex is more than just a programming language. It is designed specifically for the Salesforce Platform and comes with built-in capabilities for working with Salesforce data, enforcing security, handling transactions, and supporting enterprise-level application development.
Unlike traditional programming languages where developers need to configure databases, manage servers, and implement security separately, Apex provides these capabilities as part of the platform. This allows developers to focus on solving business problems rather than managing infrastructure.
💡 LearnFrenzy Insight
Think of Apex as a "Salesforce Smart Programming Language."
Instead of writing code for database connections, authentication, transactions, and deployment separately, Apex handles most of these responsibilities automatically. This allows developers to build secure and scalable applications much faster.
Major Features of Salesforce Apex
Salesforce Apex provides several powerful features that make enterprise application development easier. Throughout this chapter, we'll explore each feature with practical examples.
| # | Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Database-Aware Programming | Work directly with Salesforce records using SOQL, SOSL, and DML. |
| 2 | Object-Oriented Programming | Create reusable Classes, Objects, Interfaces, and Methods. |
| 3 | Strongly Typed Language | Every variable must have a defined data type. |
| 4 | Event-Driven Programming | Execute business logic automatically using Apex Triggers. |
| 5 | Built-in Security | Supports Sharing Rules, CRUD, Field-Level Security, and User Permissions. |
| 6 | Asynchronous Processing | Execute long-running jobs using Future, Queueable, Batch, and Scheduled Apex. |
| 7 | Governor Limits | Ensures fair resource usage across all Salesforce organizations. |
📌 In this part, we'll explore the first and one of the most important features: Database-Aware Programming.
Database-Aware Programming
One of the biggest advantages of Apex is that it is database-aware. This means Apex can directly interact with Salesforce data without requiring developers to configure database connections or write SQL connection code.
In languages such as Java or C#, developers usually need to establish a database connection, execute SQL queries, process the results, and close the connection manually.
In Apex, Salesforce automatically manages the database connection. Developers simply write SOQL, SOSL, and DML statements to interact with Salesforce records.
What Does Database-Aware Mean?
Database-aware means Apex understands Salesforce objects and their relationships natively. You can query records, update data, insert new records, delete records, and restore deleted records using simple Apex statements.
🏢 Real-World Analogy
Imagine working in a library.
In most programming languages, you must first obtain permission, find the correct shelf, locate the book, and then read it.
In Salesforce Apex, it's like having a smart librarian who instantly brings you the exact book you need. You simply ask for the data, and Salesforce takes care of the rest.
How Apex Communicates with the Database
| Operation | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| SOQL | Retrieve Salesforce records. | SELECT Name FROM Account |
| SOSL | Search across multiple objects. | FIND 'John' |
| DML | Create, Update, Delete, Undelete records. | insert, update, delete |
Example 1: Retrieve Account Records Using SOQL
The following example retrieves all Account records whose Industry is Banking.
// Retrieve Banking Accounts
List<Account> accounts = [
SELECT Id, Name, Industry
FROM Account
WHERE Industry = 'Banking'
];
for(Account acc : accounts){
System.debug(acc.Name);
}
Output
ABC Bank
National Finance
City Banking Services
Explanation
| Statement | Explanation |
|---|---|
| SELECT Id, Name, Industry | Selects three fields from the Account object. |
| WHERE Industry='Banking' | Filters only Banking accounts. |
| List<Account> | Stores multiple Account records. |
| System.debug() | Displays the Account Name in Debug Logs. |
Example 2: Update Records Using DML
The following example updates the Rating of an Account.
Account acc = new Account(
Id='001XXXXXXXXXXXX',
Rating='Hot'
);
update acc;
Output
Account Updated Successfully.
The update statement saves the modified record to the Salesforce database.
Example 3: Insert a New Account
Account acc = new Account();
acc.Name = 'LearnFrenzy Pvt Ltd';
acc.Industry = 'Education';
insert acc;
Output
New Account Created Successfully.
✅ Best Practice
Always perform DML operations outside loops whenever possible. This improves performance and helps avoid Governor Limit exceptions.
⚠️ Common Mistake
Executing SOQL queries or DML statements inside a for loop can quickly exceed Salesforce Governor Limits. Instead, query records once, process them using collections, and perform a single bulk DML operation.
🎯 Interview Tip
One of the most common Salesforce interview questions is: "Why is Apex called a database-aware language?"
A strong answer is: Apex is database-aware because it provides native support for SOQL, SOSL, and DML, allowing developers to interact directly with Salesforce data without managing database connections manually.
Quick Revision
- Apex has built-in support for Salesforce database operations.
- SOQL is used to retrieve Salesforce records.
- SOSL is used to search across multiple objects.
- DML is used to insert, update, delete, and undelete records.
- Salesforce automatically manages database connections.
- Always write bulkified code to avoid Governor Limit exceptions.
🚀 Next Part: Feature 2 – Object-Oriented Programming in Apex
You'll learn how Classes, Objects, Methods, Constructors, and Encapsulation work in Apex with real-world examples and outputs.
Practice What You've Learned
Test your understanding with these practice exercises