Understanding DML (Data Manipulation Language) in Apex – Salesforce Apex Tutorial 10

DML, which stands for Data Manipulation Language, is like the control panel for making changes to your Salesforce data. Think of it as a set of tools that allows you to insert, update, or delete records in your Salesforce database. It’s how you interact with and modify your data.

Why DML Is Important

Imagine you’re managing a list of customer contacts, and you need to add a new contact, update existing information, or remove outdated records. DML is essential because it provides the commands and functions to perform these actions efficiently and accurately. It’s like having the ability to add, edit, or remove items from your to-do list.

Types of DML Operations

DML in Apex consists of several operations:

1. Insert: This operation allows you to add new records to your Salesforce objects. For example, when a new customer signs up, you can use the insert operation to create their contact record.
2. Update: Update is used to modify existing records. When a customer changes their phone number or address, you can use update to make those changes in the database.
3. Delete: Delete removes records from your objects. If a customer decides to leave your service, you can use delete to remove their contact record.

Example of DML in Apex

Here’s a simple example of how DML works in Apex:

// Creating a new Contact record
Contact newContact = new Contact();
newContact.FirstName = 'John';
newContact.LastName = 'Doe';
newContact.Email = 'john.doe@email.com';

// Inserting the new Contact record into the database
insert newContact;

// Updating the Contact record
newContact.Email = 'new.email@email.com';

// Updating the Contact record in the database
update newContact;

// Deleting the Contact record
delete newContact;

In this code, we first create a new Contact record, insert it into the database, update its email address, and then delete it.

Common Use Cases

DML operations are essential for various tasks in Salesforce, including:

• Adding new records when new customers or data are entered.
• Updating records when information changes.
• Removing records when they are no longer needed.
• Automating data management processes using triggers and workflows.

Understanding how to use DML operations effectively in Apex is crucial for managing your Salesforce data accurately and efficiently. Whether you’re a developer, administrator, or business user, mastering DML helps you keep your data organized and up to date.

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