Test Class for Trigger in Salesforce – Detailed Guide

Salesforce is a super popular cloud-based CRM tool. It's like having a magic wand for your business because it helps you understand your customers' requirements effortlessly.

As more and more businesses rely on Salesforce, they want to make it even more progressive by upgrading different tasks to enhance their performance.

One of Salesforce’s specialties is doing various tasks automatically. Some of this automation is performed through separate custom code, which usually starts with "trigger," also named “Apex triggers.” With Salesforce Apex triggers, you can easily automate multiple processes. Moreover, these triggers allow you to perform custom tasks that run before & after database events, like when you insert or update data.

So, in this post, we will explain the Test Class for trigger in Salesforce. Also, we’ll guide you through some other important details, including their uses, best practices, and a basic Apex trigger example. So, let’s dive in!

What are Apex Triggers or Tiggers in Salesforce?

Apex is a programming language used in Salesforce to perform specific tasks. You can start it using triggers. A trigger consists of Apex code designed to execute before or after DML (Data Manipulation Language) events. DML events contain various data processing tasks, including inserting, updating, and deleting records.

Apex trigger helps you automate nearly impossible-to-perform tasks using the Salesforce user interface. It enables you to make custom scripts to implement as per your requirements, and the only restriction is your coding skills.

Types of Salesforce Apex Trigger

There are two types of Salesforce Trigger.

Before Triggers

“Before Triggers” are valuable in scenarios where data changes need validation before accepting a modification/change. They execute before any alterations in the database.

After Triggers

“After Triggers” proves beneficial when you need to update database records based on values stored in other records. They execute after any changes made to the database.

Both trigger types enable you to achieve custom tasks and oversee records efficiently. Further, they can assist you in performing bulk operations by handling numerous records simultaneously.

When Should You Employ Triggers in Salesforce?

Salesforce offers various ways to automate processes without writing code, such as workflows and process builders. These tools work well for specific tasks but can not create custom automation, like triggers.

You can use triggers in several cases:

High Data Volume

Triggers are valuable when dealing with high data volumes. They allow you to execute custom logic precisely when needed, ensuring data consistency and integrity even in scenarios with large amounts of records. Moreover, they can control difficulties, help stop data errors, and keep the database running smoothly.

Execution Order

Triggers provide control over the execution order. It is useful when multiple triggers are associated with a single object, helping you define the sequence of operations to meet specific business requirements.

Complex Logic

Triggers are ideal for implementing complex business logic that goes beyond the capabilities of simple tools like process builders and workflows. They allow you to write custom code in languages like Apex, enabling complex data transformations, validations, and calculations to fulfill business necessities.

Effective Troubleshooting

Triggers offer the best error-handling and debugging capabilities. When issues arise, you can examine trigger code, log events, and diagnose problems effectively. It helps administrators and developers identify the root causes of issues, making troubleshooting more efficient and reducing downtime.

The Structure of Apex Triggers

Apex triggers are a powerful tool in Salesforce and relatively simple to create. There are many situations where you'll need them. Even if you're not an expert in Apex coding, you can write triggers. Learning how to use them allows you to do many more in Salesforce. In addition, it makes tasks like working with data, records, and workflows much simpler.

Below, we have a basic example of a Salesforce Apex Trigger script:

Let's simplify the syntax for better understanding.

Let’s take 'ChangeMaritalStatus' as your trigger’s name. It's essential to pick a name that follows the naming conventions. Here, 'Contact' represents the object the trigger will work with. In the parentheses, you have to specify when the trigger will execute.

In this example, you have to make modifications before inserting a record. So here, you will use the 'before insert' trigger event. And finally, the trigger's body will include your instructions or logic.

The basic structure of an Apex trigger will summarized like this:

What is Test Class for Trigger in Salesforce

After creating your Apex trigger, testing it is necessary before deploying it. Salesforce has strict rules about testing and code coverage. According to the Salesforce rule, you should test at least 75 % of the code before deploying it. Therefore, creating a text class is essential to achieve the trigger code coverage.

The test class confirms your trigger function as intended. In other words, this test class checks if the trigger runs correctly or performs the required task when you create a new contact.

Best Practices for Apex Triggers

Implementing best practices can help you create better Apex triggers while avoiding common mistakes. Here are some helpful approaches:

Limit Triggers

Try to use only one trigger per object whenever possible. Using multiple triggers for the same object can lead to unpredictable execution orders. So, this practice simplifies your testing and management.

Bulk Processing

Ensure your code can handle multiple records at a time, especially in cases where a lot of data changes at once.

Imagine you're sorting a deck of cards. If you sort them one by one, it would take a long time. But if you can sort a whole bunch of cards together in one go, it's much faster.

In the same way, your code should be able to deal with lots of data together instead of handling them one at a time, like it usually does when a person does something in the system. It makes your code more efficient and quicker when dealing with bulk data changes.

Remove Triggers Logic

Create an Apex class for your logic instead of putting all of it directly in triggers. Then, call it from your trigger. This approach makes your trigger code cleaner and easier to maintain.

Simplify Loops

Salesforce has limits to ensure smooth performance, known as “Governor limits.” Avoid putting data manipulation (DML) statements and database queries inside for loops, as this can exceed these limits and slow down your application.

Sum Up

We hope that you find this blog informative. Within our comprehensive guide, we have guided you through various essential aspects of a test class for trigger in Salesforce. These insights cover trigger purposes, best practices, and more, all designed to help ensure your triggers function effectively and meet Salesforce's testing standards.

You might also like: Test Class for Apex Class in Salesforce.