APEX is a programming language that allows developers to create flow and transaction control. It gives developers access to Salesforce’ back-end database and client-server interfaces where they can create third-party applications to be used by customers. All Apex is interpreted, executed, and controlled using the Force.com platform.
No installation is necessary for the user/developer since all Apex applications are hosted and run directly from Salesforce’ servers. It is simply purchased as an add-on through the Salesforce website. Once purchased, it can be accessed through the standard interface where the developer can begin creating and publishing apps that can be used publicly or privately.
Apex is similar to Java in a way that it uses some familiar idioms such as variable and expression syntax, block and conditional statement syntax, loop syntax, and more. The only difference is that Apex uses elements that are easy to use allowing the developer to easily write and produce code in the Force.com platform.
Apex Platform Tools
The Apex platform mainly consists of three tools which are the following:
1. Builder – allows easy creation of applications using drag-and-drop functionality although it only works using a pre-defined set of interface elements and business logic algorithms
2. API – requires raw data from Salesforce applications since it is used by external programs like Java applications which may need client information from a Salesforce account.
3. Code – this is the programming language that is used on Saleforce servers. It was released and made available to developers in Salesforce Winter ’07 edition and it comes with built-in methods that allows the user/developer to access user data which has helped reduced the number of interactions between the server and the client.
Today, Salesforce has a Platform Edition which allows users/developers to have access to Apex applications without having to purchase Salesforce’ core CRM product.