The Salesforce platform can be setup with a Java Developer Environment to enable Salesforce APIs to work. By default, APIs are enabled in most Salesforce editions, and are used to develop apps within the platform. This post will tackle what Eclipse and Apex in Salesforce is, and how to use them.
What is Eclipse?
Eclipse is a type of IDE or integrated development environment that is used for Java development. Eclipse is not an absolute prerequisite to developing integration apps on Salesforce. However, the program can be installed as a back-up easy-to-use IDE that can work alongside Salesforce.
Eclipse needs a Java runtime environment to fire up. Hence, before installing it, the computer must have an updated version of Java installed and running.
How to Install Eclipse
- Go to http://www.eclipse.org/downloads on the web browser.
- Look for Eclipse IDE for Java Developers.
- Click on corresponding download links on the right-hand screen corner. Download either the 32-bit version or the 64-bit one.
- Find a suitable location on the computer and un-archive the downloaded Eclipse file there.
- Launch the executable file.
- For Windows: eclipse.exe
- For Mac OS X: Eclipse.app
- For Linux: eclipse
- When prompted, accept the default location for the Eclipse workspace. Click on OK. The user will then be taken to the Eclipse welcome page.
- Close the Eclipse Welcome Page. The Eclipse workbench will appear. The user may now use Eclipse to work on Java-based apps that can be integrated to Salesforce.
Force.com IDE and Apex Code
The Force.com IDE is an application based on Eclipse platform and is used to create, deploy, and modify Force.com applications. This IDE supports Apex Code, a type of programming language that helps in controlling statements and executing flows in Force.com.
Apex Code utilizes Java-like syntax to add additional business logic to usual point-and-click features. Database triggers, customized system events, scheduled jobs and web service requests require the use of codes developed using the Apex Code.