Salesforce Development Tools: A Guide to VS Code, Salesforce CLI, and Git

Salesforce development has evolved significantly over the years, with modern tools making it easier for developers to build, test, and deploy applications efficiently.

Salesforce Development Tools: A Guide to VS Code, Salesforce CLI, and Git

Salesforce development has evolved significantly over the years, with modern tools making it easier for developers to build, test, and deploy applications efficiently. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, using the right tools can enhance your productivity and streamline your workflow.

In this guide, we’ll explore three essential tools for Salesforce development & Consulting: VS Code, Salesforce CLI, and Git. These tools are crucial for developers looking to build scalable and high-performing Salesforce applications.

Why Salesforce Development Tools Matter

Salesforce provides a robust development ecosystem, but to maximize efficiency, developers rely on specialized tools. These tools help automate processes, improve code quality, and enhance collaboration, ultimately leading to a smoother Salesforce development experience.

The right development tools allow for:

  • Faster and more efficient coding

  • Simplified debugging and testing

  • Better version control and collaboration

  • Automated deployment processes

Let’s dive deeper into the three essential tools for Salesforce development.

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) for Salesforce Development

Why Use VS Code?

VS Code is one of the most powerful code editors available today. It is lightweight, fast, and packed with features that make Salesforce development easier. The Salesforce team officially recommends VS Code for development, and it comes with extensions that provide a seamless coding experience.

Key Features of VS Code for Salesforce Development

  1. Salesforce Extension Pack – Includes tools for Apex development, debugging, and deployment.

  2. Integrated Terminal – Allows developers to run Salesforce CLI commands directly.

  3. IntelliSense & Code Completion – Helps write code faster with real-time suggestions.

  4. Git Integration – Enables version control and collaboration within the same interface.

  5. Debugging Support – Allows step-by-step debugging to identify and fix issues efficiently.

How to Set Up VS Code for Salesforce Development

To get started with VS Code:

  1. Download and install VS Code.

  2. Install the Salesforce Extension Pack from the VS Code marketplace.

  3. Set up Salesforce CLI (covered in the next section).

  4. Connect VS Code to your Salesforce org using authentication commands.

  5. Start writing and deploying Apex, Lightning components, and other Salesforce assets.

Salesforce CLI: Automating Development Tasks

What is Salesforce CLI?

Salesforce CLI (Command Line Interface) is a powerful tool that allows developers to interact with Salesforce from the terminal. It helps automate processes like authentication, data import/export, and metadata deployment.

Benefits of Using Salesforce CLI

  • Faster Development – Automates repetitive tasks, reducing manual effort.

  • Seamless Org Management – Easily switch between different Salesforce environments.

  • Scripting Capabilities – Allows developers to write scripts for automated deployments.

  • Enhanced Debugging – Provides logs and error tracking to troubleshoot issues effectively.

Essential Salesforce CLI Commands

Command

Purpose

sfdx force:auth:web:login

Authenticates Salesforce org

sfdx force:org:list

Lists all authenticated orgs

sfdx force:apex:test:run

Runs Apex tests

sfdx force:source:push

Pushes source code to scratch org

sfdx force:source:pull

Pulls latest changes from scratch org

Setting Up Salesforce CLI for Development

  1. Download and install Salesforce CLI.

  2. Authenticate your Salesforce org using sfdx force:auth:web:login.

  3. Create a Salesforce DX project using sfdx force:project:create -n myProject.

  4. Start managing metadata and automating deployment tasks.

Git for Version Control in Salesforce Development

Why Use Git?

Git is a version control system that helps Salesforce development teams collaborate efficiently. It tracks changes, prevents code conflicts, and enables developers to roll back to previous versions when needed.

Key Benefits of Using Git in Salesforce Development

  • Code Versioning – Keeps track of code changes over time.

  • Collaboration – Multiple developers can work on the same project without conflicts.

  • Backup & Recovery – Allows restoring previous versions of code if needed.

  • Branching & Merging – Helps developers work on features separately and merge them later.

Git Best Practices for Salesforce Development

  1. Use Feature Branching – Create separate branches for new features before merging into the main branch.

  2. Commit Frequently – Regular commits help track changes effectively.

  3. Write Clear Commit Messages – Document changes properly to improve collaboration.

  4. Use .gitignore – Exclude unnecessary files to keep the repository clean.

  5. Integrate with CI/CD – Automate deployments using tools like GitHub Actions or Jenkins.

Setting Up Git for Salesforce Development

  1. Install Git.

  2. Initialize a Git repository in your project using git init.

  3. Connect to a remote repository (GitHub, Bitbucket, GitLab) using git remote add origin <repository_url>.

  4. Start tracking changes using git add . and commit with git commit -m "Initial commit".

FAQs About Salesforce Development Tools

1. What is the best IDE for Salesforce development?

VS Code is the preferred IDE for Salesforce development due to its powerful extensions, ease of use, and integration with Salesforce CLI and Git.

2. Why should I use Salesforce CLI?

Salesforce CLI automates various tasks like authentication, metadata management, and deployments, making Salesforce development more efficient.

3. How does Git help in Salesforce development?

Git provides version control, allowing developers to track changes, collaborate effectively, and avoid code conflicts.

4. Can I use other code editors instead of VS Code for Salesforce development?

While other editors like Eclipse and IntelliJ IDEA can be used, VS Code is the officially recommended IDE for Salesforce development.

5. What is the difference between Salesforce CLI and the Developer Console?

Salesforce CLI is a command-line tool for automating development tasks, whereas the Developer Console is a web-based interface for writing and debugging code.

Final Thoughts

Using the right tools for Salesforce development can significantly enhance productivity, improve collaboration, and streamline deployments. VS Code, Salesforce CLI, and Git form a powerful toolkit that enables developers to write efficient, scalable, and maintainable code.

By mastering these tools, Salesforce development teams can ensure faster development cycles, reduced errors, and better overall project management. Whether you're a solo developer or working in a team, adopting these tools will elevate your Salesforce development experience.

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