Apex (Salesforce)
Also written as Apex, Apex Triggers, Apex Classes, Batch Apex, Apex Code
Salesforce's own programming language, similar to Java, for business logic that the point-and-click tools can't handle: triggers that run when a record changes, scheduled and batch jobs, and integrations. Code runs on Salesforce's servers under strict limits on how much one transaction may do, called governor limits.
Think of it like
Writing your own recipes in a franchise kitchen: you can cook almost anything, but only with the franchise's equipment and within its rules on how many burners you may use at once.
Junior or senior?
Table stakes for Salesforce developers.
Junior sounds like
Writes triggers and classes from a spec.
Senior sounds like
Writes code that stays within governor limits on large data volumes, and proper tests (Salesforce won't deploy code with under 75% test coverage).
Ask them
“Tell me about an Apex trigger or batch job that hit governor limits. How did you fix it?”
Sounds like real experience
Names the limit they hit, such as too many queries or records in one transaction, and the fix, such as moving queries out of loops, bulkifying the trigger or switching to Batch Apex.
Probe further if
Has written small triggers or classes but never hit a governor limit, or describes tests only as something needed to reach 75% coverage.
Reading Apex (Salesforce) on a resume
- Table-stakes
- Most people in this field list Apex (Salesforce), so its presence tells you little, and opening a screen with it can make the call sound junior. Ask what they built with it instead.
Don’t mix it up
- Salesforce Admin vs. Developer vs. Consultant
'Salesforce experience' covers three different jobs. Admins configure the platform with clicks: fields, page layouts, permissions, reports and flows. Developers write code: Apex, Lightning Web Components and integrations. Functional consultants work with the business to decide how Salesforce should be set up, and write the requirements. The pay and interview loops differ, and certifications don't always make the difference clear.
Sourcing for Apex (Salesforce)
Every way it's written
("Apex" OR "Apex Triggers" OR "Apex Classes" OR "Batch Apex")Paste into LinkedIn Recruiter, Naukri or your ATS. Combine with a job title and location.
Wider net, with accepted substitutes
("Apex" OR "Apex Triggers" OR "Apex Classes" OR "Batch Apex" OR "Apex Code")Includes skills a hiring manager would usually accept instead. Use it when the exact search runs dry.