When working with Salesforce, one of the most important fields you’ll encounter is the ID field. The ID field is a unique identifier for each record in Salesforce and is automatically generated when a new record is created. It plays a crucial role in identifying and referencing records within the system.
Data Type:
The data type for the ID field in Salesforce is 18-character string. The ID consists of a combination of numbers and uppercase letters. It’s important to note that the ID field is case-sensitive, so “ABC123” and “abc123” would be considered two different IDs.
Length:
The length of the ID field is always 18 characters. This fixed length allows for efficient storage and indexing of records within Salesforce databases.
Format:
The format of the 18-character ID can vary depending on whether it represents a standard object or a custom object. Standard object IDs typically start with three characters representing the object’s key prefix, followed by 15 characters representing a unique identifier. Custom object IDs, on the other hand, start with three characters representing the key prefix assigned to the custom object by Salesforce, followed by five characters representing the custom object’s three-letter prefix and two additional characters.
Example:
Here’s an example to illustrate what an ID looks like: 003B00000123ABCDEF. In this example, “003” represents the key prefix for a standard object, while “B00” represents the three-letter prefix assigned to a custom object.
Usage:
The ID field is primarily used for record identification and manipulation within Salesforce. It allows developers and administrators to reference specific records when performing operations such as updating, deleting, or querying data.
When working with Apex code or SOQL queries within Salesforce, you can use the ID field to reference specific records. For example, you can retrieve a specific account record using its ID:
Account acc = [SELECT Name FROM Account WHERE Id = '001B00000123ABCDEF'];
Summary:
In conclusion, the ID field in Salesforce is a unique identifier for each record and is represented as an 18-character string. Its fixed length and format make it efficient for storage and indexing purposes. Understanding the data type of the ID field is essential for working with records and performing operations within Salesforce.
9 Related Question Answers Found
What Is a Data Type in Salesforce? When working with Salesforce, understanding data types is essential for managing and manipulating information effectively. Data types define the kind of data that can be stored in a field, such as text, numbers, dates, or even complex objects.
What Data Type Is a Salesforce ID? Salesforce is a powerful customer relationship management (CRM) platform that allows businesses to manage and organize their customer data efficiently. One of the key features of Salesforce is its unique identifier called the Salesforce ID, which is used to uniquely identify records within the system.
Data types in Salesforce are an essential aspect of managing and manipulating data effectively. Understanding data types is crucial for developers and administrators working with the Salesforce platform. In this article, we will explore the different data types available in Salesforce and how they are used.
The Salesforce platform is widely used in the business world to streamline and manage various processes. One crucial aspect of Salesforce development is understanding data types. In this article, we will explore what data types are in Salesforce and how they play a key role in organizing and manipulating data.
When working with data in Salesforce, it is essential to understand the different data types available. One of the most commonly used data types is the Number data type. In this article, we will explore what the Number data type is and how it can be utilized in Salesforce.
In Salesforce, the Phone data type is used to store phone numbers. It allows users to enter and display phone numbers in a standardized format, making it easier to manage and search for specific numbers within the system. Why Use Phone Data Type?
What Is Data Type Address in Salesforce? In Salesforce, the Data Type Address is a powerful field type that allows you to store and manage address information within your organization’s records. It provides a standardized way of capturing and displaying addresses, ensuring consistency and accuracy across your data.
The text data type in Salesforce is used to store alphanumeric characters. It is one of the most commonly used data types and is perfect for storing names, addresses, descriptions, and other similar types of information. Why use the text data type?
The field data type is an essential concept in Salesforce. It determines the kind of data that can be stored in a specific field within an object. Each field data type has its own set of characteristics, limitations, and functionality.