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Getting Started

Although the Native Framework and its meta-data development model play a central role in defining how applications are built for the Force.com platform, it does not limit the kinds of apps that can be created, and importantly, how data from Force.com apps can be shared and integrated with other systems. The Force.com Web services API is the means by which developers can access and interact with their Force.com apps programmatically. As this is an open API based on common Web services standards, including SOAP and WSDL, it can be accessed from virtually any modern programming environment or integration tool. And since the Force.com API is designed to mirror common database syntax where possible, such as SQL, JDBC and ODBC, creating code to access it will likely be recognizable and familiar to developers who have worked with those other connection techniques.

The Force.com API is a key feature of the platform - so much so that salesforce.com typically processes more API transactions than it does Web browser / UI requests. As a foundation of the platform, you'll most likely also use the API when leveraging the Composite Framework, and even Apex Code. This section of the wiki covers the API essentials, such as how to access it from a variety of languages and environments, as well as topics specially about exclusively about API, such as query syntax and performance. However you'll find more information about using the API in the context of specific use cases and design patterns in other parts of the wiki.

Core API Resources

These links to documentation, tutorials and reference material are focused on learning and using the Force.com API in any context, regardless of language or platform.

Documentation

• Force.com Web Services API Developer's Guide (Version 8.0) - A comprehensive API resource that covers all aspects of getting starting with and using the Force.com API.

View Online || Download HTML || Download PDF || Download CHM || Sample SOAP Messages

• Designing Salesforce Integrations with the Force.com Platform (whitepaper)

Multimedia

• Introduction to the Force.com API - This recorded webinar provides an introduction to the key concepts and features of the Force.com API
• Next-Generation Web Services (Developers@dreamforce '06 Sessions): Overview of the new features in the Winter 07 release of the Force.com API, including SOQL relationships.
• Advanced Integration with Force.com Web Services (Developers@dreamforce '06 Sessions): Review of the integration oriented new features in the Winter 07 release of the Force.com API, including Outbound Messaging.

Links

• Using the Force.com API - Very detailed series of articles from the O'Reilly Network. Author Tony Stubblebine uses Perl to construct a mashup between Salesforce.com and MovableType blogs.
  • Part I: An Introduction to Salesforce.com's AppExchange
  • Part II: Using the Force.com API

Tech Notes

• What's New in Force.com Web Services API Winter '07 - Comprehensive review of new features, changes and bug fixes in the Winter 07 (8.0) release of the Force.com API
• Force.com API Performance Tips - Summary of issues that you should consider to maximize the performance of your API requests and interactions
• Single Sign On and the Force.com API - Overview of how to use Force.com authentication and existing salesforce.com user name/passwords in other applications.
• SAML and Delegated Authentication - Coverage of the difference between SAML and the delegated authentication scheme used by the API for LDAP and Active Directory integration