How does Alters Scan Work in Apex?
The Alters Scan, also known as the Alteration Scan, is a powerful feature in Apex, a programming language developed by Salesforce. It is primarily used to manage and manipulate data within the Salesforce platform. Understanding how Alters Scan works in Apex is crucial for developers who want to optimize their code and enhance the performance of their applications. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of Alters Scan and explore its working mechanism in Apex.
What is Alters Scan?
Alters Scan is a mechanism that allows developers to monitor and track changes made to Salesforce objects, such as Accounts, Contacts, and Opportunities. It is particularly useful when you want to capture and process data changes in real-time, without the need for complex triggers or scheduled jobs. By utilizing Alters Scan, developers can create efficient and scalable applications that can respond to data changes promptly.
How does Alters Scan Work in Apex?
To understand how Alters Scan works in Apex, let’s break down the process into several key steps:
1. Setup Alters Scan: The first step is to set up Alters Scan for the desired Salesforce object. This can be done by creating a custom Apex class that extends the `Dml Alters Scan` class. The custom class should be annotated with the `@DmlAltersScan` annotation.
2. Define the Object: Within the custom class, you need to specify the Salesforce object you want to monitor by using the `@DmlAltersScan` annotation. This annotation takes a single parameter, which is the API name of the object.
3. Implement the `onDmlAlteration` Method: The `onDmlAlteration` method is the core of the Alters Scan mechanism. This method is called by the Salesforce platform whenever a change occurs in the specified object. You can write custom logic within this method to handle the data changes as per your application’s requirements.
4. Process the Data Changes: Inside the `onDmlAlteration` method, you can process the data changes by accessing the `Alteration` object. The `Alteration` object contains information about the changed fields, the user who made the change, and the timestamp of the change. You can use this information to perform actions such as updating related records, sending notifications, or logging the changes.
5. Optimize Performance: To ensure optimal performance, it is essential to write efficient code within the `onDmlAlteration` method. Avoid performing heavy computations or querying large datasets, as these can impact the overall performance of your application.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Alters Scan is a valuable feature in Apex that enables developers to monitor and track changes to Salesforce objects in real-time. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can effectively implement Alters Scan in your Apex applications and leverage its benefits. Remember to optimize your code and consider the performance implications when working with Alters Scan to ensure a seamless and efficient user experience.
