Overview of the Top 8 Salesforce Developer Trends for 2023

1. GraphQL on the Salesforce Platform: GraphQL streamlines data retrieval, allowing developers to request precise data, optimizing efficiency.
2. SlackFirst Customer 360: The integration of Slack with Salesforce enhances collaboration and communication, transforming how businesses engage with customers.
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration: Salesforce’s Einstein AI empowers developers to build smarter apps with predictive analytics and AI-driven features.
4. Salesforce Flow: A low-code tool for building custom workflows, improving efficiency, and enhancing user experiences.
5. Hyperforce: A rearchitected infrastructure that enables global scalability on public cloud platforms, supporting businesses’ international expansion.
6. Salesforce Code Builder: An integrated development environment designed for Salesforce developers, streamlining code writing and deployment.
7. Slack Integration: Beyond internal communication, Slack is integrated into customer interactions, facilitating real-time communication and support.
8. 2GP (Second Generation Packaging): 2GP simplifies packaging and distribution of Salesforce applications, improving versioning and dependency management.
9. Data and System Integration: Tools like MuleSoft and Salesforce Connect enable seamless data integration between Salesforce and other systems, vital for data-driven decision-making.

The Role of Salesforce Developers

Salesforce developers are the driving force behind the platform’s adaptability. They are the architects of automation, wielding the power of low-code development and AI integration to create tailored solutions that align precisely with an organization’s objectives. These professionals build bridges between business strategy and technological execution, enabling companies to stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Salesforce developers are not just coders; they are problem solvers and innovators. They possess a deep understanding of business processes and customer interactions, allowing them to craft applications and workflows that optimize efficiency and enhance user experiences. Whether it’s designing intelligent chatbots for superior customer support or integrating blockchain technology to ensure data security, Salesforce developers are at the forefront of innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Why Salesforce Developer Trends for 2023 Matter

As we venture into 2023, the role of Salesforce developers takes center stage in reshaping how businesses interact with their customers. Understanding and embracing the upcoming Salesforce Developer Trends for 2023 is not merely a matter of professional curiosity—it’s a strategic imperative for any organization that seeks to thrive in the digital age.

Top 8 Salesforce Developer Trends in 2023

These trends are the signposts of the future, guiding developers and decision-makers toward the next phase of CRM excellence. They represent the ongoing evolution of Salesforce and the broader technology landscape, offering opportunities for businesses to differentiate themselves and create meaningful connections with their customers.

1. GraphQL on the Salesforce Platform

GraphQL is a query language for APIs that allows developers to request exactly the data they need, nothing more, and nothing less. In 2023, its integration into the Salesforce platform is set to revolutionize how developers interact with data.

Traditionally, developers relied on RESTful APIs to interact with Salesforce data. While REST is powerful, it often required multiple requests to fetch related data, leading to over-fetching or under-fetching of information. GraphQL, on the other hand, enables developers to define the shape of their response, reducing the data transfer overhead.

Developers can now create more efficient and responsive applications by querying only the specific data they require, resulting in faster load times and reduced bandwidth usage. This trend will undoubtedly enhance the development experience on the Salesforce platform, making it more flexible and data-efficient.

2. SlackFirst Customer 360

The acquisition of Slack by Salesforce has paved the way for a groundbreaking development: SlackFirst Customer 360. This trend signifies a shift in how businesses connect and collaborate within the Salesforce ecosystem.

Slack integration into the Customer 360 platform enables seamless communication and collaboration among teams, whether they are in sales, marketing, customer support, or any other department. Developers can leverage this integration to build custom Slack workflows that streamline processes and improve communication within their Salesforce-powered applications.

Imagine instant notifications of new leads or opportunities, automated follow-up reminders, or AI-driven chatbots within Slack channels—all of this becomes not only possible but easily achievable with this trend. As businesses increasingly rely on remote and distributed teams, SlackFirst Customer 360 is poised to become an invaluable asset for Salesforce developers.

3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration

AI integration in Salesforce is not a new concept, but in 2023, it is reaching new heights. Artificial Intelligence has become a central component of the platform, thanks to Salesforce’s Einstein AI.

Einstein AI offers a suite of features that can be integrated seamlessly into Salesforce applications. Developers can leverage AI for predictive analytics, chatbots, lead scoring, and recommendation engines, among other things. This trend empowers developers to create smarter, more intuitive applications that can analyze vast amounts of data, anticipate user needs, and provide real-time insights.

The importance of AI integration cannot be overstated, as businesses are increasingly relying on data-driven decision-making. Salesforce developers who embrace AI are better positioned to deliver solutions that provide a competitive edge.

4. Salesforce Flow

Salesforce Flow is a powerful automation tool that allows developers and administrators to design and automate complex business processes with a low-code approach. In 2023, this trend is all about enabling developers to build highly customized, efficient workflows without diving deep into code.

Salesforce Flow can be used to create guided processes, automate data updates, and generate dynamic screens for users, all through a visual interface. Developers can incorporate flows into their applications to create user-friendly experiences that guide users through tasks, such as onboarding, approvals, and data entry.

The beauty of Salesforce Flow is that it doesn’t just benefit developers; it also empowers business users to create and modify their processes, reducing the burden on IT teams and accelerating innovation.

5. Hyperforce

Hyperforce represents Salesforce’s commitment to scalability and global reach. With businesses expanding internationally and requiring scalable solutions, this trend is essential for developers looking to create applications with a global footprint.

Hyperforce is a rearchitecture of Salesforce’s infrastructure, allowing customers to run Salesforce on public cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. This means Salesforce can now scale more efficiently to meet the demands of businesses operating in different regions, while also offering enhanced data residency options.

Developers will need to familiarize themselves with the new infrastructure and consider how it impacts their applications. It opens up new possibilities for building resilient, high-performance solutions on a global scale.

6. Salesforce Code Builder

Salesforce Code Builder is a trend aimed at streamlining the development process. This integrated development environment (IDE) is designed specifically for Salesforce developers, making it easier to write, test, and deploy code.

Developers can access Code Builder directly from the Salesforce platform, eliminating the need to switch between multiple tools. It offers features like code completion, version control, and debugging tools, making it a comprehensive development environment.

This trend simplifies the developer experience, improving productivity and reducing the learning curve for new developers. It’s a powerful addition to the Salesforce ecosystem that enhances the development lifecycle.

7. Slack Integration

While Slack was mentioned earlier in the context of Customer 360, Slack Integration deserves its own spotlight. This trend goes beyond internal communication and extends to customer interactions.

By integrating Slack with Salesforce, developers can create chatbots that engage customers, assist with support queries, and provide real-time updates on their orders or service requests. It brings a conversational element to customer engagement, enhancing the user experience and reducing response times.

This trend is particularly crucial for businesses looking to stay competitive in a world where instant communication is expected. Developers who can leverage Slack for customer interactions will be at the forefront of delivering exceptional service.

8. 2GP (Second Generation Packaging)

Second Generation Packaging (2GP) is a significant evolution in how Salesforce packages and manages applications. This trend addresses some of the limitations of the previous packaging model and offers improved versioning, dependency management, and flexibility.

Developers can use 2GP to package and distribute their applications more efficiently. It allows for better organization of code and dependencies, making it easier to maintain and update applications.

This trend is a game-changer for developers who need to package and distribute their solutions on the Salesforce AppExchange or within their organizations. It streamlines the development-to-distribution pipeline and improves the overall developer experience.

Bonus Additional Trend to Look Out For

9. Data and System Integration

The final trend on our list is Data and System Integration. In 2023, businesses are more data-driven than ever before, and Salesforce developers play a crucial role in ensuring that data flows seamlessly between systems.

Developers can use tools like MuleSoft, Salesforce Connect, and various APIs to connect Salesforce with other systems, databases, and external data sources. This integration allows businesses to have a 360-degree view of their customers and operations, enhancing decision-making and automation capabilities.

Data integration is at the heart of digital transformation, and Salesforce developers who excel in this area are in high demand. This trend underscores the importance of having a holistic view of data within the Salesforce ecosystem.

These eight trends represent the cutting edge of Salesforce development in 2023. As a Salesforce developer, staying abreast of these trends and considering how they can be leveraged in your projects is essential for success in an ever-evolving ecosystem. Whether you’re building smarter applications with AI, streamlining workflows with Salesforce Flow, or harnessing the power of GraphQL, these trends are your roadmap to achieving excellence in Salesforce development in the year ahead.

Embracing the Future with Salesforce Developer Trends for 2023

Opportunities for Growth and Innovation

Every trend we’ve discussed represents a unique opportunity for growth and innovation. Salesforce developers who embrace these trends are not just keeping pace with the industry; they are forging ahead, driving change, and reshaping the future of business technology.

Consider the potential of integrating AI into your applications, providing customers with predictive insights that revolutionize their decision-making. Imagine the efficiency gains of using Salesforce Flow to automate complex processes or the global reach of Hyperforce for businesses expanding internationally.

These trends are not challenges but rather invitations to innovate. They empower developers to create smarter, faster, and more responsive solutions. They offer the potential to reimagine customer experiences, automate tedious tasks, and drive efficiency across organizations. In embracing these trends, developers become the architects of digital transformation, bringing to life the visions of businesses seeking to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Bottom Line

In Salesforce development, change is constant. Trends for 2023 are blueprints for success in an innovative, competitive landscape. As digital transformation speeds up, developers who adapt, innovate, and seize these trends become trailblazers.