Salesforce DictionarySalesforce DictionaryDeclarative data quality vs programmatic logic
A Validation Rule in Salesforce is a formula-based rule that prevents users from saving a record if certain conditions are not met. Validation Rules enforce data quality by checking field values against specified criteria and displaying an error message when the data does not comply.
Apex Triggers is a Setup page that lists all Apex triggers in the org along with their associated objects, API version, and status (Active or Inactive). Triggers are pieces of Apex code that execute before or after data manipulation events like insert, update, delete, and undelete on Salesforce records.
| Dimension | Validation Rule | Apex Triggers |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Declarative — formula-based | Programmatic — Apex code |
| Purpose | Enforce data quality before save | Complex business logic on record events |
| Timing | Before save only | Before and after insert, update, delete, undelete |
| Complexity | Single formula expression | Full programming language capabilities |
| Error Handling | Displays error on field or page top | Can throw custom exceptions and log errors |
Simple data quality checks like required fields, format validation, or cross-field rules.
Complex business logic, cross-object updates, or integrations triggered by record events.
Other side-by-side breakdowns you might find useful