Definition
A Composite App in Salesforce refers to an application that combines native Salesforce functionality with external application components, mashups, or services. Composite apps leverage Salesforce data and UI while integrating external web applications, Canvas apps, or APIs to deliver a unified user experience that spans multiple systems within the Salesforce interface.
Real-World Example
Consider a scenario where a senior developer at TerraForm Tech is working with Composite App to solve a complex business requirement that cannot be addressed with declarative tools alone. They implement Composite App with proper error handling, write 98% test coverage, and document the solution for future maintainers. The code passes security review on the first attempt.
Why Composite App Matters
A Composite App is an application that combines native Salesforce functionality with components from external applications, mashups, or services. Composite apps leverage Salesforce data and the Salesforce UI while embedding external web applications, Canvas apps, or API-powered components to deliver a unified experience. This approach is useful when an organization wants the best of both worlds: the data and user model of Salesforce combined with capabilities that exist in other systems and shouldn't be duplicated.
Common patterns for building composite apps include using Salesforce Canvas to embed an external web application inside a Salesforce page, using Lightning Web Components that call external APIs to display data alongside native Salesforce records, or integrating iframe-based widgets that surface external content within a Salesforce-branded experience. The Salesforce Connected App framework typically handles authentication so users get single sign-on between Salesforce and the embedded external system. Composite apps work best when each system handles what it's good at, rather than forcing one system to do everything.
How Organizations Use Composite App
- •TerraForm Tech — Embedded an external project management tool in their Salesforce Service Console using Canvas. Service agents see project status alongside Cases without having to switch tabs to a separate web app.
- •CodeBridge — Built a Composite App that combines Salesforce Opportunity data with external pricing engine output. A Lightning Web Component calls the pricing engine API and renders results inline on the Opportunity page.
- •Quantum Labs — Uses Composite Apps to keep specialized industry tools in one Salesforce experience. The team gets the user model and security of Salesforce without duplicating capabilities that already exist in best-of-breed industry software.