Definition
In Salesforce development, a generic term for a data object or record type in the system, such as a standard object (Account, Contact) or custom object, that stores data in the platform's database.
Real-World Example
When an architect at Skyline Consulting needs to streamline operations, they turn to Entity to extend their Salesforce implementation to meet growing business demands. Entity provides the additional capability they need without requiring a separate third-party system, keeping everything within the trusted Salesforce ecosystem and reducing integration complexity.
Why Entity Matters
In Salesforce development, Entity is a generic term for a data object or record type in the system. It's used somewhat interchangeably with 'object' but tends to appear more in developer documentation, API discussions, and abstract data model conversations rather than admin-facing UI. Standard objects (Account, Contact, Opportunity), custom objects, and any other data-storing structures are all entities in this terminology.
The term is most useful when discussing the data model in abstract terms or when describing tools and APIs that work generically across object types. For example, the Metadata API and Tooling API often refer to entities when describing operations that apply to any object type. In day-to-day Salesforce work, most people just say 'object', and that's the more common term in admin and end-user contexts. Knowing both terms helps when reading documentation that switches between them.
How Organizations Use Entity
- •Quantum Labs — Uses 'entity' in their internal documentation when discussing the abstract data model and 'object' when discussing specific concrete examples.
- •TerraForm Tech — Encounters the term 'entity' in API documentation and treats it as synonymous with 'object' for practical purposes.
- •CodeBridge — Trains new developers that entity and object are essentially interchangeable, with entity being slightly more formal.