Definition
Lightning Types are JSON-based data types in Salesforce used to structure, validate, and display data for Agentforce agents. Each Lightning Type consists of a schema defining the data structure and validation rules, an optional editor for input UI, and an optional renderer for output UI. Both standard and custom Lightning Types can be managed from Setup by searching 'Lightning Types' in Quick Find.
Real-World Example
A developer at OrbitTech reviews the Lightning Types page to understand the available data types for a new custom component. She sees standard types like String, Integer, and Boolean, as well as custom types defined by installed packages. She uses a custom Address type to ensure her component receives properly structured address data.
Why Lightning Types Matters
Lightning Types are JSON-based data types in Salesforce used to structure, validate, and display data for Agentforce agents. Each Lightning Type consists of a schema defining the data structure and validation rules, an optional editor for input UI, and an optional renderer for output UI. Together, these elements give Agentforce a typed data model that the agent can work with reliably, knowing what shape of data to produce and consume.
Both standard and custom Lightning Types can be managed from Setup by searching 'Lightning Types' in Quick Find. Standard types cover common data shapes; custom types let developers define application-specific structures. Lightning Types are part of the broader Agentforce architecture for building reliable AI agents in Salesforce. Defining types thoughtfully matters because they're what the agent uses to validate inputs and structure outputs, so good type design produces more reliable agent behavior.
How Organizations Use Lightning Types
- •Quantum Labs — Uses custom Lightning Types in their Agentforce deployment to structure customer information that the agent collects during conversations.
- •TerraForm Tech — Defines validation rules in Lightning Types to ensure agent outputs meet quality standards before being used downstream.
- •CodeBridge — Treats Lightning Type design as part of building reliable Agentforce agents, investing time in type definitions early in the project.