Definition
A WSDL file in Salesforce designed for use by AppExchange partners and ISVs, providing a simplified interface for making SOAP API calls that is suitable for building client applications distributed across multiple orgs.
Real-World Example
When a Salesforce developer at CodeBridge needs to streamline operations, they turn to Partner WSDL to create a robust integration between Salesforce and an external system. Using Partner WSDL, the developer builds an efficient solution that syncs data in near real-time, handles error scenarios gracefully, and includes detailed logging for troubleshooting.
Why Partner WSDL Matters
Partner WSDL is a WSDL file in Salesforce designed for use by AppExchange partners and ISVs, providing a simplified interface for making SOAP API calls that is suitable for building client applications distributed across multiple orgs. Unlike the Enterprise WSDL (which is org-specific and includes custom objects with their fields), the Partner WSDL is generic and uses sObject as a generic type, letting one code base work across many different customer orgs.
The Partner WSDL is the right choice for ISV partners building integrations that need to work across many customer orgs because each customer's Enterprise WSDL would be different (reflecting their specific custom objects and fields). The trade-off is that working with sObjects as generic types is more complex than working with strongly-typed objects from the Enterprise WSDL. For ISV partners and integration vendors, the Partner WSDL is essential. For customer-specific integrations, the Enterprise WSDL is often easier to work with. Modern integrations often use REST APIs instead of either WSDL.
How Organizations Use Partner WSDL
- •Quantum Labs — Uses the Partner WSDL for their ISV product's SOAP integrations that work across all customer orgs.
- •TerraForm Tech — Considers REST API as the modern alternative to either WSDL, but maintains WSDL-based integrations for legacy connections.
- •CodeBridge — Distinguishes Partner WSDL (for ISV cross-org work) from Enterprise WSDL (for customer-specific integrations).