Definition
Salesforce REST API is a RESTful web service interface that provides access to Salesforce org data and functionality using standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PATCH, DELETE) and resource-based URIs. It primarily uses JSON as the data format (XML is also supported) and is accessed at endpoints like /services/data/vXX.0/sobjects/Account/. REST API is the most widely used Salesforce API for web applications, mobile apps, and lightweight integrations. It supports CRUD operations, SOQL and SOSL queries, metadata retrieval, file uploads, Composite requests (batching multiple API calls), and SObject Tree for creating related records in a single request.
Real-World Example
a developer at Quantum Labs uses REST API to build a custom solution that extends the platform beyond its standard capabilities. They write clean, bulkified code for REST API, add comprehensive test coverage, and deploy it through a CI/CD pipeline. The new functionality handles 10,000 records without hitting governor limits.
Why REST API Matters
Salesforce REST API is a RESTful web service interface that provides access to Salesforce org data and functionality using standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PATCH, DELETE) and resource-based URIs. It primarily uses JSON as the data format (XML is also supported) and is accessed at endpoints like /services/data/vXX.0/sobjects/Account/. REST API is the most widely used Salesforce API for web applications, mobile apps, and lightweight integrations.
REST API supports CRUD operations, SOQL and SOSL queries, metadata retrieval, file uploads, Composite requests (batching multiple API calls), and SObject Tree for creating related records in a single request. Composite requests in particular are valuable for efficiency, letting you bundle multiple operations into a single round trip. Mature Salesforce integrations use REST API extensively, with careful attention to bulk operations and rate limits.
How Organizations Use REST API
- •TerraForm Tech — Uses Salesforce REST API for all web and mobile integrations, treating it as the default API choice.
- •Quantum Labs — Uses Composite requests to batch multiple operations into single calls for efficiency.
- •CodeBridge — Builds CI/CD pipelines that use REST API for deployment validation and automated testing.