Session ID
In Salesforce API and authentication, a unique token (string) returned after successful login that identifies an authenticated user session, required in the header of subsequent API calls to authorize requests.
Definition
In Salesforce API and authentication, a unique token (string) returned after successful login that identifies an authenticated user session, required in the header of subsequent API calls to authorize requests.
In plain English
“A Session ID in Salesforce is a unique token returned after successful login that identifies your authenticated session. You include it in the header of subsequent API calls to prove you're authenticated. It's temporary and expires based on session timeout settings.”
Worked example
A Java integration at Harborwell Capital authenticates to Salesforce via the SOAP API login() call; the response includes a Session ID - a long alphanumeric token like "00D...!ARYAQK..." that uniquely identifies the authenticated session. The Java client includes the Session ID in the SoapHeader of every subsequent API call to authorize requests. The Session ID expires per the org's session-timeout setting (commonly 2 hours of inactivity); the integration refreshes by re-logging in. Without the Session ID, every API call would have to re-authenticate from scratch - Session IDs amortize the auth handshake across many calls.
Why Session ID matters
In Salesforce API and authentication, a Session ID is a unique token (string) returned after successful login that identifies an authenticated user session, required in the header of subsequent API calls. The session ID proves authentication without requiring credentials on every request. It's temporary and expires based on the org's session timeout settings.
Session IDs are foundational to Salesforce API interaction. Every API call needs authentication, and the session ID is the proof of a valid session. Modern Salesforce integration typically uses OAuth access tokens (which serve the same purpose) rather than directly using session IDs from SOAP login, but understanding session IDs remains important for Salesforce development.
How organizations use Session ID
Trains developers on session ID concepts as foundational to API authentication.
Uses OAuth access tokens (modern session IDs) for all API integration.
Treats session management as part of integration security practices.
🧠 Test your knowledge
Q1. What is a Session ID?
Q2. When does it expire?
Q3. What's the modern equivalent?
Discussion
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