Upgrading
In Salesforce managed packaging, the process of installing a newer version of a managed package over an existing installation, which applies new features, fixes, and changes while preserving subscriber customizations.
Definition
In Salesforce managed packaging, the process of installing a newer version of a managed package over an existing installation, which applies new features, fixes, and changes while preserving subscriber customizations.
In plain English
“Upgrading in Salesforce managed packaging is installing a newer version of a managed package over an existing installation. The upgrade applies new features, fixes, and changes while preserving existing data and configurations.”
Worked example
An admin at Tarryholme Software gets a notification: the company's installed managed package, "Compliance Suite," has a new v2.7 available. She opens the Installed Packages page and clicks Upgrade - the Upgrading process applies the new package version over the existing v2.6 installation. Customizations the team made (page layout overrides, custom validation rules tied to the package's components) are preserved; the upgrade replaces the components but doesn't blow away the customer-side work. Upgrading is the standard package-lifecycle event for keeping installed packages current.
Why Upgrading matters
In Salesforce managed packaging, Upgrading is the process of installing a newer version of a managed package over an existing installation, which applies new features, fixes, and changes while preserving existing data and configurations. Upgrades can be initiated manually by the subscriber or pushed automatically by the ISV.
Managed package upgrades are designed to be non-destructive: existing data and customizations are preserved while new functionality is added. However, behavioral changes in new versions can affect existing workflows. Mature subscribers test upgrades in sandboxes before production, and mature ISVs provide detailed release notes documenting what changes.
How organizations use Upgrading
Tests package upgrades in sandboxes before applying to production.
Provides detailed release notes for every upgrade to help subscribers plan.
Plans upgrade timing based on release notes and testing results.
Test your knowledge
Q1. What is Upgrading?
Q2. Is existing data preserved?
Q3. What should you do before upgrading?
Discussion
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