Salesforce Platform App Builder Study Guide

Begin with the data model

A strong app design begins with objects, fields, and relationships. Before selecting a relationship, determine ownership, deletion behaviour, reporting requirements, sharing implications, and whether roll-up summaries are required.

Draw small models using standard objects, custom objects, lookup relationships, and master-detail relationships. Explain the consequences of each choice in plain language.

Design for the person doing the work

Page layouts, Lightning pages, record types, business processes, compact layouts, and mobile configuration solve different experience problems. Link every configuration choice to a user group and task rather than memorising menu locations.

• Use record types when business processes or picklist values differ.
• Use page layouts to control field and related-list presentation.
• Use Lightning pages to compose responsive workspace experiences.
• Check mobile use and accessibility alongside desktop design.

Choose maintainable business logic

Separate data validation from automated action. Validation rules prevent invalid saves, while Flow can create, update, notify, guide, or schedule based on a process.

For each scenario, identify whether the automation runs before save, after save, on a schedule, or through a screen interaction. Consider recursion, bulk data changes, and error handling.

Include security, reports, and deployment

An app is incomplete if users cannot securely access the right data or measure the process. Review object permissions, field access, record sharing, report types, dashboards, sandboxes, change sets, and deployment validation as connected design concerns.

Use scenario comparisons during revision

Create short comparison notes for features that appear similar. A useful note states the requirement, the recommended option, why it fits, and the condition that would make another option better.