Packaging: A Comprehensive Guide for Salesforce ISVs on AppExchange
Building a custom application or getting it listed on AppExchange is the dream of every developer and Independent Software Vendor (ISV). As a developer your job does not end after you’ve developed your application, you also have to ensure that the solution is distributed effectively, for which you need a good understanding of packaging.
Packages bundle all the components of an app or functionality, making it ready for deployment, distribution, and upgrades. Understanding packages is key to creating scalable and effective applications that meet diverse business needs.
With this comprehensive Salesforce packaging guide, you will learn what Salesforce packages are, explore their different types, and discover best practices to help you create apps that stand out in the AppExchange marketplace.
Understanding Salesforce Packaging
Packages are collections of code, metadata, and components bundled together into a single container. They provide a unified structure for managing, distributing, and installing applications. Packages simplify deployment and streamline updates across environments by bringing everything together in one sharable and manageable form.
Types of Packages in Salesforce
Salesforce packages are classified into two types: Managed Packages and Unmanaged Packages. There’s also a third option, Unlocked Packages, which we’ll cover along with the rest.
1. Managed Packages
Managed packages are fully controlled and managed by the developer or organization that creates them. They are widely used by Salesforce partners and ISVs to distribute apps and solutions through the AppExchange marketplace. These packages offer features like version control, licensing, and automatic upgrades to customers.
2. Unmanaged Packages
Unlike managed packages, unmanaged packages are designed to distribute solutions intended for customization and modification by the end user. Once installed, the components of an unmanaged package become part of the target Salesforce org, giving the recipient full control over the package and its metadata.
What are Unlocked Packages?
In addition to managed and unmanaged packages, Salesforce also offers Unlocked Packages, designed primarily for internal business apps. These packages provide flexibility by allowing admins to make changes directly in production. Unlocked packages are ideal for modern development workflows but are not intended for AppExchange distribution.
Managed vs Unmanaged Packages
Features | Managed Packages | Unmanaged Packages |
---|---|---|
1. Control and Ownership | Fully controlled by the developer or organization. | Controlled by the recipient after installation. |
2. Upgrades | Upgrades are automatically available after being published. | Requires reinstalling for upgraded versions. |
3. Licensing | Supports licensing and usage tracking. | Does not support licensing or usage tracking. |
4. Feature Management App (FMA) | Available in both 1GP and 2GP Salesforce managed packages. | Not available with unmanaged packages. |
5. Namespace Prefix | Supports namespace prefix for unique identification, avoiding conflicts. | Does not support namespace prefix, leading to potential conflicts due to similar names. |
Generations of Managed Packages
Salesforce Managed Packages have evolved to meet the changing needs of developers and ISVs. They are categorized into two generations: 1st Generation (1GP) and 2nd Generation (2GP).
1st Generation Managed Packages (1GP)
1GP is Salesforce’s original packaging method, which was introduced to support app distribution on the AppExchange.
How It Works: It uses a dedicated packaging org to store all metadata.
Key Features: Includes a linear versioning system, basic licensing, and limited support for metadata types.
2nd Generation Managed Packages (2GP)
2GP is the modern evolution of managed packaging, designed to integrate seamlessly with source-driven development workflows.
How It Works: It uses version control systems (e.g., Git) as the source of truth and relies on Salesforce CLI for package creation and deployment.
Key Features: Supports modular packaging, advanced branching, namespace sharing, post-install scripts, and automated testing.
Choosing the Right Packaging for Your Salesforce App: A Salesforce Packaging Guide
Selecting the right packaging type is important for your app's distribution and maintenance. Here’s an overview to help you decide:
1. When to Choose Unmanaged Packages
Unmanaged packages are ideal for simpler use cases where end-user customization is a priority. Consider choosing them in the following scenarios:
Customization Flexibility: When you want your app or components to remain fully flexible for end-user customization and modifications
Direct Distribution: If you want to share components directly with specific users or organizations without an AppExchange listing.
Simpler Use Cases: For small-scale implementations, prototypes, or projects that don’t require features like licensing or automatic upgrades.
2. When to Choose Managed Packages
Managed packages are ideal for apps with broader audiences or those requiring regular updates. Consider them in the following scenarios:
Control and Customization Restrictions: Use when you need to lock critical components and prevent user modifications to maintain app integrity.
AppExchange Distribution: If your goal is to list your app on AppExchange, managed packages simplify the deployment process, meeting Salesforce's requirements for marketplace readiness.
Licensing: Choose managed packages when your app requires licensing models, usage tracking, and subscription management.
3. 1GP vs 2GP Managed Packages: What to Choose
If a managed package fits your needs, selecting between First and Second-Generation Managed Packages (1GP and 2GP) depends on your app's complexity and development approach. Here is a breakdown to help you decide:
First-Generation Managed Packages (1GP):
Legacy Applications: Best for ISVs who prefer the traditional 1GP packaging method and want to avoid re-architecting their existing applications.
Simpler Development Needs: Suitable for teams focused on point-and-click development with minimal reliance on advanced tools.
Second-Generation Managed Packages (2GP):
Modern Workflows: Perfect for teams using source-driven development, version control systems like Git, and CI/CD pipelines.
Future-Proof Solutions: Recommended for new applications to align with Salesforce’s evolving support for 2GP.
Modular Architecture: Ideal for creating modular, reusable packages that share a namespace and are easier to manage and update.
Best Practices for Salesforce Packaging
Follow these best practices to ensure your Salesforce packages are efficient, scalable, and easy to manage.
1. Version Control:
Use version control systems to track changes during the development process. Semantic versioning is a standard approach for labeling upgrades, such as V1.4.1.
2. Push Upgrades
Automate your upgrade process using the push upgrade feature. This allows you to deliver updates directly to users without requiring any action on their part. It provides the flexibility to choose which organizations receive upgrades and to schedule the automatic rollout of updates.
This approach helps bring package subscribers to the latest version at scale, reducing support needs associated with issues caused by older versions.
3. PR Validations
Implement Pull Request (PR) validations to review and validate code changes before merging. This helps catch errors early in the development process and maintain the integrity of your package.
4. Security
Adhering to security and compliance standards is critical for developing Salesforce applications, especially when listing on the AppExchange. Incorporating security validations at each stage of development ensures your application is robust and compliant with Salesforce’s high-security standards.
Suggested Read: How Does Salesforce AppExchange Security Review Work?
1. Regular Security Validations
Conduct security checks at every development stage or on a consistent schedule to identify and address issues early. Use Code Analyzer scans to examine all custom code for vulnerabilities, ensuring it aligns with secure development practices.
2. Integration Security
If your solution integrates with other systems, ensure appropriate security scans are conducted:
BURP/ZAP Scans: Utilize Burp Suite and Owasp ZAP tools to perform security scans on external systems (systems not owned by your organization).
Chimera Scans: Use Chimera to assess and validate the security of systems within your organization.
Suggested Read: 5 AppExchange Security Tools every ISV should know
4.3. Code Scanning Tools
Utilize the Force.com Code Scanner Portal (Checkmarx) to identify security vulnerabilities in your code.
Address all flagged issues, and if any are identified as false positives, document them thoroughly in a False Positives Document for review and reference during the security review process.
Suggested Read: Mastering the AppExchange Security Review
5. Testing Strategies
Thorough testing of your packaged applications ensures reliability, performance, and compatibility across various environments. Here are recommended testing strategies.
Regression Testing:
Validate that new changes do not break existing functionality. This ensures that all app features continue to function as expected.Testing Over Supported Salesforce Editions: Test the application on all Salesforce Editions your package supports (e.g., Professional, Enterprise, Unlimited) to confirm compatibility.
Upgrade Testing:
Test upgrades from both the latest version and the least upgradable version to ensure smooth transitions and data integrity.
Conclusion
Salesforce packages are essential tools for delivering scalable, maintainable, and impactful solutions within the Salesforce ecosystem. Whether distributed via AppExchange or customized for specific use cases, these packages streamline app deployment and enhance functionality.
As you continue to innovate and build within the Salesforce ecosystem, choosing the right packaging and maintaining disciplined development practices are vital for achieving long-term success and delivering maximum value to users.
Still confused about the packaging process? Let Concretio guide you. As a trusted Salesforce ISV partner, we’ve helped ISVs package, distribute, and manage their solutions. From handling managed and unmanaged packages to ensuring your app stands out on the AppExchange, we’re here to simplify the journey and help you succeed.
Suggested Read
How to Handle Failed Salesforce AppExchange Security Review?
Mastering Salesforce Development: Essential Coding Best Practices for AppExchange Success
PDO Strategies for Salesforce ISVs: Achieving 5-Star AppExchange CSAT
PDOs for AppExchange Success: A Salesforce ISV Partner’s Guide