How can I update the Salesforce version?
I am a Salesforce administrator for a particular company and my organization is planning to upgrade to the latest version of Salesforce. How can I approach this particular upgrade procedure, considering factors like data migration, user training, and the minimizing of downtime for business operations?
In the context of Salesforce, here is the approach given to how you can upgrade Salesforce to the latest version:-
Preparation and planning
First, try to review the release notes of the new Salesforce version new features, and the changes. You should also check the compatibility of the existing customization with the new version of Salesforce.
Data migration
You can use the Salesforce data loader to extract the backup data from the current Salesforce instance. Now you can validate the data Integrity so that you can ensure no loss or corruption.
Code and customization updates
You should identify the deprecated feature in the new version and then update the custom code accordingly. You should test all the customization in a sandbox environment so that you can ensure they function appropriately in the new version.
User training
You can develop training modules and then conduct the training session for the user so that you can familiarise them with the new features.
Testing
You can perform thorough testing in a sandbox Environment to validate the functionality and the integration with the other systems. You can use the Salesforce DX for automated testing.
Deployment
You can schedule a maintenance window for the upgrading systems. You should deploy the changes for production by using the change set or Salesforce CLI, following best practices for deployment and change management.
Post upgrade validation
You can now conduct post updated validation test to ensure all functionalities are working as expected. You should be monitoring the system performance and feedback of the users in the initial days after updating.
Here is the example given of how you can upgrade Salesforce. In this example, we will focus on how you can update the apex code, write unit tests, deploy change by using the Salesforce Command line interface, and then incorporate CI/CD principles:-
// Example Apex Class to Update and Test
Public class MyUpgradeClass {
// Before upgrade: Deprecated method
Public void oldMethod() {
String oldMethodResult = String.valueOf(DateTime.now().getTime());
System.debug(‘Old Method Result: ‘ + oldMethodResult);
}
// After upgrade: Updated method
Public void newMethod() {
String newMethodResult = String.valueOf(System.currentTimeMillis());
System.debug(‘New Method Result: ‘ + newMethodResult);
}
// Unit Test Class to Validate Functionality
@isTest
Private class MyUpgradeTestClass {
@isTest
Static void testNewMethod() {
MyUpgradeClass upgradeInstance = new MyUpgradeClass();
Test.startTest();
upgradeInstance.newMethod();
Test.stopTest();
// Add assertions here to validate new method functionality
}
}
}