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Why does Salesforce deployment fail with “Cannot change type of field”?
You’re attempting an incompatible field type change. Problem Explanation Salesforce restricts field conversions that risk data loss. Root Cause(s) 1. Text → Number conversion 2. Lookup → Master-Detail change with existing data 3. Encrypted field changes Step-by-Step Solution 1. Create a new field wiRead more
You’re attempting an incompatible field type change.
Problem Explanation
Salesforce restricts field conversions that risk data loss.
Root Cause(s)
1. Text → Number conversion
2. Lookup → Master-Detail change with existing data
3. Encrypted field changes
Step-by-Step Solution
1. Create a new field with desired type
2. Migrate data via Flow or Apex
3. Update references
4. Delete old field
Edge Cases & Variations
1. Managed package fields cannot be changed
2. Formula fields behave differently
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Forcing destructive changes
2. Ignoring dependencies
See lessWhy does my Apex test fail with “System.NullPointerException”?
Your test doesn’t initialize required data or relationships. Problem Explanation Tests run with SeeAllData=false by default, so missing records cause null references. Root Cause(s) 1. Missing lookup record creation 2. Query returns empty list 3. Static variables not reset Step-by-Step Solution 1. CrRead more
Your test doesn’t initialize required data or relationships.
Problem Explanation
Tests run with SeeAllData=false by default, so missing records cause null references.
Root Cause(s)
1. Missing lookup record creation
2. Query returns empty list
3. Static variables not reset
Step-by-Step Solution
1. Create all required test data explicitly
2. Use defensive null checks
3. Assert query results before access
Edge Cases & Variations
1. Triggers may expect org-level settings
2. Platform events behave differently in tests
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Assuming org data exists
2. Skipping assertions
See lessWhy does my Apex deployment fail with “Dependent class is invalid”?
A referenced class or method has compilation errors. Problem Explanation Salesforce validates all dependencies during deployment. Root Cause(s) 1. Method signature changed 2. Deleted class reference 3. Namespace conflicts Step-by-Step Solution 1. Compile all Apex classes in target org 2. Fix dependeRead more
A referenced class or method has compilation errors.
Problem Explanation
Salesforce validates all dependencies during deployment.
Root Cause(s)
1. Method signature changed
2. Deleted class reference
3. Namespace conflicts
Step-by-Step Solution
1. Compile all Apex classes in target org
2. Fix dependency errors first
3. Redeploy in correct order
Edge Cases & Variations
1. Managed packages lock dependencies
2. API version mismatches cause issues
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Partial deployments
2. Ignoring compile warnings
See lessWhy does my SOQL query return fewer records than expected?
Sharing rules or implicit filters are limiting visibility. Problem Explanation SOQL respects sharing, object permissions, and query filters unless explicitly overridden. Root Cause(s) 1. with sharing Apex class 2. Private org-wide defaults 3. Implicit date or owner filters Step-by-Step Solution 1. CRead more
Sharing rules or implicit filters are limiting visibility.
Problem Explanation
SOQL respects sharing, object permissions, and query filters unless explicitly overridden.
Root Cause(s)
1. with sharingApex class2. Private org-wide defaults
3. Implicit date or owner filters
Step-by-Step Solution
1. Check class sharing declaration
2. Verify org-wide defaults
3. Run query as affected user
Edge Cases & Variations
1. Reports may show more due to running user
2. System context applies only in Apex
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Testing only as admin
2. Assuming full data access
See lessWhy does my Salesforce Flow fail in production but work in sandbox?
Production data, permissions, or automation differ from sandbox. Problem Explanation Sandboxes rarely mirror production exactly, leading to runtime differences. Root Cause(s) 1. Missing permissions 2. Different record data 3. Additional automation in prod Step-by-Step Solution 1. Debug Flow in produRead more
Production data, permissions, or automation differ from sandbox.
Problem Explanation
Sandboxes rarely mirror production exactly, leading to runtime differences.
Root Cause(s)
1. Missing permissions
2. Different record data
3. Additional automation in prod
Step-by-Step Solution
1. Debug Flow in production safely
2. Compare permissions and profiles
3. Review active automation
Edge Cases & Variations
1. Production-only validation rules
2. Integration users behave differently
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Testing only in sandbox
2. Assuming identical environments
See lessWhy does my Salesforce report show “0” for formula fields but records have values?
The formula field isn’t included at the correct summary level. Problem Explanation Report formulas and field-level formulas behave differently depending on grouping and aggregation. Root Cause(s) 1. Formula field set to row-level only 2. Incorrect summary function 3. Field excluded from report typeRead more
The formula field isn’t included at the correct summary level.
Problem Explanation
Report formulas and field-level formulas behave differently depending on grouping and aggregation.
Root Cause(s)
1. Formula field set to row-level only
2. Incorrect summary function
3. Field excluded from report type
Step-by-Step Solution
1. Edit report and check field properties
2. Change summary type (SUM, MAX, etc.)
3. Confirm report type includes formula field
Edge Cases & Variations
1. Cross-object formulas may lag
2. Joined reports handle formulas per block
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Expecting row-level formulas to auto-summarize
2. Using text formulas in numeric summaries
See less