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Step-by-step guide to becoming a Salesforce developer in 2020

March 1, 2020

You can become a Salesforce developer this year!

I have witnessed so many people from all sorts of backgrounds become Salesforce developers that I 100% believe that anyone can code. I don’t care what your situation is, you can do this too!

Step 1: Watch this Intro to Apex Dreamforce 2019 session!


Full Dreamforce recording

Step 2: Learn the basics of Salesforce administration!

There is no scenario where you can become a good Salesforce developer without also being a good Salesforce admin. You must know both to succeed, and preferably, know the admin side first.

You’re ready to learn Salesforce development once you’ve passed the Salesforce Administrator certification. Even better if you also get the Advanced Administrator too.

Check out my Ultimate Certifications Guide for tips on how to prepare!

Step 3: Take my online Salesforce Developer course!


Online Salesforce Developer course

This Salesforce developer course is 15 bite-sized tutorials that you take online. It combines video / written tutorials and Trailhead to prepare you for the Platform Developer 1 and 2 certifications.

Each tutorial has homework and extra credit assignments for the overachievers. There’s also a final project that’s based on a common real-world scenario.

Overall the course brings all my best content into one place – I update it often!

Other highly recommended resources:

  • RAD Women Coding School – a live Salesforce coding school for women! A must take for any woman aspiring to learn. I’ve been a teacher in this course myself!
  • NYC User Group Apex Workshop – 30 hours of Apex videos presented by a Salesforce MVP!
  • Official Developer User Groups – fully immerse yourself into the Salesforce coding world!
  • Apex Hours – Community led live and recorded Apex sessions on YouTube!
  • Head First Java, 2nd Edition – the book that taught me how to code. It’s on optional supplement to the above – especially since it focuses on Java, the language Apex was based from.

Step 4: Pass the Platform Developer I certification!

This achievements opens the floodgates for employers to start reaching out to you with job offers. Perhaps just as importantly, it shuts up the impostor syndrome that may have been boiling inside you. See my Ultimate Certifications Guide for my best tips!

Step 5: Promise me you’ll become a Salesforce developer!

Write a comment on this post and hold yourself accountable to the world!

I have nothing but respect to those with the courage to do this step. Trust me, I know your fears!

You can do this – I believe in you!
David

84 Comments
Sanjay Chari
February 25, 2021 @ 3:14 am

I need to. I promise, I will be a Salesforce developer.

A 47 year old self employed guy, on the roads now due to pandemic. I have to rise.

Reply
Philip
February 23, 2021 @ 12:03 pm

I Will Become a Salesforce Developer!

“Do, or do not, there is no try”
-Yoda, Jedi Master

Reply
Akhilesh T
February 15, 2021 @ 12:59 am

I promise to become a Salesforce developer.

Reply
Akshita st
February 9, 2021 @ 10:48 am

I promise to become a Salesforce developer .

Reply
Will
January 23, 2021 @ 10:49 am

I’ve been working towards becoming a Developer for the last 3+ Years. October 2019, I was hired as a Salesforce Administrator at a large, complex org (at a Bank with 800+ Users and 30 different departments, tons of custom automations) and have started taking on some smaller dev PBIs. I’m studying for my Platform Developer 1 Cert and *will* Achieve my goal of becoming a Salesforce Developer this year!

Reply
    Shruti
    February 22, 2021 @ 1:03 am

    Did u take ur certification

    Reply
Sandeep Kumar A
January 18, 2021 @ 12:13 am

I can do this, I will do this. I will be a salesforce developer soon!

Reply
Hina Kausar
January 17, 2021 @ 10:04 am

I promise to become a Salesforce Developer. Period.

Reply
Manav
January 3, 2021 @ 8:05 am

I’ll become a Salesforce developer. I promise.

Reply
Swathi
December 14, 2020 @ 11:13 am

I will never give up learning Coding. I promise I will definitely put my efforts to become a developer.

Reply
yasir
December 11, 2020 @ 4:48 pm

Thanks so much David,

I will become a SF developer.

Reply
Kedar
December 2, 2020 @ 10:18 am

Awesome info David..I am excited to do this ..!!!

Reply
Nate Korhonen
November 20, 2020 @ 3:01 pm

I’m on the path, David! Thanks!

Reply
Heather Wilcox
November 18, 2020 @ 7:32 am

You _might_ have two are dead links in this step-by-step guide under resources. Also, reminder to plan for the 2021 guide. ;)

Reply
    David Liu
    November 18, 2020 @ 8:56 am

    Thanks for the reminder!!

    Reply
Bert
November 17, 2020 @ 4:47 pm

I will give my all to become a Developer before the end of the year (2020)

Reply
    David Liu
    November 17, 2020 @ 4:50 pm

    Yes!

    Reply
Rahul Kapoor
October 29, 2020 @ 10:33 am

I will become a PD1 Certified by January 2021

Reply
Shyamal Kumar
October 21, 2020 @ 1:55 pm

Hi David, As you mentioned that to become a salesforce developer, we have to learn Saleforce admin first.
Can you please let me know how to learn salesforce admin step by step ( i mean from where to start. Please guide me. Also need to know the application where i can practice .
Right now my project over and did not see much openings in SAP Testing skills. so thought that need to learn Salesforce Admin/development.
Please guide me
Thanks

Reply
    David Liu
    October 21, 2020 @ 2:49 pm

    I talk about this a lot on my YouTube channel check it out youtube.com/dvdkliu

    Reply
shahbaz irshad
October 20, 2020 @ 8:15 am

I promise you, i will never give up on coding again being consistence and hard work

Reply
Tripty
October 14, 2020 @ 11:46 am

Thank you so much David for being such an inspiration..

I promise I will become a Salesforce Developer.

LET’s DO THIS!!!

Reply
Nitish Mehra
October 11, 2020 @ 4:37 am

I promise that I’ll be a Salesforce Developer..
Thanks for sharing.

Reply
kavita chonkar
October 7, 2020 @ 8:59 am

For RAD women program, it is said that women should have atleast 2 years of admin experience. I don’t have any experience in admin, will I be eligible for that course?

Reply
    David Liu
    October 7, 2020 @ 9:02 am

    Gotta ask them they may make an exception!

    Reply
      kavita chonkar
      October 11, 2020 @ 11:37 pm

      Thanks a ton. I would like to take the course..

      Reply
Mayurkumar Maisuriya
September 30, 2020 @ 1:05 pm

Thank you David for providing such a helpful checklist which is not just inspiring but relatable too. My goal is to secure 5 Salesforce Certificates in 5 Months.

Best regards

Reply
Marcelo Reis de Fraga
September 24, 2020 @ 6:32 am

Greetings, David

Thanks for all the resources

Just fulfilling my promise of replying to this post: your tips are wonderful (specially in the failure-mitigation department). I finally progressed from a QA with a limited understanding of programming to a Dev I developer.

Again, thanks!

Reply
    David Liu
    September 24, 2020 @ 7:36 am

    CONGRATS MARCELO!!!!!! You did it!!!!

    Reply
Jennie
September 8, 2020 @ 12:44 pm

Hi David! Huge fan of your blog and your now YouTube Channel! How does an admin transition into a developer?

I’m an admin and have attended RAD Women, completed your Apex Academy, and currently studying for PD1. I’m not sure if I should be looking for Jr SF Developer roles or admin-eloper roles?

Reply
    David Liu
    September 8, 2020 @ 12:45 pm

    Thanks! Really any role that gives you the flexibility to at least occasionally code is the sweetspot right now!

    Reply
Jeffrey Wong
September 2, 2020 @ 10:46 pm

I am just a old dog trying to learn new tricks. Apex is testing my non-programming limits. But let’s do this, have a go!

I will become a Salesforce Developer by this year!

Reply
    David Liu
    September 2, 2020 @ 11:40 pm

    =)

    Reply
      Swadip
      September 3, 2020 @ 6:06 pm

      Thanks David for this I need some more information about this I am totally new to this technology

      Reply
Jeffrey Wong
September 2, 2020 @ 10:06 pm

I am just a old dog trying to learn new tricks. Apex is testing my non-programming limits. But let’s do this, have a go!

I will become a Salesforce Developer by this year!

Reply
Aakriti
August 30, 2020 @ 12:18 pm

Thank you for this David. In it to WIN it! :)

Reply
Shubham Badame
August 19, 2020 @ 8:38 am

I will Become A Salesforce Developer by the end of this year.

Reply
Ray Williams
August 16, 2020 @ 11:27 pm

I will become a developer within the next 12 months. I got my admin cert in October 2018 and have some past coding experience with Java. My resume reads like I’m maybe a developer and I get a call or email daily since early January 2019.

It’s time to turn the voicemail off and start answering those calls. But first … Platform Developer I.

Reply
David Sno
August 15, 2020 @ 10:32 pm

I will become a developer. I’ve been killing myself with late night studying and watching our little baby during the day. I don’t learn to well by myself so I’m starting to plug into the community more. I’ve been hardcore studying to earn the ADM201… I’ve failed it 3 times but I’m determined and willing to invest in this skill. I took advantage of free APEX course this weekend. 4th Attempted will be in 2 weeks… I WILL BECOME A DEVELOPER.

Reply
    David Liu
    August 15, 2020 @ 10:33 pm

    !

    Reply
Mark Wassmer
August 14, 2020 @ 9:16 am

I will become a Salesforce developer.
I will become a Salesforce developer.
I will become a Salesforce developer.

Reply
Richard Brown
August 4, 2020 @ 4:53 am

The comment about imposter syndrome really hit home… I’ve struggled with that so much. I’ve made a commitment to myself that by the end of the year I must be able to code. you’ve given me the inspiration to really go for it. thank you

Reply
    David Liu
    August 4, 2020 @ 8:33 am

    Yes!

    Reply
Matt
July 26, 2020 @ 6:06 pm

Hey David,

I am looking at starting the course soon, but I wanted to ask for your input on something:

I know that with Lightning Components, front end has become an emphasize for SF developers. Obviously Apex is a must, but how much front-end are you required to know for let’s say a junior level dev position?

Reply
    David Liu
    July 26, 2020 @ 6:20 pm

    IMO you just have to be in a good position to learn it. Most people don’t have any LWC experience these days. So Apex plus beginning LWCs

    Reply
Donald Morton
July 21, 2020 @ 7:52 am

Thank you for doing this David!

My head has been spinning trying to figure out how to get started with coding by learning on Trailhead. It seemed that there wasn’t a clear path that built up on previous badges. You made it easy. Gonna make this happen!

Don

Reply
Giancarlo
July 17, 2020 @ 1:15 pm

Thank you for being a trendsetter. I promise to learn how to code.

Reply
    David Liu
    July 17, 2020 @ 1:39 pm

    You got this!!

    Reply
Kieran
July 13, 2020 @ 4:49 am

Thank you for the amazing resources David. I will become a developer before the end of this year! Let’s gooooo

Reply
    David Liu
    July 13, 2020 @ 9:06 pm

    Let’s goooooo

    Reply
gkb
July 7, 2020 @ 6:36 pm

Salesforce Developer Certification, Admin Certification, Platform Developer Application, App Builder Certification, Advanced Admin Certification are all good. But all of them included cost USD 1000.

For some one who has worked in other 4 GL tools like Advantage Gen for 5 yrs, Administrator 5 yrs — in USA,who has been on the bench for some time, it will be a challenge to shell out so many dollars for certifications.

It will be grateful if Salesforce provides placement with an employer who will sponsor writing these certificate exams, one certificate every 6 months. In that way, full power of certification can be obtained as well as it would be beneficial for employer as well

Reply
Blasovia
July 7, 2020 @ 8:23 am

I am a learner and adapter and I will be a developer in 2021!

Reply
Jennifer
July 3, 2020 @ 8:50 am

I’m going to take advantage of the extra time I have now to become a developer in 2021!! :) I can do it!!

Reply
    David Liu
    July 3, 2020 @ 9:26 am

    You can do it!!!

    Reply
Krati
July 2, 2020 @ 6:47 am

I am looking to return back to Salesforce after a gap of 5 years. When I left job in 2015, trailhead and so many other features were just beginning to roll. Back in 2013, I had salesforce admin cert and sales cloud cert along with Apex experience building VF pages and admin experience. But after 5 years, so much has changed that I have to learn everything from scratch and its taking time . One of the main issues I faced when coding in salesforce was that you needed to learn many other skills in addition to apex in order to be a developer in real world. E.g. SQL, javascript, integrations, migrations etc. Being an sfdc developer is a good start but not enough.

Reply
Betzalel Yaakov
June 17, 2020 @ 2:45 am

I’m going to become a developer!

Reply
Guru Kalle
June 15, 2020 @ 7:32 am

Good Advice

Reply
Divya
May 21, 2020 @ 11:23 pm

I will no longer hear from people saying I am just a stay at home mom, I will prove myself and to them that there’s more mettle in me than they ever imagined. I will become a salesforce developer this year!

Reply
    David Liu
    May 21, 2020 @ 11:26 pm

    Proud of you Divya!

    Reply
    Gabe Eisner
    June 11, 2020 @ 10:42 pm

    That is awesome

    Reply
    Land
    June 15, 2020 @ 10:17 pm

    I believe in you Divya!!

    Reply
    sree
    February 13, 2021 @ 10:01 pm

    Wow! I am impressed. So it is 2021 now …. howz it going? I just finished clearing my admin cert on the third try, trying to prep up for pd1 after doing several trail head projects including triggers and flows. i even have the badges to prove em’

    Alright! I will become a salesforce devloper too.

    Reply
Amit
April 6, 2020 @ 1:37 am

Hi David
The way you explained and structured thie entire apex cosing is wondeful gives lot of confidence to non coding background people.I would definetly to become developer

Reply
Sushil Dholani
April 2, 2020 @ 6:12 pm

Hello David,

Hope you and your family are safe.

You are the real inspiration which made me to start learning Salesforce and I guess now you are also an inspiration for me to learn code and pass my Platform Developer I certification soon.

Thanks,
Sushil

Reply
    David Liu
    April 2, 2020 @ 6:13 pm

    Thx!!

    Reply
Laurent
March 31, 2020 @ 2:11 am

Hi David.

I’ll take advantage of the current situation, and the lockdown in my country to learn how to code and become a developer this year.

I’ll follow your instruction to do so.

Thanks for your help and your contribution on this website and curriculum.

Reply
    Salman
    July 8, 2020 @ 11:01 am

    Hi David,

    I have a quick question. I do have Salesforce Admin, Developer I, Developer II and CPQ specialist. I am planning to get more certification in Salesforce but I don’t know which one’s to get in 2020. Do you have any suggestions which one’s I should focus on getting in 2020?

    Reply
      David Liu
      July 9, 2020 @ 9:01 am

      Check this out! https://www.sfdc99.com/ultimate-salesforce-certifications-guide/

      Reply
Archie
March 27, 2020 @ 1:23 am

I’m about to take the certification exam next week. Wish me luck!

Reply
Eddy Zhuo
March 25, 2020 @ 8:30 pm

Thank you David. Let’s do this!

Reply
    David Liu
    March 25, 2020 @ 9:08 pm
    Reply
Jagdish
March 19, 2020 @ 8:17 am

I will complete it this year

Reply
michael ackley
March 10, 2020 @ 5:31 pm

I promise this year I will be a developer! I plan on it very soon.

Reply
    David Liu
    March 10, 2020 @ 5:50 pm
    Reply
Cassie
March 10, 2020 @ 9:01 am

My goal this year is PD1 and Sharing and Visibility so I can be an Application Architect. (Gotta get my butt to work!)

Reply
sai krishna
March 9, 2020 @ 7:49 am

i will become a salesforce developer

Reply
Swapnil Pawar
March 8, 2020 @ 10:53 pm

Thank you David. You are the true inspiration to the growing youth. And this post will definitely boost confidence of cross trained resources like me to learn code with fearless mind. To become a successful Developer.

Reply
Sanjit
March 6, 2020 @ 5:41 am

Hey David. Thanks for a nice and motivating video and tips.

Have you got any Admin course for people starting from scratch in Salesforce.

That would be much appreciated.

Reply
Clif
March 5, 2020 @ 6:05 pm

Hi David,
On my journey towards becoming a developer & functional consultant this year.
Subscribed to Pluralsight and got more great content from you, Don Robins, Ines Garcia, Dan Appleman and many more..treasure trove & good investment…

Much appreciated.

Reply
Sharath Ram
March 5, 2020 @ 2:13 am

I can do this and I will do this.

Reply
    David Liu
    March 5, 2020 @ 8:47 am

    You got this man!!

    Reply
Varsha n
March 2, 2020 @ 9:57 pm

We will definately become a Salesforce developer… Thanks for your all support and help.. you are truly an inspiration for everyone who is starting from scratch..
Thanks David.

Reply
Mamatha chitukula
March 2, 2020 @ 7:35 am

Hi David,

Thank you for inspiring us! This article is an amazing start to new developers!

-Mamatha

Reply
Sathyabama Balasubramaniam
March 2, 2020 @ 4:45 am

Thank you David Liu for this wonderful article!! Yes, I have set my goal to become a Salesforce Developer this year.

Reply

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