Salesforce Admin Certification Practice Test

What distinguishes a Before trigger from an After trigger?

1. Before triggers are read-only; after triggers can update

2. Before triggers can't access field values; after triggers can

3. Before triggers execute after records are saved; after triggers before

4. Before triggers are used for inserting data; after triggers are for deletion

The correct answer is: Before triggers can't access field values; after triggers can

The distinction between Before triggers and After triggers lies primarily in their execution timing and context concerning the records being manipulated within Salesforce. Before triggers execute before the record is saved to the database. This means that they can manipulate the data in the record that is about to be inserted or updated. You can modify field values, ensure certain conditions are met, and even validate data before it is processed. This allows for validation and modification of the record before it gets committed to the database. On the other hand, After triggers execute after the records have been saved to the database. At this stage, you can access field values, including any default field values or values generated by the system during the insertion or update operation. This timing is essential when actions need to be taken based on the final state of the record—such as sending notifications, making updates to related records, or logging actions. The mentioned choice accurately reflects these operational differences. While triggers can potentially access field values in different contexts, the core difference hinges upon when each type of trigger operates concerning the database transaction lifecycle. It's crucial to remember this timing when designing triggers to ensure that they function as intended and efficiently manage the process of data manipulation in Salesforce.