To perform synchronous compile on deploy, you enable a specific setting within your Salesforce org's Setup. This feature ensures that the Apex compiler is invoked and the resulting bytecode is saved as an integral part of your deployment process.
Understanding Synchronous Compile on Deploy
The "Synchronous Compile on Deploy" feature in Salesforce is a critical setting for managing Apex code deployments. When enabled, every deployment that includes Apex code or metadata related to Apex will trigger the Apex compiler. This process saves the compiled bytecode directly as part of the deployment, ensuring that your code is immediately compiled and ready for execution upon successful deployment.
This immediate compilation helps catch potential compilation errors earlier in the deployment pipeline, reducing the risk of runtime issues in your target environment.
Enabling Synchronous Compile on Deploy
Enabling this feature is a straightforward process within your Salesforce Setup:
- Navigate to Setup: From the Salesforce UI, click on the gear icon (⚙️) in the top right corner and select Setup.
- Search for Apex Settings: In the Quick Find box on the left, type "Apex Settings" and select it from the results.
- Locate the Option: On the Apex Settings page, find the option labeled Perform Synchronous Compile on Deploy.
- Enable the Feature: Select the checkbox next to Perform Synchronous Compile on Deploy.
- Save Changes: Click Save to apply the setting.
Once enabled, all subsequent deployments to this org will invoke the Apex compiler and save the resulting bytecode as part of the deployment.
Benefits of Compile on Deploy
Enabling synchronous compile on deploy offers several advantages for development and release management:
- Early Error Detection: Compilation errors are identified during the deployment itself, rather than post-deployment when users might encounter issues.
- Ensured Code Readiness: Deployed Apex code is guaranteed to be compiled and ready to run immediately, preventing "just-in-time" compilation delays or failures.
- Improved Reliability: It contributes to a more stable and reliable production environment by catching compilation-related issues before they impact end-users.
- Streamlined Deployment Process: Integrates compilation directly into the deployment, making the process more robust.
When to Manage This Setting
While generally beneficial, there are scenarios where you might choose to manage or even deselect this option:
- Full Sandboxes: It might be deselected in full sandboxes, especially for very large deployments or specific testing scenarios, where the overhead of synchronous compilation could extend deployment times unnecessarily, or if the sandbox is being used for specific performance testing where this behavior needs to be isolated.
- Deployment Performance: In some rare cases, particularly with extremely large codebases or during very complex deployments, the synchronous compilation step can add to the overall deployment time. However, the benefits of early error detection often outweigh this potential delay.
Feature Overview
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Invokes the Apex compiler during deployment and saves bytecode, ensuring code is immediately ready. |
| Enabling Method | Select the Perform Synchronous Compile on Deploy option under Apex Settings in Setup. |
| Key Benefits | Early detection of compilation errors, guaranteed code readiness post-deployment, enhanced system reliability. |
| When to Deselect | Potentially in full sandboxes or in specific scenarios where deployment time is a critical factor and the immediate compilation step needs to be bypassed or managed differently. |
| Impact on Deployment | Makes deployments more robust by integrating compilation, potentially adding a slight time overhead for very large deployments but reducing post-deployment issues. |
Best Practices for Deployment
Beyond enabling synchronous compile on deploy, consider these general best practices for robust Salesforce deployments:
- Version Control: Always use a version control system (like Git) to manage your Apex code and metadata.
- Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD): Implement CI/CD pipelines to automate testing and deployment processes, further enhancing reliability.
- Thorough Testing: Conduct comprehensive unit, integration, and user acceptance testing (UAT) in sandboxes before deploying to production.
- Clear Deployment Strategy: Define a clear strategy for your release cycle, including designated sandboxes for different stages (development, testing, staging).
- Validate Before Deploy: Use the "Validate" feature in change sets or deployment tools to check for errors without actually deploying.
- Monitor Deployments: Keep an eye on deployment statuses and logs for any issues, even with synchronous compilation enabled.
By integrating synchronous compile on deploy into your Salesforce development lifecycle and adhering to these best practices, you can significantly enhance the quality and reliability of your Apex code deployments.
