Salesforce Dev Stack
Glen's Salesforce Developer Tech Stack
The exact tools, hardware, and resources I use for Salesforce development at Cloud Nimbus LLC. 10+ years of opinions, distilled into 19 recommendations.
By Glen Bradford • Cloud Nimbus LLC • 85+ production releases
Development Tools
What I build Salesforce with every day
Hardware for Salesforce Devs
The physical tools that make 10-hour days survivable
27" 4K Monitor
You need screen real estate for Salesforce. Lightning pages, Apex classes, and test results all visible at once. A 13-inch laptop screen is a productivity prison. Get the 4K, never look back.
View on AmazonMechanical Keyboard
10+ hours of typing Apex every day. Your fingers deserve better than a $15 membrane keyboard. Tactile switches, full-size layout, and build quality that lasts years. This is not a luxury. It is a tool.
View on AmazonUSB-C Hub / Dock
Salesforce demos require HDMI out, ethernet for reliable connections, and charging simultaneously. One cable to rule them all. If you have ever lost a demo to a WiFi dropout, you understand.
View on AmazonWebcam
Client demos on Zoom require a good camera. Built-in laptop cams are not it. 1080p minimum, auto-focus, and decent low-light performance. Clients judge you before you say a word.
View on AmazonNoise-Canceling Headphones
Standup calls, sprint planning, client demos. Block out the world and focus. Active noise cancellation is the difference between hearing your client and hearing your neighbor's lawn mower.
View on AmazonLearning & Certification
How to actually get good at Salesforce
Platform Developer I Study Guide
The PD1 cert is your entry ticket. This study guide covers Apex, SOQL, triggers, testing, and platform fundamentals. Read it cover to cover, then take practice exams until you pass in your sleep.
View on AmazonSalesforce Administrator Study Guide
Even developers need to understand admin concepts. Security model, sharing rules, profiles vs permission sets, validation rules. If you cannot configure it, you cannot code around it.
View on AmazonSalesforce for Dummies
Do not let the title fool you. This is a solid overview of the entire platform for people who need context fast. Hand it to your project manager, your CEO, or your new hire on day one.
View on AmazonProductivity
Stay alive long enough to ship the release
Standing Desk
Sit-stand adjustable. You cannot ship 85 production releases from a hospital bed. Alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day. Your back will thank you at release #86.
View on AmazonBlue Light Glasses
Staring at Apex for 10 hours gives you headaches that no amount of coffee fixes. Blue light glasses reduced my eye strain noticeably. Cheap insurance for your most important dev tool --- your eyes.
View on AmazonWhiteboard
For architecture diagrams, data model sketches, and integration flow mapping. Some problems need to be drawn before they can be coded. Every Salesforce project starts on a whiteboard.
View on AmazonAffiliate Disclosure: Some links on this page go to Amazon and include an affiliate tag. If you buy something, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools and hardware I actually use for Salesforce development. Non-Amazon links (VS Code, Trailhead, CumulusCI, etc.) are not affiliate links.
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