Custom Metadata Types

Custom Metadata Types are a feature within Salesforce that permits both administrators and developers to establish their own application configuration data. These types resemble custom objects but are specifically intended for metadata storage rather than transactional data, enabling the creation of reusable configuration records for elements such as business rules or mappings. This method centralizes essential data, making it readily deployable and referable throughout the platform in formulas, validation rules, Apex, and Flows.

These types are highly adaptable for overseeing application configurations that require deployment across multiple Salesforce organizations. They help eliminate hard-coded values, simplifying maintenance and promoting scalable application development.

It is advisable to utilize clear naming conventions and provide comprehensive descriptions for both the metadata type and its fields. Design with scalability in mind by developing reusable configurations instead of overly specific ones. For sensitive information such as credentials, use protected custom metadata types to safeguard them from exposure in your code or to unauthorized users.

The decision to use Custom Metadata Types or Custom Settings should be based on your specific configuration and deployment requirements.

While Custom Metadata Types are robust, it is crucial to recognize their limitations to utilize them effectively. They provide significant advantages for configuration management, but certain restrictions may affect your implementation and ongoing maintenance.