SOQL Sharing Rules

Introduction to SOQL Sharing Rules

In Salesforce, SOQL (Salesforce Object Query Language) sharing rules play a crucial role in determining the records that users can see in their queries. These rules ensure that users have access to the data they are authorized to view, according to the sharing settings configured in Salesforce.

Why Sharing Rules Matter

In complex organizational structures, it's essential to control who can access certain data. Sharing rules in Salesforce allow administrators to manage record visibility dynamically, extending access beyond the organization-wide defaults. These rules are especially crucial in maintaining data security and integrity.

How SOQL Sharing Rules Work

SOQL sharing rules are applied automatically when a query is executed. The rules check the user's permissions and determine which records should be included in the query results. This process is invisible to the user, ensuring a seamless experience while maintaining strict access controls.

Using WITH SHARING in Apex Classes

When writing Apex classes, it's possible to specify whether the class should consider sharing rules by using the WITH SHARING or WITHOUT SHARING keywords. Using WITH SHARING ensures that the class respects the sharing rules defined in Salesforce.

In this example, the AccountHandler class is defined with WITH SHARING, meaning that the query will only return accounts that the current user has permission to view.

Running SOQL Queries with Sharing Rules

When you run a SOQL query, Salesforce automatically applies sharing rules. This means that the records returned by the query are filtered based on the user's access rights. For instance, if a user does not have access to certain accounts, those accounts will not appear in the query results.

In this query, only contacts that the user is permitted to view, based on the sharing rules, will be returned. This ensures that sensitive data is protected and only accessible by authorized users.

Conclusion

SOQL sharing rules are a fundamental aspect of Salesforce's security model, helping to enforce data access policies effectively. By understanding and utilizing these rules, developers can ensure that queries respect organizational data access policies, maintaining both security and compliance.