Salesforce ArchitectureBeginnerdata-modelerd
What is a data model and why design it early?
Real World Scenario
Users create three custom objects storing the same customer phone number. You explain data modeling basics.
Expected Answer
• Data model defines objects, fields, relationships, and cardinality for business entities
• Standard objects like Account, Contact, Opportunity should be leveraged before excessive custom objects
• Lookup vs master-detail affects sharing, deletion, and rollup capabilities
• Duplicate fields across objects cause sync nightmares in reporting
• Model with reporting and integration needs in mind from day one
Follow-Up Questions & Answers
Click to expand — each follow-up includes a direct, interview-ready answer
Master-detail rolls up and deletes children with parent, stricter sharing. Lookup is looser optional relationship.
Architect Perspective
Data model mistakes are expensive—say "reporting and integration" to justify early design.