How to Change API Name of Field in Salesforce
In Salesforce, the API name of a field is a unique identifier that is used to interact with the Salesforce API. It is important to note that the API name is different from the field label, which is the name that appears on the user interface. There may be instances where you need to change the API name of a field, such as when migrating data or integrating with external systems. In this article, we will discuss the steps to change the API name of a field in Salesforce.
Step 1: Identify the API Name of the Field
Before you can change the API name of a field, you need to identify the current API name. You can do this by navigating to the object in the Salesforce Setup. Once you are in the Setup, search for the object and click on it. Then, click on “Fields & Relationships” under the object’s page. Look for the field you want to change the API name of and note down its API name.
Step 2: Create a New Field with the Desired API Name
To change the API name of a field, you need to create a new field with the desired API name. This is because Salesforce does not allow you to directly change the API name of an existing field. To create a new field, navigate to the object’s page in the Setup and click on “Fields & Relationships.” Then, click on “New” to create a new field.
When creating the new field, make sure to set the API name to the desired value. It is important to note that the API name must be unique within the object. After creating the new field, save the changes.
Step 3: Copy Field Properties from the Old Field to the New Field
Once you have created the new field with the desired API name, you need to copy the properties from the old field to the new field. This includes the field label, data type, picklist values (if applicable), and any other field properties. To do this, select the old field and click on “Duplicate.” This will create a copy of the old field with the same properties.
After duplicating the old field, click on the new field and then click on “Edit.” In the “Field Properties” section, you can copy the properties from the old field to the new field. Make sure to update the field label and any other relevant properties. Save the changes.
Step 4: Remove the Old Field
Now that you have created a new field with the desired API name and copied the properties from the old field, you can remove the old field. To do this, select the old field and click on “Delete.” Confirm the deletion to remove the old field from the object.
Step 5: Test the New Field
After removing the old field and creating the new field with the desired API name, it is important to test the new field to ensure that it is functioning correctly. You can do this by creating a new record for the object and verifying that the new field appears as expected. Additionally, you can test any customizations or integrations that rely on the API name of the field to ensure they continue to work properly.
By following these steps, you can successfully change the API name of a field in Salesforce. Remember to test the new field thoroughly to ensure that it is functioning as expected.
