Metadata Type: PlatformCachePartition

Introduction

PlatformCachePartition is a crucial metadata type in Salesforce that represents a partition in the Platform Cache. This feature allows organizations to improve application performance by caching frequently accessed data, reducing database queries and API calls. By utilizing Platform Cache partitions effectively, Salesforce administrators and developers can significantly enhance the speed and efficiency of their applications.

Overview of PlatformCachePartition

The PlatformCachePartition metadata type extends the base Metadata type and inherits its fullName field. It defines the structure and properties of a cache partition within the Salesforce Platform Cache. Cache partitions provide a way to segment and manage cached data, allowing for more granular control over how different types of information are stored and accessed.

Key fields of the PlatformCachePartition metadata type include:

• description: A text field describing the purpose or contents of the partition
• isDefaultPartition: A boolean indicating whether this is the default partition for the organization
• masterLabel: The label used to identify the partition in the Salesforce user interface
• platformCachePartitionTypes: A list of PlatformCachePartitionType objects defining the allocation of cache space for different types (Org Cache and Session Cache)

Deployment Considerations

When deploying PlatformCachePartition metadata, administrators should be aware of several important considerations:

1. Cache Space Allocation

Ensure that the total allocated cache space across all partitions does not exceed the organization's limits. Salesforce provides a certain amount of cache space based on the edition and any additional purchased capacity. Exceeding this limit during deployment can cause errors.

2. Partition Naming

Choose unique and descriptive names for partitions to avoid conflicts and improve manageability. The fullName field must be unique across the organization.

3. Default Partition

Only one partition can be set as the default (isDefaultPartition = true). If deploying multiple partitions, ensure that only one has this flag set to avoid conflicts.

4. Existing Partitions

When deploying to an org with existing partitions, be cautious about overwriting or modifying them, as this could impact running applications that rely on those partitions.

5. Cache Types

Properly configure both Org Cache and Session Cache types within the platformCachePartitionTypes field. Each type has its own allocation and use cases.

6. Permissions

Ensure that the deploying user has the necessary permissions to manage Platform Cache partitions. This typically requires "Customize Application" permission.

Best Practices for Salesforce Administrators

To effectively utilize PlatformCachePartition metadata, Salesforce administrators should follow these best practices:

1. Partition Strategy

Develop a clear strategy for partition usage. Create separate partitions for different applications or functional areas to prevent one area from consuming all available cache space.

2. Monitoring and Adjustment

Regularly monitor cache usage and performance metrics. Adjust partition sizes and allocations based on actual usage patterns to optimize performance.

3. Documentation

Maintain thorough documentation of partition configurations, including their purpose, size, and the applications or processes that use them. This aids in troubleshooting and future modifications.

4. Testing

Thoroughly test applications using cache partitions in sandbox environments before deploying to production. This helps identify any performance issues or conflicts.

5. Security Considerations

Be mindful of the data being cached. Avoid storing sensitive information in cache partitions, as it may be accessible to users with certain system permissions.

6. Backup and Recovery

Include Platform Cache partition configurations in your backup and disaster recovery plans. While cached data is temporary, the partition structure itself is important for application functionality.

7. Versioning

Use version control for your PlatformCachePartition metadata, especially when making changes. This allows for easy rollback if issues arise after deployment.

8. Capacity Planning

Plan for future growth. Allocate cache space conservatively initially, leaving room for expansion as application usage increases.

9. Performance Tuning

Work closely with developers to identify which data benefits most from caching. Focus on frequently accessed, relatively static data for the best performance improvements.

10. Org Cache vs Session Cache

Understand the differences between Org Cache and Session Cache. Use Org Cache for data that can be shared across users and Session Cache for user-specific data.

Common Issues and Solutions

Administrators may encounter several common issues when working with PlatformCachePartition metadata:

1. Insufficient Cache Space

Issue: Deployment fails due to insufficient available cache space.

Solution: Review and optimize existing partition allocations or consider purchasing additional cache capacity if available.

2. Partition Conflicts

Issue: Conflicts arise when deploying partitions with names that already exist in the target org.

Solution: Use unique names for new partitions or update existing partitions instead of creating new ones.

3. Performance Not Improving

Issue: Applications not showing expected performance improvements after implementing cache partitions.

Solution: Work with developers to ensure that the cache is being used effectively in the code. Review cache hit rates and adjust caching strategies as needed.

4. Cache Invalidation

Issue: Cached data becomes stale, leading to inconsistencies in application behavior.

Solution: Implement proper cache invalidation strategies in the application code. Consider using time-to-live (TTL) settings for cached items.

Conclusion

The PlatformCachePartition metadata type is a powerful tool for Salesforce administrators to enhance application performance. By carefully planning, implementing, and managing cache partitions, administrators can significantly improve the user experience and efficiency of their Salesforce org. However, it requires a thoughtful approach, considering factors such as data sensitivity, application requirements, and org limitations. Regular monitoring, testing, and optimization are key to maximizing the benefits of Platform Cache while avoiding potential pitfalls.