What is the Difference between SOQL and SOSL in Salesforce

In Salesforce, we have two query tools: SOQL (Salesforce Object Query Language) and SOSL (Salesforce Object Search Language).

When we work with data and records in Salesforce, we utilize both SOQL and SOSL; however, the use cases and purposes of these two query tools differ.

When working on Salesforce data and records, we commonly use SOQL and SOSL for querying. In SQL, the GET command is used to get the data, and similarly, SOQL helps search data within Salesforce databases, supporting the GET command. SOSL, on the other hand, focuses on keyword-based searches to locate records.

Let’s examine the differences between SOQL and SOSL in Salesforce.

Table of Contents

Understand SOQL and SOSL in Salesforce

First, we will understand what SOQL and SOSL are in Salesforce, and then we will examine the differences between these two query tools.

What are the SOQL queries in Salesforce?

In Salesforce, SOQL stands for Salesforce Object Query Language, and it is used to search for specific information within the Salesforce database. SOQL works similarly to SQL’s SELECT command, allowing users to fetch data from objects in a structured manner.

Key features of SOQL

SOQL retrieves records from single or multiple objects (if related through relationships).
It is generally embedded in Apex classes, triggers, and other Salesforce components to fetch data through code.
SOQL enables data filtering based on specific conditions using the WHERE clause.
It returns data in the form of lists.

Syntax of SOQL queries:

SELECT <field>
FROM <ObjectName> 
WHERE <condition>

In the above syntax, the SELECT keyword defines which object field you want to navigate. Whenever we enter a SOQL query, it should start with the SELECT keyword.

FROM keyword helps to determine the “object” from which we want to select the field value. By using the WHERE keyword, we define the “condition” of fetching records.

Use Case Example of Salesforce SOQL.

Now, we will execute the real-time example, where we will find accounts with an annual revenue greater than $ 2000. For this, the SOQL query will look like this.

SELECT Id, Name, AnnualRevenue
FROM Account
WHERE AnnualRevenue > 20000

Difference between SOQL and SOSL in Salesforce

In the above query, the SELECT keyword retrieved the fields Id, Name, and Annual revenue. The FROM keyword retrieved those fields from the Account object, and using the WHERE keyword, we defined a condition that would only retrieve account records with an annual revenue of more than $20,000.

When to Use SOQL in Salesforce?

SOQL (Salesforce Object Query Language) should be used to retrieve specific records based on specific criteria and generate reports or dashboards that require structured data. Additionally, it enables efficient data filtering for use in automation tools like Flows or Apex and ensures efficient integration processes within Salesforce.

What is SOSL in Salesforce?

SOSL stands for Salesforce Object Search Language. It is designed to perform keyword-based searches across multiple objects, including both standard and custom objects. With SOSL, you can search text, email, and phone fields within several objects at once, provided you have access to them.

Key features of SOSL

SOSL can search data across multiple objects at once.
In text-based searches, using SOSL to find records using keywords or phrases is ideal.
SOSL is not as commonly used as SOQL for complex logic but is ideal for global searches.
In SOSL, results are returned in different structures, such as lists of lists grouped by objects.

Syntax of Salesforce SOSL

FIND <Search Query> 
IN <Search Scope> 
RETURNING <Object1(fields), Object2(fields)>

Use Case Example of Salesforce SOSL

Now, we will run an SOSL query to search for records containing the keyword “Technology” in accounts and contacts.

FIND {Technology} 
IN ALL FIELDS 
RETURNING Account(Id, Name), Contact(Id, FirstName, LastName)

In the above SOSL query, we have used the FIND keyword that will find the search query text. Then, using IN ALL FIELDS, we defined the search scope of the records. Finally, in RETURNING, we will get the records containing the keywords entered.

When to Use SOSL in Salesforce?

In Salesforce, SOSL should be used to find records across multiple objects using the search keyword. This is helpful when you are unsure of the record location, making it easier to look for records in fields that are not directly indexed. It can also perform global searches for user input in custom search components.

Differences between SOSL and SOQL in Salesforce

Now, we will see the key differences between SOSL and SOQL in Salesforce based on various aspects.

SOQL ( Salesforce Object Query Language):

SOQL is used to fetch records from the database by using the SELECT keyword.
It is useful when we are sure of the object where the data is stored.
SOQL can query data from a single object or multiple related objects.
We can query all types of fields, regardless of their data type.
SOQL is commonly used in Apex classes and triggers.
The results from SOQL queries can be used for DML operations like insert, update, or delete.

SOSL ( Salesforce Object Search Language):

SOSL is used to find records in the database with the FIND keyword.
It is helpful when we are unsure about the object where the data is stored.
SOSL can search across multiple objects and retrieve field values, even if the objects are not related. ( SOSL use case example)
It works only on fields with text, phone, or email data types.
SOSL can be used in Apex classes but not in triggers.
Unlike SOQL, DML operations cannot be performed on SOSL search results.

Conclusion

Considering the parameters and the use cases that we have discussed in this Salesforce tutorial, you might be able to differentiate the SOQL and SOSL queries in Salesforce correctly.

In this Salesforce tutorial, we first understood SOQL and SOSL along with their syntax and use cases, and then the differences between the two query languages. We learned about the key differences between SOSL and SOQL.