Explain the use of custom settings in Salesforce?

Hi Piyush,

Custom settings are similar to custom objects. Application developers can create custom sets of data and associate custom data for an organization, profile, or specific user. All custom settings data is exposed in the application cache, which enables efficient access without the cost of repeated queries to the database. Formula fields, validation rules, flows, Apex, and SOAP API can then use this data.

There are two types of custom settings.

• List Custom Settings
• Hierarchy Custom Settings

The following examples illustrate how you can use custom settings.

• A shipping application requires users to fill in the country codes for international deliveries. By creating a list setting of all country codes, users have quick access to this data without needing to query the database.
• An application displays a map of account locations, the best route to take, and traffic conditions. This information is useful for sales reps, but account executives only want to see account locations. By creating a hierarchy setting with custom checkbox fields for route and traffic, you can enable this data for just the “Sales Rep” profile.