Which Technology to Start Learning: Salesforce Lightning or LWC?

Choosing between Salesforce Lightning and LWC depends on your goals and the context of your learning. Here’s a breakdown of both technologies to help you decide which one you should start with.

Overview of Salesforce Lightning

Salesforce Lightning is a versatile UI framework designed for developing dynamic web applications for mobile and desktop devices. It encompasses a range of tools and technologies, including Lightning App Builder and Lightning Components. This section explores the key aspects of Salesforce Lightning and explains why it might be a good starting point for beginners or those looking to understand the broader Salesforce ecosystem.

Key Points

Ideal for users who want to understand the broader Salesforce platform and its capabilities. Learning Lightning can help you grasp the overall architecture and how different components work together within Salesforce. Salesforce Lightning offers a user-friendly and visually appealing interface, making it a valuable skill for job seekers.

Overview of Lightning Web Components (LWC)

LWC is a modern JavaScript framework for building user interfaces on the Salesforce platform. It leverages web standards and provides a more efficient way to build components compared to the older Aura framework. This section delves into the key points of LWC, making it suitable for developers familiar with modern JavaScript frameworks like React or Angular.

Key Points

Focuses on component-based architecture, making it ideal for developers with a background in modern JavaScript frameworks. Offers better performance and a more straightforward development experience due to its use of standard web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. LWC is suitable for building highly customized dynamic features in Salesforce. Great for integrating Salesforce with other web technologies and services.

Recommendations for Learning

If you're new to Salesforce, it might be wise to start with Salesforce Lightning. This will help you understand the platform's ecosystem and basic concepts more effectively. LWC is more technical and is recommended for developers with a technical inclination who want to explore customization and development.

Ultimately, both are valuable technologies, but LWC is becoming increasingly important as Salesforce continues to evolve. Learning both in sequence might be beneficial for comprehensive knowledge.

Conclusion

The choice between Salesforce Lightning and LWC depends on your goals and experience level.

Why Start with Salesforce Lightning?

User-Friendly Interface: Lightning provides a more user-friendly and visually appealing interface, making it easier to navigate and use. In-Demand Skill: Many companies have transitioned to Lightning, making it a valuable skill for job seekers. Broad Applicability: Lightning is used in various Salesforce features like Sales Cloud and Service Cloud, offering versatility. Point-and-Click Tools: You can achieve a lot with point-and-click tools, even if you're not a hardcore coder.

Why Consider LWC?

Modern Development: LWC is the latest technology in Salesforce development, similar to coding with JavaScript. Customization Power: You have the flexibility to create highly customized dynamic features in Salesforce. Integration Capabilities: LWC is excellent for integrating Salesforce with other web technologies and services.

To start your career in Salesforce, a recommended practice is to begin with Salesforce Lightning and then gradually explore LWC as you become more familiar with the Salesforce ecosystem. S2 Labs offers various learning opportunities to assist you in your Salesforce journey.