Custom Metadata Type Explained
Custom Metadata Types (CMDTs) solve a common problem: storing configuration values that should travel with your metadata during deployments rather than requiring separate data migration. Unlike Custom Settings, CMDT records deploy through change sets, packages, and the Metadata API, making them ideal for mapping tables, feature toggles, integration endpoints, and any configuration that needs to be consistent across environments.
CMDT records can be queried in Apex using standard SOQL without counting against governor limits for the 100-query cap when accessed via the static Trigger or SOQL approach. They support relationships to other metadata types and sObjects, validation rules, and page layouts. Because they are metadata, CMDT records cannot be modified at runtime through DML in production; changes require a metadata deployment or Setup UI edit. This immutability is a feature rather than a limitation: it prevents accidental overwrites and ensures configurations remain auditable. Clientell AI can scaffold custom metadata types and their records to manage org-wide settings cleanly.
Related Salesforce Terms
Apex
Apex is Salesforce's proprietary, strongly-typed programming language used to execute custom business logic on the Lightning Platform.
Custom Object
A Custom Object is a user-defined database table in Salesforce that stores data specific to your organization's unique business needs.
Salesforce DX
Salesforce DX is a modern development experience that brings source-driven development, scratch orgs, and CLI-based workflows to Salesforce application lifecycle management.
Managed Package
A Managed Package is a distributable bundle of Salesforce metadata (objects, code, components) published under a unique namespace that can be installed in other orgs and upgraded by the publisher.