The Real Deal on Testing Salesforce AppExchange Apps

So, you're building an app for the Salesforce AppExchange. You’ve got the idea, you’ve written the code, and now comes the hard part: testing it like your future depends on it. (Spoiler: it kinda does.)

AppExchange isn’t just another app marketplace. It’s the App Store of the enterprise world—with more than 7,000 apps and over 10 million installs. Users expect quality. Salesforce demands security. And the last thing you want is to launch your shiny new app only to see it tank because of a missed test or a failed review.

Let’s get into what you need to know to test smart, pass that infamous security review, and survive Salesforce’s frequent updates without losing your mind.

Why Testing Salesforce Apps Is a Whole Different Beast

Testing Salesforce apps is not just about checking if a button works. You’re dealing with:

• A multi-tenant architecture

• Custom org configurations for every customer

• Lightning vs. Classic interfaces

• External integrations

And here’s the kicker: a 2024 study from the AppExchange Partner Program shows that 80% of apps fail their first security review. That’s a big number—and it’s one you don’t want to be a part of.

Define Your Testing Surface

Before writing a single test script, step back. Ask: What exactly needs testing?

For AppExchange apps, your testing surface is massive. You’ll need to test:

• Different Salesforce editions (Enterprise, Unlimited, etc.)

• Multiple user license types (Sales, Platform, Partner Community...)

• Classic vs. Lightning Experience

• Mobile vs. desktop access

• Potential conflicts with other installed AppExchange apps

Each of these combinations introduces unique risks. An LWC that works perfectly in Lightning may break in Classic. A feature that’s flawless on desktop could crash mobile. Map out your matrix early. It’ll save you serious rework later.

Build a Real Test Plan (Not Just a Checklist)

Testing isn’t just about scripts and clicks. It’s about strategy.

Here’s what your test plan should include:

• Schedule: Account for internal sprints, Salesforce release cycles (Spring, Summer, Winter), and buffer time for security review re-submissions.

• Code Coverage: Salesforce mandates 75% overall Apex coverage and 100% trigger coverage. But don’t stop at the minimum—aim for meaningful test assertions.

• Security Review Prep: Allocate time for all five stages: Initial Submission, Triage, Review, QA, and Final Approval.

• Test Data Strategy: Create realistic, anonymized data sets. Use tools like OwnBackup or Salesforce’s Data Mask to mirror production without violating compliance.

The Security Review: Friend or Foe?

Let’s be honest: the AppExchange Security Review is infamous. It’s meticulous. It’s expensive (around $1,000 USD per submission). And it can delay your go-live by weeks.

Here’s what they look for:

• Apex code that respects with sharing

• Manual FLS/CRUD enforcement

• Secure use of third-party JavaScript libraries

• External endpoint penetration testing

Since 2023, Salesforce requires all apps to run through Salesforce Code Analyzer, which uses:

• PMD (for Apex)

• ESLint (for JavaScript)

• RetireJS (for outdated libraries)

• Salesforce Graph Engine (for FLS/CRUD enforcement)

Also use Checkmarx or Chimera scanners for additional scrutiny, especially if your app calls external APIs. One partner reported being delayed by over two months simply because a third-party endpoint wasn’t properly secured.

Pro tip: Engage with Salesforce Technical Evangelists early. They can often flag issues before you even submit.

Regression Testing: Your Lifeline

Salesforce releases updates three times a year. That’s three times your app could break—without you touching a line of code.

The cost of fixing a bug post-production? Up to 30x higher than catching it in testing, according to IBM.

Here's a small video on testing Appexchange products using TestZeus:

The 8 Commandments of Regression Testing:

1. Prioritize high-risk flows – like lead-to-opportunity.

2. Use sandboxes – yes, always.

3. Mirror production data – but mask it.

4. Automate your top 20% – they cover 80% of user actions.

5. Keep your suite fresh – update it with every release.

6. Loop in business users – real usage surfaces real bugs.

7. Run tests every 2 weeks – even when you’re not shipping.

8. Document everything – future you will thank you.

Automation with TestZeus: Your Secret Weapon

You don’t have to do this alone. Tools like TestZeus act like intelligent agents for Salesforce testing.

• Write test cases in plain English

• Convert to automation behind the scenes

• Integrate with CI/CD tools like Copado and Gearset

• Detect and self-heal after Salesforce DOM changes

One ISV reported cutting their test maintenance time by 60% after adopting TestZeus. That’s time you can spend building instead of debugging.

Monitor What Matters: User Behavior

Testing isn’t just pre-release. It’s ongoing.

But here’s a blind spot: most partners don’t monitor how users actually use their apps.

Consider integrating Mixpanel, Heap, or Amplitude during beta testing. They help answer:

• What features get used?

• Where do users drop off?

• Are there crashes or slowdowns?

One ISV caught a critical workflow issue during UAT just by watching heatmaps. No test script would’ve found it.

A Template for Your Test Strategy

Here’s a battle-tested framework to help you organize your test efforts sprint after sprint:

1. Sprint Rhythm

• Operate in biweekly sprints aligned with product and release timelines.

• Allocate a dedicated regression and exploratory testing window during each sprint.

2. In-Sprint Automation Using TestZeus

• Target automating acceptance criteria as soon as stories are groomed.

• Use TestZeus to write tests in natural language, reducing ramp-up time for non-QA contributors.

• Auto-trigger tests post-merge using CI/CD integration (e.g., with Gearset or Copado).

3. Coverage of Functional & Non-Functional Tests

• Functional: Business flows, UI interactions, API endpoints.

• Non-functional: Load handling (e.g., bulk DML), security scans, cross-browser compatibility, performance benchmarks.

4. Environment & Data Strategy

• Use dedicated sandboxes for dev, QA, and UAT.

• Seed data from production anonymized via Data Mask or OwnBackup.

• Refresh test data every sprint to reflect new use cases.

5. Pitfalls to Avoid

• Skipping sandbox testing in a rush to demo

• Assuming one environment fits all test types

• Underestimating the time needed for security reviews

• Ignoring updates from Salesforce release notes

• Not logging test cases and results—makes audits a nightmare

Adopt this template early, adjust as you go, and you’ll be lightyears ahead when it's crunch time.

Real Talk: What the Community Says

Reddit is full of hard-earned lessons:

• Don’t use a Developer Edition org. Always use a Partner Business Org.

• Don’t assume your endpoint is secure—validate it.

• Don’t wait till the end to run security scans. Run them weekly during build.

In one case, a partner failed their first two security reviews, learned from the Partner Community, and passed the third in record time. Now they’re mentoring others.

Final Word (And a Little Humor)

Why did the Salesforce tester bring an umbrella to the deployment? Because they heard the next release might "rain" bugs.

Testing for AppExchange isn’t easy—but it’s worth it. Nail your test strategy, automate smartly, prep for security reviews, and stay in tune with users. Your app (and your future customers) will thank you.