Salesforce 2GP Managed Package vs. 1GP

Salesforce Managed Packages:

Salesforce offers managed packages for distributing and managing applications on the AppExchange. These packages enable seamless deployment of custom applications across various Salesforce organizations while maintaining version control, security, and modular development.

Types of Managed Packages in Salesforce:

1. First-Generation Packages (1GP).

2. Second-Generation packages (2GP)

1GP vs. 2GP:

Both fulfill the same purpose, but 2GP offers a more modern and efficient development approach by utilizing Salesforce DX and version control systems.

Key Differences:

Package Development Model

• 1GP: Org-based development where metadata is created and managed within a Developer Org.
• 2GP: Source-driven development with metadata managed via version control (Git) and deployed using Salesforce DX.

Namespace

• 1GP: One namespace per package.
• 2GP: Supports multiple namespaces.

Version Control Integration

• 1GP: Limited support; changes must be manually tracked within the org.
• 2GP: Fully integrated with Git, enabling proper tracking and easy rollback.

Dependency Management

• 1GP: Limited support; all required components must be included in a single package.
• 2GP: Supports package dependencies, allowing modular application development.

Security Model

• 1GP: Security review required for each upgrade, using Profiles for permissions.
• 2GP: Uses Permission Sets instead of Profiles, providing more flexible and secure access control.

Package Upload & Distribution

• 1GP: Uploaded and distributed from a Developer Org.
• 2GP: Managed using Salesforce DX CLI and Dev Hub, allowing automation.

Patch Management

• 1GP: Requires separate Patch Orgs, making patching and upgrades tedious.
• 2GP: Uses version control for patch management, making fixes faster and easier.

Upgrade Model

• 1GP: Manual upgrades depend on patch orgs, not modular.
• 2GP: Modular upgrades, enabling specific component updates without impacting the entire package.

Uninstallation Handling

• 1GP: Leaves metadata behind, requiring manual cleanup.
• 2GP: Ensures clean removal without leaving residual metadata.

Benefits of 2GP Compared to 1GP:

2GP offers several improvements over 1GP, making it the preferred option for modern Salesforce development.

Source-Driven Development

• 1GP follows an org-based development model, meaning all customizations are done inside a Salesforce org and then packaged.
• 2GP is based on a source-driven development approach, allowing developers to:

- Store metadata in Git or any version control system (VCS).

- Track changes easily, facilitating collaboration and rollback of unwanted modifications.

- Implement best practices like CI/CD (Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment).

Package Modularity

• 1GP requires all components to be packaged together, limiting modularity.
• 2GP supports package dependencies, meaning:

- Applications can be broken into multiple smaller, reusable components.

-Reduces duplication and makes it easier to maintain large applications.

-Developers can create base packages that other packages depend on.

Version Control Integration

• 1GP has limited support for version control.
• 2GP allows packages to be built directly from version control (e.g., GitHub, Bitbucket), ensuring:

-A clear history of changes.

-Better collaboration among multiple developers.

-Easy rollback if issues arise.

Better Dependency Management

• 1GP does not support package dependencies, meaning every package must include all required components.
• 2GP allows defining dependencies between different packages, making development more modular and avoiding unnecessary duplication.

Automated and CI/CD Ready

• 1GP requires manual packaging and deployment.
• 2GP integrates with Salesforce DX CLI, making it compatible with:

-CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitHub Actions, Azure DevOps, etc.).

-Automated testing and deployment, reducing errors. oFaster release cycles.

Simplified Upgrades and Patch Management

• 1GP requires a separate Patch Org for managing upgrades and fixes.
• 2GP eliminates the need for Patch Orgs by using version control, allowing:

-Fixes and updates to be applied directly.

-Faster deployment and rollback options.

Enhanced Security Model

• 1GP uses Profiles, which can lead to security risks if not managed properly.
• 2GP uses Permission Sets, offering:

-Better compliance with security best practices.

-More granular access control for users.

No Orgs Needed for Package Creation

• 1GP requires a Developer Org for creating and managing packages.
• 2GP removes this dependency, allowing packages to be created directly from a Git repository.

Why Use 2GP Instead of 1GP?

Given these advantages, here’s why organizations should transition to 2GP:

? Modern Development Approach: Encourages source-driven development and Git-based version control.

? Better Package Management: Supports dependencies, making applications modular and scalable.

? Faster and More Reliable Releases: Integrates with CI/CD pipelines, reducing manual deployment efforts.

? Improved Security & Compliance: Uses Permission Sets instead of Profiles for better access control.

? Simplified Upgrade Process: Eliminates the need for dedicated Patch Orgs, making maintenance easier.

? Long-Term Viability: Salesforce has positioned 2GP as the future of managed packages, making it the recommended approach for new development.

Conclusion

While 1GP has been widely used for many years, 2GP introduces a more scalable, flexible, and efficient way to manage Salesforce packages. Organizations that want to streamline development, improve security, and automate deployments should transition to 2GP to stay ahead in the Salesforce ecosystem. For new Salesforce projects, 2GP is the preferred choice. If you're still using 1GP, consider migrating to 2GP for better scalability and efficiency.