Salesforce

http://blog.jeffdouglas.com/2009/04/08/start-developing-with-salesforcecom-today/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ae_DKNwK_ms

1. Salesforce.com Developer Edition – This is fully functioning, non-expiring developer account that you can use for virtually any type of development. There are some limitations (e.g. storage, licenses) but nothing that should get in the way of platform, appexchange or integration apps. Plus Developer accounts have access to pre-release functionality. What more could you want out of life?
2. Force.com IDE – This is an Eclipse-based IDE that allows you to write, compile, test and deploy your code. It also has an integrated scheme browser allowing you to view your org’s object schema as well as construct and execute SOQL queries. This is the first app that I open each day.
3. Apex Explorer – This is a Windows tool that allows you to browse your org’s schema and construct and execute SOQL queries. Essentially the same as the Force.com IDE but no code development features.
4. Documentation – Documention for Apex, Visualforce, SOQL, Web Services, AJAX, etc. is available with helpful, detailed code examples. Most of what you need can be found atdeveloper.force.com.
5. Dicussion Boards – The Salesforce.com is a vibrant and extremely helpful community. Post any questions or issues you have and you should receive a timely response from other community members or perhaps even a Salesforce.com Product Manager or senior developer.
6. Understanding of OOP – Having a basic understanding of object oriented programming will make life easier but it’s not a deal breaker.
7. Open Mind – Be open to new ways of doing things. Programming in a multi-tenant environment has it’s advantages as well as its disadvantages. Fortunately, the advantages well out weight the disadvantages. It takes some getting used to but it’s not rocket science.