Salesforce Lightning vs. Classic: What’s the Difference?

Introduction
Salesforce has two main user interfaces: Classic and Lightning. Understanding the differences between them is essential for organizations transitioning to the newer interface. This article will explore the key distinctions and help you decide which one to choose.

Overview of Salesforce Classic
Salesforce Classic is the original user interface that many long-time Salesforce users are familiar with. It offers a straightforward, tab-based layout that allows users to navigate between objects and records easily. However, Classic lacks some of the modern features and capabilities introduced in Lightning.

Overview of Salesforce Lightning
Salesforce Lightning is a more modern interface designed to improve user experience and productivity. It features a dynamic layout, customizable components, and enhanced navigation options. Lightning also includes new tools and features that are not available in Classic, making it the preferred choice for many organizations.

Key Differences

1. User Interface
   • Classic: A more traditional layout with a simple tab-based navigation system.
   • Lightning: A contemporary design with a flexible layout that allows for customization and personalization of the workspace.
2. Customization
   • Classic: Limited customization options compared to Lightning.
   • Lightning: Users can create custom Lightning apps and pages using the Lightning App Builder, which offers drag-and-drop functionality.
3. Components
   • Classic: Relies on standard page layouts and doesn’t support custom components.
   • Lightning: Introduces Lightning components, allowing developers to build reusable components for use across different applications and pages.
4. Performance
   • Classic: Slower performance due to the older architecture.
   • Lightning: Optimized for speed, providing a more responsive user experience.
5. Mobile Experience
   • Classic: Limited mobile support; users accessing Salesforce from mobile devices may encounter a subpar experience.
   • Lightning: Built with mobile users in mind, offering a responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes.

Benefits of Lightning
Transitioning to Lightning offers several advantages, including:

1. Improved user experience with a modern interface.
2. Enhanced productivity through customizable dashboards and components.
3. Access to new features like Salesforce Einstein for advanced analytics and AI capabilities.
4. Better collaboration tools that facilitate communication among team members.

Conclusion
While Salesforce Classic has served many organizations well, the benefits of transitioning to Lightning are substantial. With its modern design, enhanced features, and improved performance, Lightning is the future of Salesforce. Organizations should consider making the switch to maximize their investment in the platform.