Metadata API Developer Guide

Introduction to Metadata API
Understanding Metadata API
Quick Start: Metadata API
Prerequisites
Step 1: (Optional) Add Metadata Components to an Org Using the UI
Step 2: Build a Package.xml Manifest
Step 3: Retrieve Components with Metadata API
Build Client Applications for Metadata API
Using Metadata API
Metadata API Context MCP Tool (Beta)
Reference
Appendices
PDF

Note: This release is in preview. Features described here don’t become generally available until the latest general availability date that Salesforce announces for this release. Before then, and where features are noted as beta, pilot, or developer preview, we can’t guarantee general availability within any particular time frame or at all. Make your purchase decisions only on the basis of generally available products and features.

Step 1: (Optional) Add Metadata Components to an Org Using the UI

If you’re starting with a new practice org that doesn’t have customizations, you only have standard metadata that can’t be retrieved. To use the Metadata API retrieve call, add a component on the Salesforce UI to your practice org. If you’re working on an existing project, you already have components to retrieve and can skip this step.
  1. From the Object Manager tab in Setup, click Create | Custom Object.
  2. Enter an arbitrary name for Label and Plural Label.
  3. Save the component.