The declarative type of development is done by point-and-click using a browser. We use ready-to-use components and modify their configuration to build applications. We can add new objects, define their standard views, and create input forms with simple point-and-link with no coding knowledge. The declarative framework allows the rapid development and deployment of applications.

The declarative development also follows the MVC architecture in development. The MVC components in the declarative development using Force.com are mentioned in the following table:

Programmatic development requires prior coding knowledge. This method allows us to extend the Force.com platform beyond declarative capabilities. This method gives us the control and flexibility over the application we build.

The programmatic development also uses the MVC architecture, as shown in the following table:

There is no hard and fast rule to help us choose between declarative and programmatic solutions.

Declarative solutions supply ease of development and maintenance. They are automatically upgraded with new releases of Salesforce. They are not subject to governor limits. They are faster and cheaper to build.

However, not all declarative features are capable of building specialized and complex business processes. We cannot build highly customizable user interfaces and click-through them with declarative methods.

You can also prefer to build Salesforce solutions without code first, and then, use the code to extend it beyond its limitations.