SALESFORCE-PD1 Process Automation And Logic Practice Question
A developer is implementing a Batch Apex class to process 500,000 Contact records. Which method defines the starting point and retrieves the records to be processed?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Database.QueryLocator start(Database.BatchableContext BC)
The start method of a Database.Batchable class returns either a Database.QueryLocator or an Iterable that defines the records to be processed.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
void execute(Database.BatchableContext BC, List<SObject> scope)
Why it's wrong here
The execute method processes each chunk of records, not the starting point.
- ✗
void finish(Database.BatchableContext BC)
Why it's wrong here
The finish method executes after all batches complete, typically used for cleanup or notifications.
- ✓
Database.QueryLocator start(Database.BatchableContext BC)
Why this is correct
QueryLocator is the standard and most efficient way to fetch records for batch processing.
- ✗
Database.BatchableContext start(Database.BatchableContext BC)
Why it's wrong here
The return type for start must be Database.QueryLocator or Iterable, not BatchableContext.
About these practice questions
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official Salesforce exam blueprint
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