In this chapter, we have built a dashboard-style reporting system using Visualforce and Apex. Once again, we started by defining the application requirements and design and building a base application to serve as a starting point.
We then built out the remaining application functionality in a modular manner, implementing tests where appropriate. I hope you have noticed this development pattern used throughout the book. By following this pattern, you will greatly increase your chances of building high-quality applications that are easier to maintain.
Along the way, we have learnt how to build a Visualforce page and custom controller that are well suited to querying data (through the use of the readOnly attribute). We have also used some grouped SOQL queries and generic controller logic to calculate the dashboard results. Finally, we added some graphical representations of data using the Visualforce charting feature.
As always, there are a few improvements you can make to the application...