Force.com Apex code is a strongly-typed, object-oriented programming language that allows developers to execute flow and transaction control statements on the Force.com platform server in conjunction with calls to the Force.com API.

Using syntax that looks like Java and acts like database stored procedures, Apex code enables developers to add business logic to most system events, including button clicks, related record updates, and Visualforce pages. Apex scripts can be initiated by Web service requests and from triggers on objects.