Using the Force.com Migration Tool

The Force.com Migration Tool is a Java/Ant-based command-line utility for moving metadata between a local directory and a Salesforce organization. You can use the Force.com Migration Tool to retrieve components, create scripted deployment, and repeat deployment patterns.

The general procedure you will follow when using the Force.com Migration Tool to copy metadata from one Salesforce organization to another is:

1. Enter credentials and connection information for source Salesforce organization in build.properties
2. Create retrieve targets in build.xml
3. Construct a project manifest in package.xml
4. Run the Force.com Migration Tool to retrieve metadata files from Salesforce
5. Enter credentials and connection information for destination Salesforce organization in build.properties
6. Run the Force.com Migration Tool to deploy metadata files or deletions to Salesforce