Salesforce 1GP vs. 2GP Managed Packages: Which One to Choose, When, and Why?

Salesforce Managed Packages (SMP) are containers that include multiple components that help your Salesforce application run smoothly. These packages bundle metadata, app features, customizations, and upgrades, allowing for distribution to a global customer base through AppExchange. Therefore, these packages are crucial for Salesforce partners aiming to sell and distribute their applications. 

However, not all managed packages are built the same. Salesforce offers distinct types of approaches to building managed packages—1GP and 2GP, each with different development models, capabilities, and use cases. 

This blog will break down the key differences between the two managed packages and help you decide which one is best suited for your development needs. 

Let’s get started! 

What are 1GP-Managed Packages?

The 1st generation-managed package is an older approach to building and bundling your Salesforce app. It allows bundling in one packaging Org, which is the single source of truth. Once the package is made, you cannot modify it. However, it is upgradable by the Salesforce developers who created it, restricting modifications by end-users and protecting your intellectual property. 

What are 2GP-Managed Packages?

The 2nd-generation-managed package is a modern and modular packaging model that aligns with Salesforce’s digital experience. It uses Salesforce CLI and integrates with version control systems like Git. 

You can directly work with the source code and assemble your application using that code. Therefore, it is easier to manage dependencies of app components, easier to upgrade, and more efficient to collaborate on the code. 

Key Differences: 1GP Vs 2GP Salesforce Managed Packages

Development Model 

In 1 GP managed package, all your development takes place in a dedicated packaging Org such as Developer Edition or Partner Developer Edition. This single-org approach means that your source code and metadata are live in one place. This limits flexibility and parallel development, making the environment cluttered as the functionality scales. 

Whereas, 2GP managed package leverages Scratch Org (a type of Salesforce Org) and maintains and stores the source code in a version control system like Git. Therefore, you can create multiple Scratch Orgs for different purposes and work parallelly. 

This approach supports modern development practices and helps your team to develop, test, and validate changes in a clean and isolated environment. 

Version Control Integration 

1GP offers limited integration as it is tied to the packaging Org and version control is often managed outside the platform or manually. Merging, branching, or rolling back changes is unmanageable without direct integration with source code control systems. This makes it difficult to track changes and collaborate when multiple developers are involved.

On the other hand, 2GP allows developers to work with source control systems like Git. Your source code is the main reference point. It tracks every version of each package over time, allowing easy revert to previous versions if needed.

It promotes better collaboration, allows easy traceability, and streamlines workflows. Teams can use branching strategies, pull requests, and continuous integration more effectively.

Namespaces Usage 

In a 1 GP managed package, once you create a package, you assign it a namespace that is a unique identifier of up to 15 characters that prefixes all components. This namespace is permanently bound to the package in that Org. If you later want to build another package, you need to get a new, distinct namespace if you wish to keep the packages isolated.

Yet 2GP lets you reuse the same namespace across multiple packages. You can break your application into several modular components or packages while maintaining a consistent namespace. It simplifies code sharing and versioning across related modules. 

Package Creation 

1 GP packages are built and managed entirely through the Salesforce user interface using a dedicated packaging Org. The components and new versions are added manually through clicks. Therefore, it offers less repeatability and manual and complex integration with modern automated testing or CI/CD workflows.

Whereas 2GP packages are created using Salesforce CLI (command-line interface) commands that support automation. This allows repeatable creation, easier integration with version control systems, and automated workflows, which help teams move faster and reduce human error.

Metadata Change Tracking

1 GP package does not support metadata source tracking. Any changes in metadata within a packaging Org do not automatically reflect in version control. You have to manually document or compare changes, which makes it difficult to see what modifications correlate with which package version. This can lead to confusion and difficulties in troubleshooting or replicating development environments.

On the other hand, 2GP packages support automated metadata source tracking through Salesforce DX (developer experience). It is a set of tools and processes that offers source tracking features. Any changes in metadata in these packages are tracked and compared against your local source, offering a clear audit trail. You can see which changes went into which package version. 

Dependency Management 

1GP has no built-in mechanism for tracking dependencies between different packages. If one package depends on another, you must manage these dependencies manually. This manual oversight can lead to errors during installation or upgrades, especially when multiple packages interact.

In 2GP, you can declare dependencies in your project configurations through the command line. The CLI then confirms that all required packages were installed during the upgrade or installation process. It ensures that all interdependent components are correctly managed, minimizes installation errors, and supports a modular development approach.

Code Sharing 

In 1GP, each package is self-contained, which means sharing code or functionality between packages is not straightforward. For instance, if two packages need to share common logic, you might have to duplicate code. However, it can lead to more maintenance efforts and potential inconsistencies.

2GP supports mechanisms such as unlocked packages that allow internal development and deployment of applications and shared namespaces that allow code to be reused across multiple packages. This modern approach helps you create libraries or base packages that other packages can depend upon. Therefore, leading to a cleaner architecture, reducing redundancy, and making maintenance easier by centralizing shared logic.

Security Review

Managed packages built using 1GP undergo a security review before they can be listed on AppExchange. This process is complex and involves manual review steps. However, it is more effective yet slower and might cause a delay in time-to-market.  

Yet packages built using the 2GP modern packaging process require security review for AppExchange listings. Salesforce security teams use a multi-step process and ensure the packages meet the standards and best practices. The enhanced automation and consistency improve the chances of a smoother security review process, which can speed up time-to-market.

Components Deletion 

Once a 1GP package version is released, you cannot delete components from it. This means that if a component becomes obsolete or incorrect, you can only add new components or work around the issue with subsequent versions. Over time, outdated or unneeded components may unnecessarily bloat the package while affecting its maintainability. 

2GP controls the deletion of components through versioning and flags. It allows you to remove components from a package version based on certain conditions and approvals. Therefore, you get cleaner and more maintainable packages over time. It helps you remove deprecated code or features and keeps your package lean as your product evolves.

Quick view difference table: 

Basis	1GP	2GP
Development Model	Single packaging Org (e.g., Developer Edition). No parallel development, which leads to clutter.	Uses Scratch Orgs (disposable, configurable environments). Supports parallel development via Git and version control.
Version Control Integration	Manual or external version control. No native integration with Git, which makes merging/branching complex.	Source code is the source of truth that is Git. It supports CI/CD, pull requests, and rollbacks.
Namespaces Usage	Unique namespace per package, which is permanently tied to the Org. It isolates packages but limits reuse.	Allows reusable namespaces across multiple packages. It simplifies modular development and code sharing.
Package Creation	It is UI-driven and allows manual component selection and versioning via Salesforce UI. Offers less automation.	This is CLI-driven and is built using Salesforce CLI commands. Allows automated workflows and repeatable deployments.
Metadata Change Tracking	No native source tracking. Requires manual documentation/comparison.	Automated source tracking using Salesforce DX. Compares changes against local sources. You get a clear audit trail.
Dependency Management	No native dependency tracking. Manual oversight leads to errors.	Declares dependencies via CLI. Ensures compatibility during installations/upgrades.
Code Sharing	Isolated packages; code duplication is required. High maintenance effort.	Supports unlocked packages and shared namespaces. Reusable libraries reduce redundancy.
Security Review	Traditional, manual review processes slow down time-to-market.	Streamlined process with automation allowing faster approvals while maintaining security standards.
Component Deletion	No deletion is allowed post-release. It accumulates obsolete components.	Supports deletion (with versioning and approvals). It keeps packages lean and maintainable.

When to Choose 1GP?

• Ideal for creating small-scale applications that do not require advanced modularity, as the packaging format offers a simpler development lifecycle. 
• Businesses that haven’t adopted modern tools such as Salesforce DX might find 1 GP easier to work with. 
• It is ideal for smaller business teams or early adopters of DevOps. 
• For rapid prototyping, 1GP can be quicker to set up since it requires fewer configuration steps.

When to Choose 2GP?

• Ideal for large applications where the functionality is split into core and additional modules. As, 2GP allows you to break your application into multiple, interdependent packages. 
• Businesses that have adopted modern tools and teams using Salesforce DX, Scratch Orgs, and CI/CD workflows.
• Ideal for apps that require package dependency and shared libraries. 
• As your app evolves, 2GP makes versioning and updates easier, helping future-proof your development.
• If you’re an ISV (Independent Software Vendor) selling on AppExchange, 2GP lets you build modular, tiered offerings that are easier to manage and deliver.

Summing Up 

1GP is an older, Org-based approach with many manual steps and limitations. In contrast, 2GP is a modern, source-driven model that offers automation, modularity, better version control, enhanced dependency management, and overall greater flexibility. As a result, 2GP allows you to work more efficiently, collaborate effectively, and scale your applications with confidence. 

However, implementing and transitioning from 1GP to 2GP is not as easy as it seems. Key considerations such as namespace alignment, component refactoring in Scratch Orgs, rigorous testing for backward compatibility, and a commitment to Salesforce DX adoption require specialized technical know-how. Therefore, you must hire a Salesforce developer who can provide comprehensive support throughout the implementation and migration process, as well as successfully distribute your application via AppExchange.