platform-metadata-retrieve

To retrieve Salesforce metadata from a sandbox, use the sf project retrieve start command with the appropriate target org and wait time flags. This syncs remote changes into your local project directory using source or metadata format.

Yes, you can pull specific Apex classes and objects using a package.xml manifest. The retrieve command supports manifest-based retrieval to selectively sync only the metadata types defined in your package file.

The best way to retrieve all remote changes safely is by using the full-change retrieval mode. This syncs org updates into your local project while applying guardrails to handle conflicts and prevent overwriting local work.

Yes, the sf cli retrieve command supports source format by default and metadata format with ZIP extraction. This flexible output handling ensures metadata is correctly formatted for your local project structure.

Your Salesforce metadata retrieve command may fail due to incorrect wildcard quoting in package.xml. Following proper output directory rules and wildcard syntax ensures the sf cli parses the manifest correctly.

Supported scenarios for scratch org, sandbox, and production org metadata retrieval include source-directory, metadata-type, manifest, package-name, and full-change retrieval modes using the sf project retrieve start command.