Final answer:
When inserting records through an API, developers must be aware that Apex triggers are executed, validation rules are enforced, required fields on page layouts are not enforced, and universally required fields must be included.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a developer is inserting records using an API-based tool, several important aspects must be considered to ensure the operation is successful and aligns with the system's rules and data integrity. Firstly, contrary to what might be expected, Apex triggers are not ignored; they are executed unless specifically bypassed. It is crucial to consider how these triggers interact with inserted data. Secondly, validation rules are always respected; data must comply with any active validation rules to be inserted successfully. Required fields in the context of API operations differ from page layouts; required fields on page layouts are not enforced through the API, as they are specific to the Salesforce user interface. However, universally required fields, which are determined by the object's definition, are enforced regardless of the method of data entry, including API-based operations. Therefore, the developer must ensure that all universally required fields are included in the record data passed to the API.