Building extensions #2: Creating extensions for Zoho Projects using a CLI

Building extensions #2: Creating extensions for Zoho Projects using a CLI

In our previous post, we noted the two ways to create extensions for Zoho Projects— using the cloud editor and using the command line interface (CLI). We also shared how to create an extension using the Sigma cloud editor. In this post, we'll take a closer look at creating an extension using the CLI.

You'll learn how to create an extension project template with the CLI, test it, upload the zipped project while creating an extension, and then edit or change it. Let's go over each of these steps in detail.

Building an extension project using the CLI
  • To create an extension project, we must first set up the development environment, which involves:
➤ Downloading Node.js: Node.js acts as the base platform as well as the JavaScript environment in which the JavaScript code is executed.
➤ Installing ZET CLI: Zoho offers a command line interface called Zoho Extension Toolkit (ZET) which enables you to build, test, and pack your extension project.
Please follow the steps in this link to download Node.js and install ZET CLI.
  • Once the development environment is ready, use the basic ZET commands to create, validate, pack, and test your extension project.
➤ zet init: Create a new project and add the necessary folder structure and resources
➤ zet validate: Validate the entire project
➤ zet pack: Pack the project to get a zipped file that will later be associated as the connected app
➤ zet run: Run the internal Zoho server to test the project locally
Now, let's use these commands to create and manage an extension project.
  • First, use the zet init command. Select Zoho Projects as the Zoho service from the dropdown list.

  • Enter a name for the extension. An extension with the directory structure required for a sample Zoho Projects extension is created automatically.

  • This directory structure contains an app folder and a plugin-manifest.json file, both of which are similar to those created by the Sigma cloud editor detailed in the last post.

  • The app folder can be used to manage all the important resources required for your extension. By default, itincludes an index.html file, which serves as the UI for a sample widget.
  • The plugin-manifest.json file helps with extension configuration. It includes a widgets key configured with a default sample widget named, "Projects Extension" in the default location as the task details tab, along with the URL as the location of the index.html file.
Now that the extension project has been created, lets go ahead and test it in the Zoho Projects portal.
Testing an extension project using the CLI
  • To test a sample Zoho Projects extension created with the ZET CLI, use the Change Directory command to navigate to the project folder. Then, run the zet run command.

  • This command starts a local server and enables you to test your extension locally.
  • Now, navigate to your Zoho Projects portal. Click the Setup icon.
  • Select Developer Space from the left panel. Click Enable Developer Mode.

  • Developer Mode will be enabled and the page will automatically refresh.
  • You may now test your extension functionalities in the Zoho Projects portal.
  • Since the sample extension had a default widget called, "Projects Extension" configured on the Task Details page, choose and enter a project task in your portal.

  • Click on the Projects Extension tab on the Task Details page, and you will see that the widget has loaded.

  • Once you have finished testing your extension's functionality, use the zet pack command. This command adds a dist folder to the directory structure, zips the extension project, and places the zipped file inside the newly created dist folder.
Uploading the zipped file to your Sigma extension

Now that we have created the extension project and tested its functionalities locally, lets go ahead and create an extension in Sigma.
  • Once you enter your Sigma workspace, click the New Extension button to build a new extension.
  • Enter a name and description for the extension. Choose Zoho Projects for the service.
  • Toggle Upload Existing File to Yes.

  • Click Browse to locate and upload the extension project's zipped file, accept the terms and conditions, and click Create.

  • You will be redirected to the cloud editor. The directory structure of your CLI extension project will be automatically populated with the project's contents.
Editing an extension created with the CLI
  • You can make edits or changes to your extension code directly from the cloud editor.
  • If you wish to make changes to a file or its contents in the directory structure of your CLI extension project, please be sure to pack the extension project again using the zet pack CLI command.
  • Go to Sigma. Click the Extension Details icon of the extension you wish to edit.

  • Click the Edit icon under the extension name.

  • Browse for and upload the new zipped file, accept the terms and conditions, and click Update.

  • The extension will be updated to reflect the changes you have made.
In this post, we have covered the process of creating an extension for Zoho Projects through ZET CLI. We hope you found this information useful. Keep following this space for more information!

Sign up for a Zoho Developer account and start developing extensions for Zoho products using Sigma.

SEE ALSO




Next>>


    • Recent Topics

    • Zoho Books "Update" Trigger for Zapier?

      Hi Zoho Team, I've been in talks with Zapier about using their services to connect my Zoho Books account to various apps, but I require an additional trigger beyond the "New" trigger. I require an "Update" trigger, which will allow me to filter and create Zaps only when certain conditions are fulfilled on the Zoho Books end before I automate a separate app. Specifically this will help me create invoices in QuickBooks Online only when payments are recorded in Zoho Books, rather than when a new invoice

    • How to prevent editing of closed tickets in Zoho Desk?

      I would like to confirm whether it is possible to completely prevent agents from editing tickets once their status is set to Closed. Is there any configuration, permission, or best practice in Zoho Desk to ensure that closed tickets remain read-only and

    • Zoho Desk Limitations

      Good day, all, I would like to know whether others share my frustration with some of Zoho's limitations. Don't get me wrong, I like Desk (and I also have a subscription for Analytics), I have been with them for close to 10 years, and unfortunately, I

    • New Mandatory One-Click Unsubscribe Link Overshadowing Custom Unsubscribe Link

      I was recently informed by Zoho CRM Support that they are now mandated by the large email service providers like Google and Yahoo to provide a one-click unsubscribe option in the header (not the body) of all mass emails. I have a custom unsubscribe link

    • how to undoreconciled transaction

      how to undo reconciled transaction

    • Exciting Updates to the Kiosk Studio Feature in Zoho CRM!

      Hello Everyone, We are here again with a series of new enhancements to Kiosk Studio, designed to elevate your experience and bring even greater efficiency to your business processes. These updates build upon our ongoing commitment to making Kiosk a powerful

    • Change eMail Template for Event-Invitations

      Hello ZOHO-CRM Team How I can change the eMail Template for Event-Invitations? I work with the German Version of the Free Version. I know how I can modify eMail alerts or Signature Templates, but where I can other eMails modify you send out? Thank you for your answer. Regards, Juerg

    • Service Title in Service Report Template Builder

      I am currently working on the Service Report Template Builder in Zoho FSM. I have created three separate service report templates for different workflows: Preventive Maintenance Report Requested Service Report Installation Report My issue is that I cannot

    • Zoho Sign for Zoho Projects

      Documents authorization and validation with signature is now easier in project management with Zoho Projects' Zoho Sign extension. Sign documents or send them for signatures directly from tasks and issues using Zoho Sign extension in Zoho Projects. Extension

    • Writing by Hand in "Write" Notes

      Hi there! I just downloaded this app a few moments ago, and I was wondering if there was a way to write things by hand in "Write" mode instead of just typing in the keyboard. It would make things a bit more efficient for me in this moment. Thanks!

    • Deluge Learning Series – Best Practices in Deluge | December 2025

      We’re excited to bring you the next session of the Deluge Learning Series, focused entirely on writing cleaner, faster, and more reliable Deluge code. In this edition, we’ll dive deep into the essential best practices every Deluge developer should follow

    • Associate a Contact to a Campaign using deluge?

      If I want to add one record to another related list, which zoho function do I use? zoho.updateRelatedRecord is not it I don't think.  I simply want to take a "Contact" and associate it to a "Campaign" using deluge.  Can anyone help? contactId = 5122008000000796037;

    • Add "Groups" above "Users" in the Zoho Forms Left Menu

      Hi, We have Groups but you have to go to a Form and Share or use the Directory App to manage them, please add "Groups" above "Users" in the Zoho Forms Left Menu so you can manage them in 1 place within Zoho Forms too. Thanks Dan

    • Zoho Books | Product updates | October 2025

      Hello users, We’ve rolled out new features and enhancements in Zoho Books. From iOS 26 updates to viewing reports as charts, explore the updates designed to enhance your bookkeeping experience. Zoho Books Updates for Apple Devices At WWDC 2025, Apple

    • Adding Taxes to paid consultations in Zoho Bookings

      I created a 'paid' consultation under Zoho Booking and integrated it with payment gateways for online/instant payment before a booking is done. How can I add 'taxes' to the price of consultation? I can add taxes to other Zoho apps (liks Books, Checkout,

    • Zoho CRM Reports Module on Mobil App

      I have the mobile app and the reports module doesn't appear in the sidebar for some reason. I saw a Youtube video where the user had the Reports module on mobile. Is there a setting to show it on mobile? Thanks.

    • Inquiry on Help Centre Tab Customisation

      Hi Zoho team, I’m wondering if it’s possible to further customise the Help Center tabs, specifically the descriptions under Knowledge Base, Community, and Tickets. While the current setup allows customising tab names, being able to tailor the descriptions

    • Passing a form object to a function

      Suppose I have a sort_order field in multiple tables and I want to increment it by +1 onCreate of a new record. Is there a way to pass the form object as an argument into the function to keep things DRY? The following function from Zia works, but I'd

    • Can you copy and paste a page within a form?

      I have been looking at trying to copy/duplicate a whole page within a form. I can't see how I can do this without having to add all the data in again. This is very time consuming. Any help would be great.

    • Unable to sort as Descending order

      Trying to change the sort order for a lookup field (checkboxes) from Ascending to Descending and keep getting an error in Deluge that the order must be Ascending Did anyone ran into this? Thanks Eyal

    • How do I copy an email message to one or more other folders?

      I can move a message to another folder using the "move to" option but I can't figure out how to copy a message. 

    • New feature request: Allow copy of email message to another folder

      Hello Zoho team, This is a suggested new feature to allow copy an email message to either another folder or the same folder. Within the same Zoho account. This is not a support request about "label". This is a suggested new feature to allow copies of

    • Hotmail is blocking the zoho mail IP

      Greetings, Since last Tuesday (5 days ago today) I wrote to Zoho support and I still haven't received a single response (Ticket ID: 2056917). Is this how you treat people who pay for your email service? I am making this public so that those who want to

    • Creator Simplified #11: Create a custom button to download files

      Hey there! This time, let's see how to create custom buttons to download the files uploaded in the file upload field. Sample use-case A training app has a module that provides the materials for all the available courses. Students can click on the corresponding

    • Hide horizontal lines at bottom of form

      Hi I have a page with 3 forms embedded in html snippets. On each of the forms I can hide the submit button easily but I am left with the horizontal lines that bound that section and I cannot figure out to remove them (see below for the two sets of horizontal

    • Autosaving of Form Field

      HI can anyone suggest a way of autosaving or simulating an autosave function for a specific field in a form. The story is as follows. I have a bunch of technicians who write notes on how they do a repair. Sometimes they write for a couple of hours the troubleshooting process. If they click incorrectly, press ESC, Cancel or the browser crashes the information is lost which can be heartbreaking so my guys use notepad and then copy the information in. The only way around this is to click submit on the

    • Ask the Experts 26: Brighten every customer interaction with Zoho Desk all year long

      Hello everyone, Greetings and welcome to Ask the Experts 26. As we wrap up 2025, we are excited to invite you to the 26th episode of our Ask the Expert series. 🎄The Merry Metrics Edition = Best of Zoho Desk [Best Practices + Holiday Automation + Year-End

    • Pricing calculator

      Alright, so I'm trying to create a pricing calculator/pricing report generator to use in a cabinet shop. I did all the logic and such, and the calculator works. I have a few other things that I would need it to be able to do though, I'll do my best to

    • Bug Details

      In the Bug detail the milestoneid is missing

    • Stop completed task lists from disappearing?

      Is there any way to stop projects from making tasks lists disappear when all the tasks in the list are completed? That's one of those little things where we're constantly fighting the product. For instance we have some projects which are ongoing - no start and end date. We use Kanban view to show the various task lists. We don't want the kanban list to disappear every time the items on it happen to be closed out. Thanks

    • Allow customers to choose meeting venue and meeting duration on booking page

      My business primarily involves one-to-one meetings with my clients. Given the hybrid-work world we now find ourselves in, these meetings can take several forms (which I think of as the meeting "venue"): In-person Zoom Phone call I currently handle these

    • Booking outside of scheduled availability

      Is there a way for staff (such as the secretary) to book appointments outside of the scheduled availability? Right now to do this special hours must be set each time. There should be a quicker way. Am I missing something?

    • Operation Questions.

      Hello, I hope you are well. To explain a little, we are a company that sells services and products with a technical team responsible for installation and maintenance. Zoho FSM can be useful for the technical team, namely for the technical coordinator

    • Direct Access and Better Search for Zoho Quartz Recordings

      Hi Zoho Team, We would like to request a few enhancements to improve how Zoho Quartz recordings are accessed and managed after being submitted to Zoho Support. Current Limitation: After submitting a Quartz recording, the related Zoho Support ticket displays

    • Update date & time when a cell is edited

      Hi All, I am desiring to have a cell update with the current date and time when another cell is edited. Any ideas?  Thank you

    • Add "Groups" to "Share With" on Reports & All Entries

      Hi, On Forms we can share Publicly, with Specific Users And/Or Specific Groups or All Users. With Reports and All Entries we lack the "Groups" option, please add this as with many users this saves a lot of work. Thanks Dan

    • Add Pause / Resume Option to Zoho Quartz Recordings

      Hi Zoho Team, We would like to request an enhancement to Zoho Quartz recordings: the ability to pause and resume an ongoing recording. Current Limitation: At the moment, when recording an issue with Zoho Quartz, the recording continues even when we are

    • Custom Fields Not Showing Up in Invoice PDF Template Document Information

      I have added 2 custom fields under Sales > Invoices > Manage Custom Fields. They are set to show in all PDFs. However when I am editing my Invoice PDF template, i do not see the custom fields under Document Information.

    • ZOHO Books

      Hi there, Why after I upgrade my Zoho invoice > Books then i wanted to add plugin which i cannot do. Please advise.

    • How is Your eCommerce Experience w/Zoho Inventory?

      First off, I'm SUPER grateful for the advent of Zoho Inventory and now the Zoho Commerce Suite. Overall, Inventory is a great product, especially for customers without an eCommerce presence. For eCommerce companies (especially those shipping more than ~10 packages/day), however, there are certain drawbacks that keep my clients from moving over to Zoho Inventory: Cons: 1. Invoice + Package Creation from Shopify/Other eCommerce Integrations: Zoho Inventory makes the somewhat perplexing decision to

    • Next Page