Kaizen #149: Using GraphQL APIs to fetch data in a consolidated way

Kaizen #149: Using GraphQL APIs to fetch data in a consolidated way



Hello everyone!
Welcome to this week's post in the Kaizen Series! This week, we will discuss GraphQL APIs, a query language that provides an efficient, powerful, and flexible method for fetching and manipulating data from Zoho CRM.
Let us consider the scenario of a large industrial equipment manufacturer,  Zylker Manufacturing.  They utilize Zoho CRM to streamline their sales processes and customer relationship management. Their sales support team uses a legacy system to manage their activities. When a contact seeks support, the support team must have access to the latest data from Zoho CRM to assist them better. They need:
  • details of the contact, such as email, phone, and Account details
  • details of the ongoing deals of the contact, including potential revenue and stages .
With GraphQL APIs, with a single API call, you can create custom unified view that combine information from multiple Zoho CRM modules. This allows the support team to view all relevant information in one place, making it easier to manage sales processes and customer interactions. To create the view, metadata of the fields is also required.  This structured approach in GraphQL allows Zylker Manufacturing to efficiently aggregate data.


You need to construct a GraphQL query to fetch specific data related to a contact and associated deals, as well as metadata about the fields in the Contacts and Deals modules. Let's break down each part of the query that can achieve this.

1. Fetching Contact and Deal Information


  • Records: Records comprises the records from the different Zoho CRM modules.
  • Contacts: Specifies that we want to query the records of the Contacts module. The where clause filters the contacts based on their email address.
  • _data: This indicates the fields we want to retrieve from the records. In this case:
    • Email: Fetches the email of the contact.
    • Full_Name: Fetches the full name of the contact.
    • Deals__r: Fetches the related deal record of the Contact. 
      • Expected_Revenue: Fetches the expected revenue from each deal.
      • Deal_Name: Fetches the name of each deal.
      • Stage: Fetches the current stage of each deal.


Records {
    Contacts(where: { Email: { equals: "krismarrier@noemail.com" } }) {
        _data {
            Email {
                value}
            Full_Name {
                value}
            Deals__r {
                _data {
                    Expected_Revenue {
                        value}
                    Deal_Name {
                        value}
                    Stage {
                        value
                    }}}}}}




2. Fetching Metadata for Contacts


  • Meta: This fetches the details of the metadata for Contacts module. It uses the alias "contact_meta"
  • Modules(filter: { api_name: "Contacts" }): Specifies that we want to fetch the metadata of the Contacts module.
  • _data: This indicates the fields we want to retrieve. In this case:
    • id: The unique identifier for the module.
    • api_name: The API name for the module.
    • module_name: The name of the module.
    • description: The description of the module.
    • plural_label, singular_label: Labels used for the module.
    • fields: Retrieves metadata for specific fields within the module. filter: { api_names: ["Last_Name", "Email"] }: Specifies which fields' metadata to retrieve.For each field, it retrieves:
      • id: Field identifier.
      • api_name: API name for the field.
      • display_label: The display name of the field.
      • json_type: The data type as represented in JSON.
      • data_type: The Zoho CRM data type of the field.
 contact_meta: Meta {
    Modules(filter: { api_name: "Contacts" }) {
      _data {
        id
        api_name
        module_name
        description
        singular_label
        plural_label
        fields(filter: { api_names: ["Last_Name", "Email"] }) {
          _data {
            id
            api_name
            display_label
            json_type
            data_type
          }
        }
      }
    }
 }

3. Fetching Metadata for Deals


  • Meta: This fetches the details of the metadata for Deals module. It uses the alias "deal_meta"
  • Modules(filter: { api_name: "Deals" }): Specifies that we want to fetch the metadata of the Deals module.
  • _data: This indicates the fields we want to retrieve. In this case:
    • id: The unique identifier for the module.
    • api_name: The API name for the module.
    • module_name: The name of the module.
    • description: description of the module.
    • plural_label, singular_label: Labels used for the module.
    • fields: Retrieves metadata for specific fields within the module.
    • filter:  api_names: ["Expected_Revenue", "Deal_Name","Stage"] }: Specifies which fields' metadata to retrieve.For each field, it retrieves:
      • id: Field identifier.
      • api_name: API name for the field.
      • display_label: The display name of the field.
      • json_type: The data type as represented in JSON.
      • data_type: The Zoho CRM data type of the field.
deal_meta: Meta {
    Modules(filter: { api_name: "Deals" }) {
        _data {
            id
            api_name
            module_name
            description
            singular_label
            plural_label
            fields(filter: { api_names: ["Expected_Revenue", "Deal_Name","Stage"] }) {
                _data {
                    api_name
                    id
                    display_label
                    json_type
                    data_type
                }
            }
        }
    }
}

The complete query will look this:


query {
  Records {
    Contacts(where: { Email: { equals: "krismarrier@noemail.com" } }) {
      _data {
        Email {
          value
        }
        Full_Name {
          value
        }
        Deals__r {
          _data {
            Expected_Revenue {
              value
            }
            Deal_Name {
              value
            }
            Stage {
              value
            }
          }
        }
      }
    }
  }
  contact_meta: Meta {
    Modules(filter: { api_name: "Contacts" }) {
      _data {
        plural_label
        id
        api_name
        module_name
        description
        singular_label
        fields(filter: { api_names: ["Last_Name", "Email"] }) {
          _data {
            id
            api_name
            display_label
            json_type
            data_type
          }
        }
      }
    }
  }
  deal_meta: Meta {
    Modules(filter: { api_name: "Deals" }) {
      _data {
        plural_label
        id
        api_name
        module_name
        description
        singular_label
        fields(
          filter: { api_names: ["Expected_Revenue", "Deal_Name", "Stage"] }
        ) {
          _data {
            api_name
            id
            display_label
            json_type
            data_type
          }
        }
      }
    }
  }
}


If you were to fetch this data using REST APIs, it will involve multiple calls to the 
  • Query API
  • Related Records API
  • Modules meta API, and 
  • Fields meta API.
Using the GraphQL query you can fetch the required data alone in a less round trip time. While constructing a query for your custom requirement, please note that you can query up to three levels of depth (nesting levels of a field) for Records and 7 levels of depth for Metadata. 

Constructing GraphQL query using Postman

To construct a GraphQL query in Postman to suit your requirements, type {api_domain}/crm/graphql in the URL box. Postman will automatically fetch the query schema in the schema explorer, which can be used to explore the types of queries that can be made, including what fields are available on each type, what arguments those fields accept, and what other types they return.   
Constructing a Zoho CRM GraphQL query in Postman using schema explorer



You can refer to the help documentation on GraphQL APIs for more details on GraphQL APIs. 

Update 25th Sep 2024:
GraphQL APIs are now open across all DCs including IN DC for Enterprise, Zoho One Enterprise, CRM Plus and Ultimate edition orgs. Please note that GraphQL APIs are not available for Trial Edition of these editions.



We hope you found this post useful. We will meet you next week with another interesting topic!
If you have any questions, let us know in the comment section or reach out to us directly at support@zohocrm.com.

Further Reading.                                                                                                                                



    • Recent Topics

    • Domain verification probem

      Hello, i use a domain from Namecheap with hosting from Cinfu when i try to verify my domain on zoho i get "TXT Verification failure" i even tried the HTML verification and the code appears but also giving me the verification failure error.

    • Switching to Cloudflare email routing from Zoho Mail

      Hello, I'm currently working on migrating from Zoho Mail to Cloudflare's email routing solution. This requires changing MX and TXT records for our custom domain - when we do this, will our users still be able to log into their accounts and access an archived

    • Un Subscription Button

      How can i Add the Un Subscription Button in Zoho mail

    • Documents unable view and need to downlad

      I can't view .doc files in Zoho mail unless I download them, but I can view PDF files without downloading.

    • we encountered a problem while sending your email. please try again later.

    • Adding and removing people from groups

      We're having problems adding people to a group. Apparently Zoho has one email address and will not recognize a different email address.

    • MAIL SEARCH IS NOT WORKING

      THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN BUGGING ME SINCE MORNING, PLEASE RESOLVE THIS AT THE EARLIEST

    • URL Parameter on Help Center SIgn in link

      Is it possible to add a url parameter to the sign in link on the Help Center?

    • migrating from HelpScout

      I am attempting to import a conversation file from helpscout into desk and am receiving size errors. What is the current file size restriction. Does anyone have any tips for a successful migration?

    • Layout Rules Don't Apply To Blueprints

      Hi Zoho the conditional layout rules for fields and making fields required don't work well with with Blueprints if those same fields are called DURING a Blueprint. Example. I have field A that is used in layout rule. If value of field A is "1" it is supposed to show and make required field B. If the value to field A is "2" it is supposed to show and make required field C. Now I have a Blueprint that says when last stage moves to "Closed," during the transition, the agent must fill out field A. Now

    • Article Name Sorting in Zoho Desk Knowledge Base (agent / admin side)

      Dear Zoho Desk Support, We are writing to request an enhancement to the Knowledge Base management feature within Zoho Desk. Currently, there is no option to sort articles by their name, which significantly hinders efficient article management, especially

    • How to parse JSON data with SQL in Zoho Analytics?

      Hi all, I have a column with JSON data. I want to show this column in a chart, but it is very messy, and no JSON parsing function is supported on Zoho Analytics. data example: {"id": 5, "status": "false", "date": "15/10/22"} what I want to do in SQL is

    • Ability to turn off "Would you like this amount to be reflected in the Payment field?" message

      Team, Is there any way to turn off the message" Would you like this amount to be reflected in the Payment field?" when I make a payment? This is so annoying. This happens EVERY TIME I put an amount in the Payment Made field.

    • Add an Equation Field (Or update the Formula Field)

      Hi, I would like to be able to have one field as a Text Field with QR Code, and then have multiple Equation/Formula Fields that then take parts of that fields data with LEFT, MID, RIGHT, REGEX, etc. Thanks Dan

    • How to parse column having JSON data using SQL?

      We have a daily sync from a PostgreSQL database that brings data into Zoho Analytics. Some of the columns store raw JSON data. We need to build SQL queries on top to parse data from JSON and store them in discrete columns. There is no option for "Data

    • Enable report button based on the current user role

      Greetings  i have a report that contains action buttons, i want these buttons to appear as enabled only when the current logged in user has a certain role, for example only CEO role users will be able to use this button. but when setting the conditions

    • 500 Internal Error In Mail API

      I'm getting 500 Internal Error when using mail API. I'm getting this error for this one account, it works fine for other Account IDs which I have in my system.

    • Piss poor service in Support in Domains and email

      Srijith Narayanan B contacted me today. Very pleasant fellow. Just didn't want to tell him how bad your support service is. You help the person, but you leave before we can finish the next stage. Which causes a lot of frustration. It's been 8 days now

    • Zoho live chat widget in React Js

      I am trying to test Zoho live chat widget code in react js, below is the sample code void(0)} onClick={()=>window.$zoho.salesiq.floatwindow.visible("show")}>LIVE CHAT window.$zoho = window.$zoho || {};window.$zoho.salesiq = window.$zoho.salesiq

    • Are there any plans to add Triggers for Subform edits?

      By The Grace of G-D.  Hi, How are you? Can you tell me if you have any plans to support subform edit as a workflow trigger? And what about have them trigger an "onChange" client script?

    • Zoho commerce

      i am facing issue with order summary emails.i am getting 1 continuous email for order received yesterday and today.ideally 1 email should be received for a particular date ie for 02/08 i should received 1 email from 12.01am till 11.59pm but it is being

    • Feature Request: Improve Category Page Sorting for "Out of Stock" Products

      Hi there, I'm writing to request a new feature that I believe would significantly improve the user experience in my online store. Currently, on category pages, products are sorted by popularity. However, when a popular product goes "Out of Stock," it

    • POSTMAN - There was an error in evaluating the Pre-request Script:Error: Cannot read properties of undefined (reading 'json')

      I am beginning the journey to learn how to use the API for Zoho Sign. I am getting the following error when I try to use postman. To walk you through how I am getting this error... I wanted to start with a simple GET and expand my learning from there.

    • How do i integrate shipstation with zoho inventory

      Wanting to set up my own delivery driver in ship station so we can get real time tracking of where the package is but then i want it to automatically update zoho inventory packages/shipments how can i do this

    • Invalid value passed for salesorder_id

      Hi, I am using sales return API, details are given below: API: https://inventory.zoho.com/api/v1/salesreturns?organization_id=700571811 Post Json Data: { "salesreturn_number": "", "date": "2020-11-12", "reason": "Testing from API", "line_items": [ { "item_id":

    • Create Invoice and Invoice Items from Sales Order via API

      Currently, when creating an Invoice associated with a Sales Order via the API, it appears that I must manually include all of the items (line_items) even though they are already part of the Sales Order. My question is this: is it possible to raise an Invoice via the API based on all of the information associated with a Sales Order--such as the  items? In other words, do I always have to manually include the items (line_items) when raising an Invoice via the API when the Invoice is associated with

    • Outlook 2013 Calendar Syncs but "Related To" Field in Zoho is blank

      Outlook 2013 Calendar Syncs but Related To Field in Zoho is blank I expect the "Realted To" field to be populated with the calendar participants

    • Export a Course

      Is it possible to export a course from Zoho Learn to a SCORM file?

    • Add and Remove Agents from Departments and Groups in Zoho One

      Hi Zoho Flow Team, We hope you're doing well. Currently, Zoho Flow provides an action to add an agent to a group in zoho one, but there is no action to remove an agent from a group or a department. Another action that we find missing is the option to

    • Zoho learn Custom portal - networkurl & CustomPortalId

      I want to get my individual account’s networkurl and customportalId to use in this API: https://learn.zoho.com/learn/api/v1/portal/<networkurl>/customportal/<customportalId>/manual How can I retrieve the networkurl and customportalId using the API? I

    • Consumer Financing

      Does Zoho currently have a payment gateway (such as Stripe, Square, etc) which offers financing for customers? So, let's say the estimate we give the customer is greater than what they can afford at the time, but we can sell the service now, letting them

    • Intégration de la gestion des Passkeys dans Zoho Vault

      Zoho Vault est depuis plus d’une décennie une solution fiable pour les entreprises : pour la gestion, le partage et le stockage des mots de passe. En 2018, nous avons fait un pas en avant en proposant la connexion unique (SSO). Nous sommes fiers de franchir

    • Scan & Fill with double quote key/value pairs

      Hi, An old Ticket moved to a Topic/Idea: I love the idea of the new Scan & Fill as it nearly covers my previous request for a QR Scanner to read a multi-part QR Code. My QR Codes are hard-coded as below: {"key1":"value1","key2":"value2","key3":"value3"}

    • Analytics SQL Queries should allow # as comment

      # and // are very common for commenting in SQL. Not sure why analytics only allows /* and */ for commenting. Especially when # grays the line as if it's being commented out. This should be added for sure.

    • SalesIQ Operator Activity Reports in Zoho Analytics

      I'm busy building a dashboard in Zoho Analytics and I want to include SalesIQ stats in the dashboard, but I'm unable to get the statistics mentioned in the attached image. Any idea where I can get the stats for Operator Activity?

    • Default in fields on Form B based on the user selection in Form A

      Hi Everyone, I have added an action button to a form report to bring up a new form based on user selection, see it indicated in red below: Then when the ne form loads, I want to default in some of the fields based on the record the user was selected on.

    • No longer can indent

      Hey there! Is it just me or were we used to be allowed to used tab or indent when writing. It’s not working right now, has this always been the case?

    • Free webinar alert! Seamless Transition with Lossless Migration: Zoho One + Zoho Mail

      Hello Zoho Mail Community! 🚀 Attention IT Admins and Email Administrators! Are you planning to migrate your organization's email to Zoho Mail within the Zoho One ecosystem? 📧 Join our exclusive webinar, Seamless Transition with Lossless Migration: Zoho

    • Add Resource to Export

      The Export Data feature does not include a column for the Resource field. Without this column, Zoho Bookings cannot be used by any business for resource-based services or event types e.g. room bookings, equipment bookings. It seems to be an oversight,

    • Client Script | Update - Client Script Support For Custom Buttons

      Hello everyone! We are excited to announce one of the most requested features - Client Script support for Custom Buttons. This enhancement lets you run custom logic on button actions, giving you greater flexibility and control over your user interactions.

    • Next Page