Kaizen #139: Using Functions in Client Script and Handling Timeouts

Kaizen #139: Using Functions in Client Script and Handling Timeouts



Hello everyone!

Welcome back to another interesting Kaizen post. In this post, we can discuss how to invoke Functions using Client Script and how to handle Timeouts in Client Script. This post will answer the question raised in the post, Why Client Script is not running after function execution?

In this Kaizen post,
1. What are Functions in Zoho CRM?
2. How to Invoke a function from a Client Script?
3. Use Case to use existing function in Client Script
4. Solution
5. Timeouts in Client Script
6. How to handle timeouts in a Client Script?
7. Timeout Scenario
8. Solution
9. Summary
1. What are Functions in Zoho CRM?

      Functions in Zoho CRM follows the Serverless Computing architecture. It follows cloud computing execution model in which the cloud provider dynamically manages the allocation of machine resources. Zoho CRM provides options for the customer to write their own functions using Deluge script and run their code ( proprietary within Zoho CRM ) without worrying about deploying their code in servers. Click here to know more about Functions.

2. How to Invoke a Function from Client Script?

      You can invoke a function from a Client Script using the  execute() method. Here is the syntax of execute() method. The Client Script execution will only proceed after the Function has completed, demonstrating synchronous behavior.



3. Use Case to use existing function in Client Script

      Zylker, a manufacturing organization, utilizes Zoho CRM. Within their CRM, there is an existing function sendmailToContactRoles that allows meeting invites to be sent to all contact roles associated with a Deal at the click of a button. Deals often require inputs and approval from various stakeholders. By inviting all contact roles, Zylker ensures that all necessary parties are involved in the decision-making process, reducing delays and improving the chances of closing the deal successfully. To avoid accidental clicks, 
  • The admin wants a confirmation message to appear when the Mail icon is clicked, asking for approval and trigger the Function based on user selection. 
  • Additionally, the admin would like to display a success notification , if the emails are sent successfully.
  • Also, once the email is dispatched, a tooltip saying "Invite Sent" should be added should be added to the Mail icon.

4. Solution

  • Create a Client Script to accomplish the above requirements. Click here to know how to create a Client Script.
  • Create a Client Script for "Deals" module with onClick Event and Icon Event Type for the Detail Page(Canvas).

  • Enter the following code and click Save.
  1. var isProceed = ZDK.Client.showConfirmation('Do you want to invite the Contacts of the Deals', 'Proceed', 'Cancel');
  2. var elem = ZDK.UI.getElementByID('icon');
  3. //If user clicks Proceed button
  4. var deal_rec = $Page.record_id;
  5. if (isProceed) {
  6.  ZDK.Apps.CRM.Functions.execute("sendmailToContactRoles", deal_rec);
  7.  ZDK.Client.showMessage(" All the Contacts have been invited successfully");

  9.  elem.addToolTip({ text: 'Invite Sent' });
  10. }
  11. else {
  12.  elem.addToolTip({ text: 'Click to send invite' });
  13. }

  • After getting user's confirmation with showConfirmation() , the execute() method triggers the function. 
  • The parameters of execute() are function name and parameters. 
  • The name of the existing function is "sendmailToContactRoles". 
  • The parameters of the function are record ID of the Deal and subject of the email.
  • $Page is a constant supported by Client Script, using which you can get information about the current record. 
  • $Page.record_id will give the id of the current record.
  • Once the function gets executed successfully, you can display the success message using showMessage() . To know more about displaying messages using Client Script , check our Kaizen post Creating Alerts and messages using Client Script.
  • Here is how the Client Script works.

  • Here is the Function code where emailSubject and deal ID are the arguments of this function.
  1. relatedcontrole = zoho.crm.getRelatedRecords("Contact_Roles","Deals",input.dealId.toLong());
  2. emailSubject="Meeting Invite";
  3. emailContent = " Click the following link to join the meeting this evening at 5.00 pm" + " https://meeting.zoho.com/meeting/presenter.do?key=1069852805&cid=5668066&x-meeting-org=53296550";
  4. salutation = "<p>Hello!!<br /><br /></p>";
  5. signature = "<br /><br /><p>Best Regards,<br />Patricia Boyle</p>";
  6. sub = input.emailSubject.toString();
  7. str = input.emailContent.toString();
  8. str = concat(salutation,str);
  9. str = concat(str,signature);
  10. for each role in relatedcontroles
  11. {
  12. emailAddress = role.get("Email");
  13. info emailAddress;
  14. sendmail
  15. [
  16. from :zoho.adminuserid
  17. to :emailAddress
  18. subject :sub
  19. message :str
  20. content type :HTML
  21. ]
  22. }

  • You can achieve the functionality of sending emails in Functions using Client Script itself using fetchRelatedRecords() and  openMailer(). Here, we have made use of the existing Function. 
You can use Functions in Client Script,

To leverage existing Functions for similar functionality, thereby enhancing reusability and to trigger Functions based on UI events such as Icon Event, onType Field Event, Canvas Text Event, and others, beyond the buttons and workflows already supported by Functions.

5. Timeouts in Client Script 

In Client Script, executions are bounded by a 10-second time out. During execution of API calls or during the execution of a function which involves API calls , it might take more than 10 seconds to provide response. Consequently, when they are used in Client Script, execution will get halted. To overcome such scenarios you need to use Loaders.

6. How to handle timeouts in a Client Script?

Client Script allows you to manage the timeout by using a loader. The execution of Client Script will be on hold, as long as the loader is active, and so the timeout will not occur.

a. showLoader()

Use showLoader() to display the loader.



b. hideLoader()

Use hideLoader() to make the loader inactive.



7. Timeout Scenario :

At Zylker, which uses Zoho CRM, there is an existing function named "Books_send_quote" in their Zoho CRM account. The admin wants this function to execute via a Client Script whenever the status is updated to delivered and display a message saying, "Quote has been sent successfully." The admin added the script to show a success message after the function execution. 

Problem :

During execution of the following code, the admin noticed that the code following the function invocation is not running. Similar problem is described in this post.

The current code is 

  1. if (value == Delivered) {
  2. ZDK.Apps.CRM.Functions.execute("Send_Quote");
  3. ZDK.Client.showMessage('Quotation sent successfully', { type: 'success' });
  4. }

In such scenarios, the Messages Pane of Client Script IDE will show Timeout as shown below.



Solution:

 Since the timeout limit of 10 seconds has reached, further execution did not occur. So you need to add ZDK.Client.showLoader() before the execution of the Function and ZDK.Client.hideLoader() after the function execution.

  1. if (value == 'Delivered') {
  2. ZDK.Client.showLoader({type:'page', template:'spinner', message:'Sending Quotation...' });
  3. ZDK.Apps.CRM.Functions.execute("Send_Quote");
  4. ZDK.Client.hideLoader();
  5. ZDK.Client.showMessage('Quotation sent successfully', { type: 'success' });
  6. }
Here is how the Client Script works.



The presence of loader on the screen will inform the user about the ongoing processes in the background.


6. Summary :

This post includes the following,
  • When and how to use Functions in Client Script?
  • How to trigger Client Script using icons?
  • How to add tooltip to an icon using Client Script?
  • How to execute Client Script based on Confirmation box?
  • How to display messages and confirmation box using Client Script?
  • How to add loaders on UI using Client Script?
Previous Post: Kaizen #138 - How are Widgets used inZoho CRM Settings?       |     Kaizen Collection: Home
Join us for our upcoming Zoho CRM Developer Series: Zoho CRM APIs, where you can explore more about Zoho CRM APIs. Register Now!  


    • Recent Topics

    • Free webinar: ‌Focal point: Building a financial ecosystem with Zoho Vault and Zoho Workplace

      Hi everyone! Cyber threats against the financial sector are escalating. In the last two decades, nearly one-fifth of reported incidents targeted financial institutions, causing $12 billion in direct losses. Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated,

    • New features in Zoho Vault

      We’re thrilled to introduce a wave of powerful updates in Zoho Vault, designed to enhance security, streamline workflows, and improve your overall experience. Let’s dive into what’s new! Folder creation restrictions Limit who can create folders in your

    • Join our World Password and Passkey Day expert Q&A 2025

      Hey everyone! World Password and Passkey Day is almost here, and there's no better time to talk about something we all rely on daily—secure authentication. Did you know that a staggering 60% of hacking-related breaches are tied to weak or stolen passwords?

    • Dashlane discontinued its free plan: Here's why Zoho Vault's free plan is worth the switch

      Hey everyone, Dashlane password manager has officially announced that its free plan will be discontinued starting September 16, 2025. This change means that current free users will need to either upgrade to a paid subscription or export their data and

    • Introducing SecureForms in Zoho Vault

      Hey everyone, Let’s face it—asking someone to send over a password or other sensitive data is rarely straightforward. You wait. You nudge. You follow up once, twice—maybe more. And when the information finally arrives, it shows up in the worst possible

    • Clickjacking: Zoho Vault's Response

      Issue: Password manager browser extensions are found to be vulnerable to clickjacking security vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to steal account credentials, TFA codes, and card details under certain conditions. Reported by: Marek Toth, Independent

    • Free webinar: Security that works: Building resilience for the AI-powered workforce

      Hello there, Did you know that more than 51% of organizations worldwide have experienced one or more security breaches, each costing over $1 million in losses or incident response? In today’s threat landscape, simply playing defense is no longer enough.

    • Free webinar—Redefining workforce security with Zoho Vault: Passwords, passkeys, and multi-factor authentication

      Hi everyone! Did you know that in Q2 alone, 94 million data records were leaked globally? Behind every breach is a combination of poor password habits, phishing attacks, privilege misuse, and simple human error. The fallout—including reputational damage,

    • In arattai received message can't be deleted

      The issue has been noticed in following: arattai app (Android) arattai app (Window) arattai web While the message posted by me may be deleted, the ones received from others can't be. The item <Delete> change to <Report> when the message is a received

    • Fill Colors

      Hello, Just curious, is it possible to manage the Used and standard colors in the fill drop down menu ? I would like to change/edit them is possible to colors I frequently use. Thanks for you reply, Bruce

    • Is there a way to generate a virtual meeting for a group service in Zoho Bookings?

      Are virtual meetings not supported for group services/meetings? I have integrated Zoom with one-on-one services, but I need a way to create an online group meeting. Thanks

    • Items Below Reorder Point Report?

      Is there a way to run a report of Items that are below the Reorder Point? I don't see this as a specific report, nor can I figure out how to customize any of the other stock reports to give me this information. Please tell me I'm missing something s

    • Client scripts for Zoho Books ?

      Good day everyone, I am looking for a way to be able to interact with the Quotes and Invoices as they are being created. Think of it like Zoho client script in Zoho CRM. But for the life of me I dont see a way to do this. The issue with having function

    • Fillable template with dynamic tables?

      Is there a way to build a fillable template so that users can add rows to a table? To describe what I'm trying to accomplish the table has 3 sections; a header row, some number of rows with custom information, and a summary row with totals. I can't figure

    • Invoicing multiple expense items as a single line item

            My client would like me to invoice them for multiple expense items on a single line item on an invoice.  Can this be done?  I know I can import billable expenses to an invoice, but I don't know how to show them as a single line item or have them

    • Zoho Books | Product updates | November 2025

      Hello users, We’ve rolled out new features and enhancements in Zoho Books. From translating email notification templates to the new transaction locking restrictions, explore the updates designed to enhance your bookkeeping experience. Making Tax Digital

    • Tables improvement ideas / features

      Heya, I've been using Zoho Tables for a few months now and wanted to post some features that I think will be greatly beneficial for the tool: 1. Ability to delete a record in automation or move a record in automation. - Usecase: I move a record from one

    • Announcing offline payment modes for event tickets

      Hello everyone,   Collecting ticket payments from prospective attendees can be a tricky part of event planning. While Zoho Backstage has always allowed you to collect payments online as people buy tickets from your event microsite, we have now enabled

    • Gmail is ramping up its email sender policy from November 2025

      Hello marketers, As you may be aware, Gmail introduced a guideline for bulk senders starting February 2024. If not, here's a quick refresher straight from Google: After this policy was announced first in 2023 and soft-implemented in February 2024, we

    • Deluge Error Code 1002 - "Resource does not exist."

      I am using the following script in a Custom Button on a Sales Return. Basically, the function takes the information in the sales return (plus the arguments that are entered by the user when the button is pushed) and creates a return shipping label via

    • Item images

      Can we get an "On hover" expanded image for items please ?

    • Ability to Create and Manage YouTube Video Chapters in Zoho Social

      Hi Zoho Social Team, How are you? We would like to request an enhancement to Zoho Social that would allow users to create and manage YouTube video chapters directly within the platform. Currently, Zoho Social does not support manually adding chapters

    • What happens to my current site SEO if i opt for zoho creator?

      I have an existing website and I need to use Zoho creators for the rapid creation of my webpage creation. Currently, my IT team is creating the web pages, but I am concerned about the SEO of my current website if I shift to zoho will i loose it all?

    • Automatic Portal invite

      We have numerous customers we move through a blueprint in deals, when they get to a certain point we need to give them portal access, how can this be done through deluge or a workflow?

    • Preview Emails with Merge Fields before sending

      Hello, Are there plans to preview an email with merge fields before sending out? Currently, all you see in the preview are the merge field values, but before I send out the email I want to make sure the merge is working. Also, the saved emails only show

    • User Filter not selecting All Items

      We are encountering 2 issues when using the user filter. When users are trying to search using the filter option, the OK button is grayed out. Users have to unselect or make a change before it filters properly. 2. When filtering and the OK button works,

    • Support Nested JavaScript Variables in PageSense Pop-up Targeting

      Hello Zoho PageSense Team, I hope you're doing well. I’d like to request a feature enhancement for the PageSense pop-up targeting functionality. Current Limitation: Currently, PageSense pop-ups can be triggered using simple JavaScript variables. However,

    • Cannot Invert Axis for Rankings

      Hi there I want to be able to create a ranking graph in Analytics/BI, with 1 at the top of the Y axis, but I am unable to invert the axis. Super simple example in Excel below. Higher rankings need to be higher up on the graph to give the correct visual

    • How to copy value from a single line field into a picklist field within a module's subform?

      Hello there, I have a single line field in a module's subform. I would like the value in the field to automatically update a picklist field within the same subform (both have items with the same names). Is this possible via function? Unfortunately, workflows

    • Committed Stock and To Be Received Stock via API?

      Is it possible to retrieve Committed Stock and/or To Be Received Stock for an Item via the API? I want to use this information for calculating the amount of inventory needed to be purchased.

    • Creating Email template that attaches file uploaded in specific field.

      If there's a way to do this using Zoho CRM's built-in features, then this has eluded me! I'm looking to create a workflow that automatically sends an email upon execution, and that email includes an attachment uploaded in a specific field. Email templates

    • Marketer’s Space - Automate a Personalized Holiday Workflow with Zoho Campaigns

      Hello marketers, Welcome back to another post in Marketer’s Space! From Thanksgiving through Christmas, you have a flurry of opportunities to connect with your audience. In this post, we’ll see how you can plan an entire month-long automated workflow

    • Service Account Admin for API Calls and System Actions

      Hello, I would like to request the addition of a Service Account Admin option in Zoho product. This feature would allow API calls and system actions to be performed on behalf of the system, rather than an active user. Current Issue: At present, API calls

    • Zoho Inventory Custom Field Update

      Hello All, In this post I am describing how can we Update the Custom Field Value in Zoho Inventory. // Get Org ID orgid = organization.get("organization_id"); // Field Value resvp = ifnull(item.get("purchase_rate"),null); // Record ID iid = item.get("item_id");

    • Sorting columns in Zoho Projects

      Hi, In project management best practice, sorting columns (ascending, descending) is an important tool. Sorting dates to see the order of tasks starting, sorting on priority or even on planned hours is a must for an efficient project control. Currently,

    • Zoho CRM - Calendar Cards View - Let Users Decide What Is Displayed On Calendar Entries

      Imagine planning your week of face-to-face meetings across three counties. You’re trying to group appointments by location to make the best use of your time, but Zoho CRM’s calendar doesn’t show where each meeting is happening. You’re left trying to remember

    • Zoho Inventory - How to pay a supplier up front then receive multiple deliveries

      How do we manage situations where we pay a supplier up front, then the receive the products in increments? Example Workflow: Create Purchase Order > Receive Bill for full amount > Receive Items 2 or more deliveries. Currently, once a Bill is created against

    • How can I add or change the active customer in Zoho Projects?

      I'm trying to change the customer in an active Zoho project. Is it possible to add or change the customer?

    • What happens when someone clicks 'unsubscribe' in a zoho CRM email

      Hello, As per, i am going round in circles trying to find an answer to these 2 question. I have an email template that has an unsubscribe link in the footer in zoho CRM. First, what happens when someone clicks it - where does the contact get unsubscribed

    • Zoho CRM - Scheduled Reports Which Contain Chart

      Hi Zoho CRM Team, I'm requesting that the Report Export and Scheduling feature be enhanced to include a chart, if one has been created on a report. At the moment I have a report which shows Sales This Week by Deal Owner and a pie chart at the top of the

    • Next Page