Extension Pointers #3: Learn to use Custom Variables while building extensions
Looking for an option to store static information that can be accessed across an entire extension? The solution you're seeking is Custom Variables!
What are Custom Variables?
Custom variables store static information in your CRM. They are global variables that can be used in place of certain important fields in CRM to help users easily make personalized changes.
Consider a third-party integration scenario involving fields pertaining to personal data like a username, password, or authtoken. These values are user-specific and thus vary based on the user trying to access the application. So the developer will not be able to store or hard-code the value of these fields during the extension development process.
Custom Variables easily handle this situation by allowing the users to enter data from their end during the extension installation process. This data is then saved as the value for the field and provides a hassle-free experience.
Custom Variables for third-party integrations
Custom variables are of major importance in scenarios where data needs to be globally accessed across an entire extension, as well as during third-party integrations where security-related, user-specific data needs to be passed in order to establish a successful integration.
While most third-party applications today support the OAuth 2.0 authorization method for establishing an integration, there are few applications that support only API Key forms as an authorization method.
If the third-party application with which you wish to integrate supports API key forms, Custom Variables are the best option to establish an integration.
Note: To check out the integration process for applications using OAuth 2.0 authorization method, click here.
Methods involved while using custom variables
While using custom variables, there are situations where we might have to assign or pass the value of the custom variable across for performing logical functionalities or other tasks. In such cases we might need to either set or retrieve the value of custom variables accordingly. There are certain methods involved in manipulating the custom variable data—namely:
- Set Organization Variable
- Get Organization Variable
Set Organization Variable
This is used to set the value of the custom variable.
Syntax:
<Response> = zoho.crm.invokeConnector("crm.set", <valueMap Map>); |
where,
<Response> is the response details regarding the success or failure of updating.
<valueMap Map> is the map containing the key value pair denoting the API name of the custom variable to be updated, and the value with which the custom variable should be updated.
Get Organization Variable
This is used to fetch the value of the custom variable.
Syntax
<Response> = zoho.crm.getOrgVariable("<customVariableName>"); |
where,
<Response> returns the value of the custom variable.
<customVariableName> is the API name of the custom variable.
How to create a Custom Variable
1. Choose Custom Properties from the left panel of the Zoho Developer console under Build, and then click Create your first CRM variable.
2. Enter the necessary details and click Save. The value field is currently left empty for the users to later enter the value when prompted during the installation of the extension.
3. The custom variable is created. The system also creates a unique API name for the custom variable in the following format "extensionNameSpace__VariableName". The system creates a unique API name by appending the extension name as a prefix. In our example, "API Key" is the custom variable created to hold the API key. "testcrm2__API_Key" is the unique API name provided by the system where "testcrm2" is the extension's unique namespace.
Similarly, let's create another custom variable to hold the user's email ID.
Note: You can obtain the extension's NameSpace from the Extension Details page.
Establishing a connection with a third-party application (Datanyze)
The general flow involved around custom variables here is as follows:
- While installing an extension, the user is prompted for values specific to authorization (set as custom variable in the extension) like username/password/API key.
- The user enters the required value for the custom variable.
- With the help of the data entered, the connection is established with the third-party application.
For our example, let's take Datanyze as our third-party application. Datanyze mainly focuses on data enrichment through methodologies such as technographics and firmographics.
Note: The "API key" (also known as auth token) of Datanyze is required to complete the integration process. Log In or Sign Up with Datanyze to obtain a user-specific API key.
Let's write a custom function to see how the CRM tasks work and if the API call fetches us a response.
Code snippet:
valueMap = Map(); valueMap.put("apiname","testcrm2__API_Key"); valueMap.put("value","{API key token}"); resp = zoho.crm.invokeConnector("crm.set",valueMap); info resp; info ""; value = zoho.crm.getOrgVariable("testcrm2__API_Key"); info "The value of the custom variable, apikey, is " + value; info ""; valueMap = Map(); valueMap.put("apiname","testcrm2__Email"); valueMap.put("value","{email id}"); resp = zoho.crm.invokeConnector("crm.set",valueMap); info resp; info ""; value2 = zoho.crm.getOrgVariable("testcrm2__Email"); info "The value of the custom variable, username, is " + value2; info ""; response = invokeurl [ url:"https://api.datanyze.com/industries/? email={email}&token={API key token}" type :GET ]; info response; |
Here,
{email} | The Email ID associated with your Datanyze account. |
{API key token} | The API key generated by Datanyze for the corresponding {email}. |
https://api.datanyze.com/industries/?email={email}&token={API key token}" | The Datanyze API call to get a list of all industries for data enrichment. |
Click Execute to check the response.
The script returns
the status code as a response for the set organization variable method,
the value obtained as a response for the get variable method, and
a JSON response for the API call.
This indicates that locally the api key works fine and the response is fetched as expected.
When the extension is installed in a Zoho CRM account, the user is prompted for the API key and email.
Enter the API key and email. Click Save.
In our example, we've created two custom variables—testcrm2__Email and testcrm2__API_Key—for a user's Email ID and API key token, respectively, as required in the Datanyze API call to get a list of industries. Similarly, you can create any number of custom variables as needed.
You can also create and alter the function logic as needed to incorporate the data obtained from the Datanyze integration into your Zoho CRM.
We hope you found this content useful—keep following this space for more input!
SEE ALSO:
Access your files securely from anywhere
Zoho Developer Community
New to Zoho LandingPage?
Zoho LandingPage Resources
New to Zoho Survey?
New to Zoho CRM Plus?
Deliver unforgettable customer experiences
New to Zoho CRM Plus?
Deliver unforgettable customer experiences
New to Zoho Marketing Plus?
Everything you need to run your marketing
New to Zoho Marketing Plus?
Everything you need to run your marketing
New to Bigin?
Topic Participants
Nanditha Somasundaram Somasundaram
Matt Beck
Praveen Sankar
Sticky Posts
Client Script | Update - Introducing Commands in Client Script!
Have you ever wished you could trigger Client Script from contexts other than just the supported pages and events? Have you ever wanted to leverage the advantage of Client Script at your finger tip? Discover the power of Client Script - Commands! CommandsKaizen #165 : How to call Zoho CRM APIs using Client Script
Welcome back to another exciting Client Script post! In this post, we will discuss one of the most frequently asked questions: How do you call Zoho CRM APIs from Client Scripts? In this kaizen post, 1. Ways to make calls to Zoho CRM APIs using ClientKaizen#162 : Add Tags and Open Pre-filled Email Drafts via Client Scripts
Hello everyone! Welcome to another informative Kaizen post. In this post, let us see how to accomplish the following using Client Script. 1. How to auto-tag a record based on field update? 2. How to Open a pre-filled email draft This post will provideExtension Pointers - JS SDK series #4: Managing data from a widget using ZOHO.CRM.HTTP
Handling and managing the data between two applications is a major factor for an efficient business. There are a variety of ways to handle data between Zoho CRM and other third-party applications. You can use deluge CRM tasks, create connectors, use APIKaizen #152 - Client Script Support for the new Canvas Record Forms
Hello everyone! Have you ever wanted to trigger actions on click of a canvas button, icon, or text mandatory forms in Create/Edit and Clone Pages? Have you ever wanted to control how elements behave on the new Canvas Record Forms? This can be achieved
New to Zoho TeamInbox?
Zoho TeamInbox Resources
Zoho DataPrep Resources
Zoho CRM Plus Resources
Zoho Books Resources
Zoho Subscriptions Resources
Zoho Projects Resources
Zoho Sprints Resources
Qntrl Resources
Zoho Creator Resources
Zoho CRM Resources
Design. Discuss. Deliver.
Zoho Show Resources
Get Started. Write Away!
Writer is a powerful online word processor, designed for collaborative work.
Zoho CRM コンテンツ
-
オンラインヘルプ
-
Webセミナー
-
機能活用動画
-
よくある質問
-
Ebook
-
-
Zoho Campaigns
- Zoho サービスのWebセミナー
その他のサービス コンテンツ
Nederlandse Hulpbronnen
ご検討中の方
Recent Topics
Merge invoices
This has come up three times in a month of me using the system. a client whom i do work for on a regular bases asked me to invoice separate jobs on a single invoice. I would then go and cancel the old invoices and make a new one. It would be great if i could just select the invoices and click merge to create a single invoice.Pipeline stages for product-led growth (PLG) subscription services
(Estagios de pipeline com foco em serviço digital por assinatura (PLG)) Dear colleagues, I am writing to request assistance with a significant challenge I am currently facing. I manage a digital service that operates on a subscription-based model. I amMultiselect lookup in subform
It would be SO SO useful if subforms could support a multiselect look up field! Is this in the works??Zoho CRM for Email ( Microsoft add on app) Feb 25, 2025
We are currently experiencing issues with Zoho CRM for Outlook despite updating the Microsoft add on app and Zoho software to the latest versions. When working in Outlook on our Macs and PC's and 365 on the web, when we try to link an email in OutlookSheet View for Reports
We often need to filter our contacts in a way that is too complex for Custom Filters (which now allows filtering by Related Modules - amazing! - but doesn't allow for an *OR* relationship between the multiple filters) or Custom View (which does not yetFeature enhancement: Highlight rows based on a cell value
Hello Sheet users, We're excited to announce a new feature enhacement, shaped directly by your valuable feedback! As you might know, conditional formatting is a great tool for anyone dealing with large data sets. Previously, if you’ve ever wanted to drawUrgent: Unable to Receive OTP Email for Portal User Registration in Zoho Creator
I paid to enable the Portal User feature on 2/25, and followed the official instructions (Youtube video: Customer Portals | Zoho Creator) to set up the Portal User using my Gmail account. However, I am not receiving the OTP email and am unable to successfullyZoho not receiving verification email.
I developed a website registration page and need to send verification email. I am using sendinblue for sending out the verification emails. Somehow, the mail is not being received by the Zoho users. Gmail, outlook, yahoo domains works fine but when I try to send the mail to my Zoho account I am not able to receive the mail. Can you please let me know what might be the issue?Restore deleted spreadsheet
Hi all, I can not find my spreadsheet. It seems that my spreadsheet is deleted. Please, restore the spreadsheet. Thanks in advanceLookup fields can't be used for anything important
Hi It seems the lookup fields are mostly.... informative, you can at most link stuff between modules... You can't use lookup fields in blueprints, you can't use them in layout rules or anything... It that correct?Function to check frequency of customer ordering patterns
Hi, I'm no coder, so I thought I could make use of Chat GPT to generate some Deluge script to create a function that would check order frequency of our customers so that I could send an email if they go beyond their usual order pattern. Chat GPT and ClaudeBetter Control over Team Ordering and Display
Two feature requests for Zoho Desk team drop downs: The ability to change the order of teams, currently it's not in alphabetical order, which is confusing. I'm thinking a manual ordering via number or drag and drop, alphabetical order, and creation orderClear specific tag or tags from all leads
I'm looking for a way to clear a specific tag from all Leads. I have a function when a tag is added to a lead they are added to a campaign and their status is set to "invited". I need to find a method to remove the tag. If I try to delete the tag to clearCisco Webex Calling Intergration
Hi Guys, Our organisation is looking at a move from Salesforce to Zoho. We have found there is no support for Cisco Webex Calling however? Is there a way to enable this or are there any apps which can provide this? Thanks!Has Anyone Else Built a State Machine into a Function?
I'm in the process of building a state machine for lead lifecycle management within Zoho CRM, and I'm curious if anyone else has tried integrating a state machine into their Deluge functions, especially considering Zoho’s 12-function cap. I’ve managedIs there a way for a custom function to trigger a custom made email alert?
Hi Zoho Team, We have currently maxed out our 30 workflows in one of our department and we are trying to find ways to make it more efficient. We usually use our workflows to send automated email notifications per team leader for approval of tickets. IsUnified WhatsApp Number Management in Zoho Desk and SalesIQ
Dear Zoho Desk Support Team, We are currently utilizing both Zoho Desk and Zoho SalesIQ for our customer support operations. While both platforms offer WhatsApp integration, we are facing challenges due to the requirement of separate WhatsApp numbersMulti User Lookup field on the Zoho CRM iOS app.
Hello all! Hope you are all safe and sound. We have now brought in support for the Multi User Lookup field on the Zoho CRM mobile app. Below are the enhancements that are supported in this update: * Multi User Lookup field can be added through theHelp with Deluge Script in Zoho SalesIQ (Input Variables Always Null)
Hi everyone, I’m working on a Deluge script for Zoho SalesIQ, specifically for a block in Zobot. The script is supposed to: Check the visitor’s name when they start a chat. If the name is empty, return false; if a name is present, return true. However,Item/service subtotal
Just discovered & really pleased that we can drag to re-order the line items in Sales orders & Invoices, a very nice feature which doesn't seem to be documented? It would be nice to be able to insert a subtotal as a line item to complete this great featureHide/Show Certain Fields When Creating/Editing Invoices, Estimates, Etc.
Hello there, I would like the ability to hide or show certain fields for different employees/roles in my company when they are creating or editing invoices, estimates, etc.. Most of the time, we don't use half of the fields shown on the create/edit invoiceIs there a way to make an account inactive in ZoHo Desk
We have a few Clients "Accounts" that we no longer do business with. It would be beneficial for them to not show up in lists. However, we want to go back and view tickets, time, etc.Any way to Associate a Recurring Invoice with Deal/Potential in Zoho CRM
When we create an Invoice in Zoho Books, we have the option to associate that invoice with a Potential/Deal that is tied to that same customer. Can we do the same thing with Recurring Invoices? When creating a Recurring Invoice, I want to be able to AssociateSSO/SAML
Question - how are you guys handling SSO for Desk? It seems the only options lead back to ADFS which is a dying technology, stupidly complicated to set up and configure (I mean, you can put that on your resume) and seems like overkill for SSO when AAD does it so much better and effortlessly. We want to have our clients have SSO to log into our support portal and we want our Agents to have SSO as well. I shouldn't have to expose our server, turn on ADFS, configure it, install multiple clients (SyncAre downloadable product available in Zoho Commerce
Hi all. We're considering switching to Zoho Commerce for our shop, but we sell software and remote services. Is there a features for downloadable products? I can't find any information about this. Thank you very much AliceAsk the Experts 17: Elevate Customer Communication With Multichannel & Instant Messaging
Hello Everyone, Get ready for the opportunity to interact with Zoho Desk specialists! This month, we’re diving into Multichannel Operations, helping you manage customer interactions across various platforms seamlessly. Why Join? Customers reach out throughZOHO DESK
I use Outlook Exchange to receive emails and want to forward them to Zoho Desk for better management. Additionally, I want to reply to emails in Zoho Desk and have them sent to customers via Outlook Exchange, but I don’t know how to configure it.Automating Custom Web Link Messages to Customers via Instant Messaging in Zoho Desk
Hello, I am looking for assistance with Zoho Desk's Instant Messaging feature. Is there a way to automate the sending of a custom web link to customers every day at 6:30 PM? Any guidance or suggestions on how to achieve this would be greatly appreciated.Exciting Update: Multi WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) Support Now Available in SalesIQ!
We’re pleased to share an important update that will enhance the way you manage your WhatsApp Business accounts (WABAs) within SalesIQ. With the launch of Multi WABA support, you can now connect and manage multiple brands more effectively, each underAn error occurred while uploading the attachment.
From the image below, attaching files is not possible via the website but is supported through the Mobile App.One time offer in Zoho Campaigns
Hello! I have an idea to improve my sales. I would like to make a "one time offer" in Zoho Campaigns with a clock that will count down the bid validity period. Is it possible? Regards.How to Initiate WhatsApp Message on SalesIQ?
I've just activated a Business WhatsApp phone number through SalesIQ because of its touted omnichannel chat approach. Sounds exciting. I understand that when a customer sends me a WA message, I can reply to it on SalesIQ and keep the chat going, perfect.Multiple self client instances
there a couple of details that deserve clarification / improvement in Zoho's OAuth 2: 1. for building true server apps - cloud to cloud REST - one has to choose Self Client when creating a new instance in API Console; Server-based Appplications is slightlyWorkdrive Oauth2 Token Isn't Refreshing
I have set up oauth for a bunch of zoho apis and have never had a problem with oauth. With workdrive i am using the exact same template i usually use for the other zoho apps and it is not working. All requests will work for the first hour then stops soZoho Desk - Delete an email conversation
When using Zoho support desk I see an option to delete and edit conversations that are comments, BUT if the conversation was automatically added as a conversation from an email, then the option to delete it seems not to be available. Is there a way toOrganizational Emails Send through Email Relay Server
Hello, It would be great if the the Organizational Emails could send through the Email Relay Server as well. I often need to send email as someone else and since we use the GMail API option I have to use the organizational emails to do this. We use Postmark for our Email Relay Server to increase deliver-ability which is something that we have had issues with when sending everything through Zohos servers. Also with postmark there is no need for each organizational email to have its own credentialsEmoji support in workdrive
Hello, We are using emojis in our filenames and folder to help visually find relevant data. Currently Workdrive is stripping out emojis and the rest of the filename (along with the suffix), making the file unreadable when they are synchronized with desktop.What is a 'user' in Zoho Surveys, and can I have multiple Offline Kiosks running?
Is a 'user' the amount of people that can make and edit surveys on the website? I basically just want to know if I am able to have multiple Offline Kiosks running on multiple devices at the same time. Either on the Basic or Plus plan which both have 1Fundation / Non profit : Could you help ?
Hi, We're about to handle a Medical research fundation, non profitable structure, what kind of prices could we hope from you ? Could you help us ? We would need Survey, automated campaign and ZIA Thanks in advanceCan´t copy fields
Hi Im trying to copy the information from a registry in a module to a new one in another module, the following code works, the thing is, it does'nt copy the rest of information in the new registry, i'm learning Deluge in an autonomy way so, i don't nowNext Page