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
New to Zoho Recruit?
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
Kaizen #197: Frequently Asked Questions on GraphQL APIs
🎊 Nearing 200th Kaizen Post – We want to hear from you! Do you have any questions, suggestions, or topics you would like us to cover in future posts? Your insights and suggestions help us shape future content and make this series better for everyone.Kaizen #198: Using Client Script for Custom Validation in Blueprint
Nearing 200th Kaizen Post – 1 More to the Big Two-Oh-Oh! Do you have any questions, suggestions, or topics you would like us to cover in future posts? Your insights and suggestions help us shape future content and make this series better for everyone.Celebrating 200 posts of Kaizen! Share your ideas for the milestone post
Hello Developers, We launched the Kaizen series in 2019 to share helpful content to support your Zoho CRM development journey. Staying true to its spirit—Kaizen Series: Continuous Improvement for Developer Experience—we've shared everything from FAQsKaizen #193: Creating different fields in Zoho CRM through API
🎊 Nearing 200th Kaizen Post – We want to hear from you! Do you have any questions, suggestions, or topics you would like us to cover in future posts? Your insights and suggestions help us shape future content and make this series better for everyone.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! Commands
New to Zoho TeamInbox?
Zoho TeamInbox 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
WhatsApp Channels in Zoho Campaigns
Now that Meta has opened WhatsApp Channels globally, will you add it to Zoho Campaigns? It's another top channel for marketing communications as email and SMS. Thanks.error : Object code : 6500
b3 = map(); b3.put("name", "Test Project Name"); updateprojects2 = invokeurl [ url :"https://projectsapi.zoho.eu/restapi/portal/era0130/projects/169495000000928007/" type :PUT parameters: b3 connection:"in2" ]; info b3 ; info updateprojects2; ------------I got unknown charge from Zoho
Good day, I need help disputing a charge I don't know from, zoho. I have ZohoMail and ZeptoMail. I purchase credits for ZeptoMail, and for ZohoMail I am not subcribed.How can I see content of system generated mails from zBooks?
System generated mails for offers or invices appear in the mail tab of the designated customer. How can I view the content? It also doesn't appear in zMail sent folder.Zadarma + Zoho CRM Integration – Missed Calls Saved as Contacts Instead of Leads
Hello everyone, I’m looking for input from anyone with experience using the Zadarma + Zoho CRM integration. Currently, I’m seeing that missed calls are automatically being created as Contacts instead of Leads. From a CRM perspective, this doesn’t makeFunction 56: Automatically enable the option for customers to pay via bank account
Hello everyone and welcome back to our series! One of the key features of Zoho Books is its integration with multiple payment gateways, allowing you to receive online payments for your invoices. This ensures faster payments, automates payment trackingAttach Files to Your Notecards and share them on the go!
Hey everyone! We’re excited to share a feature many of you have been asking for — you can now attach files directly to your text notecards and share with ease! 🙌 This update was built with your feedback in mind, especially for those who wanted a simpleCan i connect 2 instagram accounts to 1 brand?
Can i connect 2 instagram accounts to 1 brand? Or Do i need to create 2 brands for that? also under what subscription package will this apply?Workdrive on Android - Gallery Photo Backups
Hello, Is there any way of backing up the photos on my android phone directly to a specific folder on Workdrive? Assuming i have the workdrive app installed on the phone in question. EmmaIntegración Books para cumplir la ley Crea y Crece y Ley Antifraude (VeriFactu)
Hola: En principio, en julio de 2025, entra en vigor la ley Crea y Crece y Ley Antifraude (VeriFactu). ¿Sabéis si Zoho va a cumplir con la ley para cumplir con la facturación electrónica conectada a Hacienda? GraciasYouTube Live #1: AI-powered agreement management with Zia and Zoho Sign
Hi there! We're excited to announce Zoho Sign’s first YouTube live series, where you can catch the latest updates and interact with our Zoho Sign experts, pose questions, and discover lesser-known features. We're starting off by riding the AI wave inHow to add a % Growth column for year-over-year comparison (2024 vs 2025)
Hello, I am trying to build a monthly revenue comparison between 2024 and 2025 in Zoho CRM Analytics. My current setup is: Module: Deals (Affaires) Filter: Stage = Closed Won Date field: Closing Date Grouping: By Month Metrics: Sum of Amount for 2024,How to searchByCriteria records that are under approval?
I need to search for both approved and pending approval records Is that possible with this method? Or I need to a different method? var priceReqID = $Page.record_id; log(priceReqID); var records = ZDK.Apps.CRM.Price_List_Item.searchByCriteria("Price_Request:equals:"Power of Automation::Streamline log hours to work hours upon task completion.
Hello Everyone, A Custom Function is a user-written set of code to achieve a specific requirement. Set the required conditions needed as to when to trigger using the Workflow rules (be it Tasks / Project) and associate the custom function to it. Requirement:-How to add Simple Analytics to Zoho Pages?
I have a website with Zoho Pages, how do I add Simple Analytics on it? They seem to have code they need to be embedded https://docs.simpleanalytics.com/scriptEnd Date in Zoho Bookings
When I give my appointments a 30 minutes time I would expect the software not to even show the End Time. But it actually makes the user pick an End Time. Did I just miss a setting?Cant seem to delete an email account
Hello, I have researching for 4 days how to delete an email account and I am absolutely without a clue. The email account I am trying to delete is support<AT>fyshoes<dot>com. It's the first email account I made and it (is???) was associated with the super user (me). I have since changed it to adming<AT>fychoes<dot>com and I see the support email in my list but I just cant seem to get rid of it. Ultimately I want to associate that email account with another user that I want to add. This is reallyCommerce Order as Invoice instead of Sales Order?
I need a purchase made on my Commerce Site to result in an Invoice for services instead of a Sales Order that will be pushed to Books. My customers don't pay until I after I add some details to their transaction. Can I change the settings to make thisImport data into Multi-Select lookup field from CSV/Excel
How to import data into a multi-select lookup field from the CSV/Excel Sheet? Let's say I have an Accounts multi-select lookup field in the Deals module and I want to import the Deals with Accounts field. Steps:- 1. Create/edit a multi-select lookup fieldSync desktop folders instantly with WorkDrive TrueSync (Beta)
Keeping your important files backed up and accessible has never been easier! With WorkDrive desktop app (TrueSync), you can now automatically sync specific desktop folders to WorkDrive Web, ensuring seamless, real-time updates across devices. Important:Script that deletes a record?
We're using WP Plugin "Integration for WooCommerce and Zoho Pro", and have created a couple of Feeds to send data to Zoho. We are trying to create Contact records, but only based upon condition. Tried to make it with small Deluge function and Workflow,A formula that capitalises the first letter of each word
Hi all, is there a zoho formula that can capitalise the first letter of each word in a string? INITCAP only capitalises the first letter of the first word.Reverse payment on accidentally closed invoice.
An invoice was closed accidentally with the full payment added. However, only partial payment was paid. How can I reopen the invoice and reverse this to update it to show partial payment?Quotes in Commerce?
In Zoho Ecommerce, I need to be able to generate quotes, negotiate with customers, and then generate invoices. Currently, I plan to integrate Zoho CRM to generate quotes. After negotiation and confirmation, I will push the details to Zoho Ecommerce toZoho Commerce - Mobile Application
Does Zoho Commerce have a mobile application for customers to place an order?Register user through Phone Number by Generating OTP
In zoho commerce , I am developing website on online food store Inilialy the user get verification code to their email for registering there account for login. But I need to login using phone number by generating OTP automatically rather than verificationCustom Buttons for Mass Actions
Hello everyone, We’ve just made Custom Buttons in Zoho Recruit even more powerful! You can now create Bulk Action Buttons that let you perform actions on multiple records at once, directly from the List View. What’s new? Until now, custom buttons wereZoho Vault Passwords
Is there a way to consume Zoho Vault Manager passwords using the API? Thanks in advance.Is the ChatGPT Assistant integration capable of recognizing WhatsApp voice messages?
I was wondering: if a visitor sends me a voice message on WhatsApp, would the assistant be able to transcribe it and reply to them?Zoho Creator to Zoho CRM Images
Right now, I am trying to setup a Notes form within Zoho Creator. This Notes will note the Note section under Accounts > Selected Account. Right now, I use Zoho Flow to push the notes and it works just fine, with text only. Images do not get sent (there【Zoho CRM】レポート機能のアップデート
ユーザーの皆さま、こんにちは。コミュニティチームの藤澤です。 今回は「Zoho CRM アップデート情報」の中から、レポート機能のアップデートをご紹介します。 目次 1. レポートのエクスポート時のレコードIDの表示について 2. 通貨項目の表示について 3. レポートの削除の監査ログへの反映について 1. レポートのエクスポート時のレコードIDの表示について これまで、レポートをエクスポートするとファイルにレコードIDが必ず含まれていました。レコードIDが識別子として役立つ場合もありますが、実際には多くの企業で参照されることはありません。Translation in zoho bookings
We cant translate zoho booking emails. The general text we can change. But what about text like: ""Here a link to join the meeting online:"" and "Add to Zoho Calendar" and "Add to Google Calendar"? No professional business have mixed languages. Its lookingIs there any way to bill one client in different currencies on different invoices?
I have some customers who have their currency set as USD and most of their billing is done in USD. However, from time to time I have a need to bill them in my base currency GBP for some specific invoices, but there seems to be no way of doing this that I can see. The only workaround that I can see is to create two client records for the same client, one for USD billing and one for GBP billing, but this is not an ideal situation. Is it likely that the (hopefully!) soon to arrive multi-currency supportAPI name for all fields in Zoho Project (Standard or custom)
Hi! I struggle to find easily all API name of all field in Zoho Project to build my API rest with other services. We can find them very fast in CRM but not in PRoject. Could you share a function to get the list of all API Name of any field of an AppElevate your CX delivery using CommandCenter 2.0: Simplified builder; seamless orchestration
Most businesses want to create memorable customer experiences—but they often find it hard to keep them smooth, especially as they grow. To achieve a state of flow across their processes, teams often stitch together a series of automations using WorkflowZoho Assist not rendering NinjaTrader chart properly
Hi everyone. Just installed and testing Zoho Assist. I want to display my laptop' screen (Windows 11) on a monitor connected to my Mac mini. The laptop is running a stock trading program called NinjaTrader. Basically, when running, this program displaysInvolved account types are not applicable when create journals
{ "journal_date": "2016-01-31", "reference_number": "20160131", "notes": "SimplePay Payroll", "line_items": [{ "account_id": "538624000000035003", "description": "Net Pay", "amount": 26690.09, "debit_or_credit": "credit" }, { "account_id": "538624000000000403", "description": "Gross", "amount": 32000, "debit_or_credit": "debit" }, { "account_id": "538624000000000427", "description": "CPP", "amount": 1295.64, "debit_or_credit": "debit" }, { "account_id": "538624000000000376", "description":Adding Social Media Buttons to Basic Campaigns
Hi, I'm quote new to using Zoho Campaigns and I can't work out how to add Social Media Buttons into my basic campaign? In MailChimp there's a button that brings the icons into your campaign for you. I've tried adding the social media icons as 'buttons' in Zoho but it's not looking great. Can anyone help? Thanks!Dropshipping Address - Does Not Show on Invoice Correctly
When a dropshipping address is used for a customer, the correct ship-to address does not seem to show on the Invoice. It shows correctly on the Sales Order, Shipment Order, and Package, just not the Invoice. This is a problem, because the company beingBest way to schedule bill payments to vendors
I've integrated Forte so that I can convert POs to bills and make payments to my vendors all through Books. Is there a way to schedule the bill payments as some of my vendors are net 30, net 60 and even net 90 days. If I can't get this to work, I'll haveNext Page