This help page is for users in Developer Console version 6. If you are in the older version (Developer Console 5),
click here. Know your Developer Console
version.
1. What does this page cover?
Learn about the process of privately distributing applications with clients through the Zoho Developer Console and how your clients can access these distributed applications within their Zoho Creator account.
2. Availability
- The super admin can create applications, add clients, and also distribute the application privately.
- The developers can send updates of the distributed applications with the clients if the relevant permission has been provided by the super admin.
3. Overview
In the Developer Console, you have two primary options for distributing applications -
Marketplace (where your app can be made publicly available for a broad audience) and
Private (where your app can be distributed with specific clients privately).
Clients approach developers when they require custom app features that go beyond standard software, or when they prefer a developer’s expertise to save time in building a personalized solution. They may need a tailored solution that addresses unique business challenges or incorporates custom features. Private distribution plays a crucial role in such scenarios, allowing developers to securely distribute applications with specific clients.
It ensures that only selected clients can install and use the application. When a client reaches out with their requirements, the super admin of the Developer Console account creates the app, and a developer can then refine or customize the app to meet the client's needs. Once ready, the super admin distributes the app privately by sending an installation link for the application. The client can then install the app in their Zoho Creator account, where they will have full control to manage and use the application, benefiting from a solution built specifically for them.
Private distribution allows clients and developers to work together on custom applications, ensuring the app can be updated to meet changing business needs.
Info: To install and manage the app, clients must have a Zoho Creator account, and they must be the super admin of that account.
The following flowchart shows the steps to create an application and sharing it privately with your clients,
4. Use cases
As a developer or partner, you can create highly customized applications tailored to meet your client's specific needs, such as logistics management or other specialized solutions. By offering such apps, you have the opportunity to find new clients, deliver unique value, and monetize your expertise through the Zoho Developer Console with clients who seek specific business functionalities. The super admin can then distribute these apps privately, ensuring that only the designated client has access, keeping your work exclusive and aligned with client requirements.
For clients, this allows you to directly approach a developer or partner with a clear set of business requirements. For instance, if your company needs a logistics management app, you can collaborate with a developer to create a solution built around your needs without the need for in-house development. This process not only saves time but also ensures you receive an app specifically designed for your business operations.
5. Navigation guide
For super admins and developers distributing apps:
The super admin and developers can find the
Clients tab under the
MANAGE section in the left pane of the Developer Console account. It allows the super admin to add clients and both of them to distribute applications privately.
Learn how
For clients installing the distributed application:
Clients can install the application through the installation link that will be sent to their email address. On installing the application, it will appear in their Zoho Creator account, where they must be the super admin.
Learn how- Understanding Developer Console
- Understanding environments
- Adding and managing Clients