Fetch customized user inputs, store them globally at the app leve | Community | Zoho Projects

Fetch customized user inputs, store them globally at the app leve | Community | Zoho Projects

This data storage concept enables you to store data related to your extension for both entity properties and extension properties.

In our previous piece, we looked at how to store data for entities using entity properties. In this post, we'll look at an example of using extension properties effectively. Extension properties enable you to record data for an app in its entirety. Refer to this article on the limitations of extension properties for additional details.

Scenario

Let's say that as a developer you want to gather feedback/reviews through your extension. In general, reviews and feedback help you gain insights into users' perspectives.

When designing a review/feedback template, using a standard question with predefined options will restrict the feedback/review process to certain specific standards/requirements. However, your clients may use Zoho Projects to manage a variety of businesses, each with its own set of processes tailored to the needs of that company.

What can you do to standardize and streamline this process for all clients?
It would be beneficial to create a standard feedback/review template for your customers and then enable them to customize the question and its options to meet their own company feedback requirements.

Goal: Create a generic feedback/review template that enables clients to provide their personalized inputs to customize the review/feedback question per their company needs.

Solution

To accomplish this goal, we'll incorporate both entity and app data storage—as well as a few other capabilities—into our extension. Let's look at the features and steps we'll be taking to develop this example.
  • First, we must gather the question and options that the user wants for their feedback/review form. To accomplish this, we can create a bottom navigation bar widget called "Feedback or Review template settings" that enables the user to provide their personalized feedback/review question along with its options as input. We can accomplish this using the widgets approach explained earlier in this post.
  • Next, we must save the values the user provides for the question and options. We can accomplish this by using the data storage extension properties, which will store the data and make it available across the app/extension. (Now that we have the values stored for the entire extension/app, we can retrieve the data and access it across the necessary entities.)
  • In our example, we want to collect feedback/reviews from users for the tasks and issues entities. For this, we can create a widget called "Feedback or Review" in the details page of the task and issue entities, respectively.
  • In this widget, we must populate the question with the options the user previously provided as part of the "Feedback or Review template settings" widget. We can accomplish this by retrieving the previously saved details and displaying them in the relevant entities (tasks and issues, in our example).
  • Once we've displayed the question and options to the user, they can select an option to provide feedback or a review for the entity they're working on.
  • Furthermore, we can save the user's option selection and associate it with the entity. This will enable us to display the previously selected option for that question each time the user accesses the "Feedback or Review" widget, which we can accomplish using the data storage-entity properties concept.
Required components
  • An extension configuration process includes the following:
    • Creating an extension.
    • Configuring the plugin manifest.
    • Setting up the widget code.
  • Bottom navigation bar widget (top_band): Enables the user to input their customized values for the feedback/review template's question and its options.
  • Task details tab widget (task_tab)/Issue details tab (issue_tab): Enables us to fetch and display the value the user enters for the feedback/review template in the respective entities.
Let's explore these components now.

Extension configuration

Extension creation: We've created a new extension for Zoho Projects. Learn more about the steps to create an extension.
                                                                  

Plugin-manifest.json configuration: Once we created the extension, we configured the plugin-manifest.json file to include the widgets. For a more detailed understanding of how to configure the plugin-manifest.json file, refer to our earlier post.

For our extension use case, the plugin-manifest.json file is configured as shown in the screenshot below.

Note: We'll have to set the storage key to true in order for storage space to be allocated in the Zoho Projects product for this extension. By default, the value will be false.
                                                

Setting up the widget code

Now that we've set up the other components, let's move on to writing our widget code and incorporating the data storage feature.

Feedback or Review template settings widget (Bottom navigation bar - top_band) - Enables us to gather personalized user input for the feedback/review template. Please find the index.html code snippet attached in the post.
  • In the code snippet above for the bottom navigation bar widget, the user is presented with two text boxes: one for entering their customized question for feedback/review and the other for entering their customized options, each separated by a comma.
➤ The app.store method in the extension properties is used to store this data against the extension in the form of key-value pairs.
➤ The values for the question and options are constructed as a JSON object and then stored against the key "storedappvalue" using the app.store method.
Note: For user-entered options separated by a comma, these options are converted to an array using the split() method, with the comma serving as the criteria, and then stored against the key.
➤ Finally, when the values are successfully stored after clicking the Add button, the zohoprojects.invoke method is used, and the user is notified with the alert "Data added".
  • Additionally, every time this widget loads, the data stored at the app level in the key "storedappvalue" is obtained using the app.retrieve method.
  • From this retrieved value, any previously stored data against the key "storedappvalue" is removed using the app.remove method.
  • This is done because whenever a user wishes to change their feedback/review question and options, the new data will be added and stored against the key as well. Since we require the newly entered values to be displayed as part of our "Feedback or Review" widget in the tasks and issues entities, the previously stored data is removed, and the new values entered are stored against the key upon clicking on the Add button.

Feedback or Review widget (task details tab - task_tab) - Displays the feedback question and options and enables the user to provide feedback for the entity they're working on. Please find the Taskfeedback.html code snippet attached in the post.
  • In the code snippet above—for task/issue details tab—we're first retrieving the value stored against the extension (in the bottom-band navigation bar) by invoking the app.retrieve method using the key "storedappvalue".
  • From this retrieved value, we fetch the question and its options. The options for the question are displayed in the widget in radio button format, which enables the user to choose one option for the feedback/review question.
  • Once the user chooses an option and clicks the Save button, the data is saved using the entity properties in data storage feature.
➤ Here, the selected review option (selectedreview) value and its index position (selectedoptionnumber) in the radio button element are stored using the entity.store method. We use entity storage here since this value chosen is specific to the entity the user is working on.
  • Every time the widget loads, the chosen value stored using the entity.store method is retrieved using the entity.retrieve method and checked against the radio element options. This allows the chosen value to be enabled and displayed to the user every time the widget loads.
We can use the same snippet across the issue entity as well.

Now that we've completed the setup for both the widgets and have all the extension components ready, let's go ahead and see the output.

Sample output:
                                                

This example demonstrates how to efficiently use data storage for extension properties. The data stored against an extension/app can be retrieved across multiple entities to perform logical functions. Additionally, in this example, we also witnessed code reusability across multiple entities. You may enhance this example by incorporating more than one feedback/review question.

In this way, you can use extension properties to store data across an extension/app. We hope you found this information useful. Follow this space for more insights!

Sign up for a Zoho Developer account and start developing extensions for Zoho Projects using Sigma.

SEE ALSO





        • Recent Topics

        • Problem with multiple pages record template

          Hi, I have a record template with multiple pages. When I print, it has gaps between pages. How can i fix it?
        • Field Update: can't find a custom multi-line text field in the options list

          I want to update a custom text field (large size multi-line: 32000 characters) that I have added in the Accounts module using this functionality https://help.zoho.com/portal/en/kb/crm/automate-business-processes/actions/articles/field-updates , but I
        • Zoho One Datensicherung möglich

          Gibt es eine Zoho One Datensicherung über alle Apps mit eindeutigen Datensatz-Id´s eines Kontaktes in allen Apps und mit allen Bildern (insbesondere Artikel-Bilder)? Wir haben festgestellt, dass die Zoho Books Datensicherung keine Bilder sichert. Und
        • Pop Up

          Hello, I want to automatically display the information of the attached data in the product module in the related list section of my data in the lead module when the current time matches the "Call Time" field of my data in the leads module. How can I achieve
        • New feature alert: Witness signing is now available in Zoho Sign

          Hello! Getting documents signed with confidence in Zoho Sign just got a major boost! We're delighted to introduce witness signing, where other individuals or entities can be designated as witnesses to observe the signing process and add their signatures
        • How to report and analyze a multi-select field entries distinctly ?

          As many of CRM users I have many multi-select fields that allows me to choose more than one chose in one cell for a specific filed Like: Field A - A;BC - A;C -B;C But when reporting the field it will handle each cell as a "String" not multiple entries
        • Get the capability to convert documents to different formats

          Hello users, In this article, we'll be exploring the Conversion API in Zoho Office Integrator to understand how it can be used to convert documents to different formats right from your web app. Before we get to the details of the Conversion API, here's
        • Issues with certain CRM, Desk & webhook blocks in Guided Conversations

          Good day I have been attempting to add a block on our guided conversations, which give our customers relavent information based on their queries. The issue is that when I attempt to use a block that fetches data I get the following error popup: Cannot
        • Use Zoho Creator as a source for merge templates in Zoho Writer

          Hello all! We're excited to share that we've enhanced Zoho Creator's integration with Zoho Writer to make this combination even more powerful. You can now use Zoho Creator as a data source for mail merge templates in Zoho Writer. Making more data from
        • Can't delete/hide related lists

          Hi, Maybe I'm missing something, but I can't seem to find where I delete or hide related lists in a module. When I go to a record and click the little arrow on the right next to the related list, I only get the option to select what fields in that list
        • Make Widgets Clickable or Copiable

          Hi, I created a KPI Widget in Zoho Analytics whose content I would like the users that see my dashboard could copy or click and be redirected elsewhere. Yes, I'm aware I can create a Text Box for that instead of a Widget, but the problem is that the link
        • Address Autofill

          Hi I'm having issues with the address autofill tutorial (https://zurl.co/rGXQ). I have followed each step in the tutorial, but when i paste the code into a workflow/function, i'm getting the following error code: Improper code format Correct format :
        • Sync custom module ID to Lead module

          Hello, I am trying to sync Contract ID (custom module) from Deal module. I have an existing function that whenever a contract is created, it will automatically creating deals based on the frequency of the contract. Now i am having problem to show the
        • In Kiosk, please support "File upload field" in the "Field Update" action

          Hello. Supporting "File upload field" in the "Field Update" actions would be a great addition to Kiosk Studio. I would appreciate it if you could evaluate it. Saludos,
        • can I link a contacts to multiple accounts

          can I link a contacts to multiple accounts
        • Change Last Name to not required in Leads

          I would like to upload 500 target companies as leads but I don't yet have contact people for them. Can you enable the option for me to turn this requirement off to need a Second Name? Moderation update (10-Jun-23): As we explore potential solutions for
        • For security reasons your account has been blocked as you have exceeded the maximum number of requests per minute that can originate from one account.

          Hello Zoho Even if we open 10-15 windows in still we are getting our accounts locked with error " For security reasons your account has been blocked as you have exceeded the maximum number of requests per minute that can originate from one account. "
        • Launching CPQ for Zoho CRM! An in-built solution for bespoke quote management

          Hello everyone, We are thrilled to announce the public release of CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote) for Zoho CRM, which is a fundamental block in sales management. NOTE: CPQ was a public early access feature from March 2023 — January 2024. Since February
        • Power of Automation :: Automatically set the dependency between Parent task and the respective sub tasks

          A custom function is a software code that can be used to automate a process and this allows you to automate a notification, call a webhook, or perform logic immediately after a workflow rule is triggered. This feature helps to automate complex tasks and
        • Spell Check default language

          Hello All, Is it possible to set the Spell Check default language? I can't find it in the settings. Thanks a lot! Levente
        • Function #4: Schedule Customer Statements

          Regularly sending statements to customers is an imperative part of many business processes as it helps foster strong customer relationships and provides timely guidance on payments. While you can generate the statement of accounts and have it sent over
        • Music files on Zoho Docs

          1) Uploaded a ma3 music file from Itunes.  When I click on the link, i go to the page and see a music player but it doesn't play.  Clicking on the play arrow does nothing.  How to fix???? 2) Also, when i put up a .zip file  and goto the page, anyone download it.  That's fine. But with a music file, all I get is that non functional player with no way to simply download the song. Do I have to zip every song so it can be downloaded?
        • Restrict Employees Access to Zoho Support

          Dear Zoho Support Team, Greetings! I am the focal point for all Zoho-related matters in our organization, and I would like to request the following features to help us streamline and centralize our support interactions. We request that zoho one support
        • How to import timesheets or entries into a projecgt

          How can one import timesheets into a project via a csv file?
        • Issues with Agent Forwarding Card in Zobot

          I implemented an Agent Forwarding Card in a Zobot that I created. There are a few issues with the way the card functions in an actual chat. The way it is designed right now is not easy to use and is not intuitive. Here are a few of the issues I have with
        • Automatic License Management Upon User Deactivation in Zoho One

          Dear Zoho Team, We would like to propose a feature enhancement for Zoho One regarding license management. Currently, when a user is deactivated, their license is not automatically downgraded or removed from our account. Zoho explains this behavior by
        • Shared Snippets Everyone

          Hi, Now that the Shared Snippets have been released and I think will be the most used feature implemented in 2023 :) Creating and Using Snippets in Ticket Responses - Online Help | Zoho Desk Maintain consistency in ticket responses with shared snippets
        • Introducing parent-child ticketing in Zoho Desk [Early access]

          Hello Zoho Desk users! We have introduced the parent-child ticketing system to help customer service teams ensure efficient resolution of issues involving multiple, related tickets. You can now combine repetitive and interconnected tickets into parent-child
        • How to suppress display of "USD" of currency field?

        • When is Zoho Vault getting fuzzy search?

          Seeing posts on here dating back as far as 3 years complaining about Vaults search functionality. It’s terrible. Please include fuzzy search, and sorting of results according to “most applicable”; not just alphabetically.
        • Automation#22 Track Ticket Duration at Specific Status

          Hello Everyone! Welcome back to the Community Learning Series! Today, we explore how Zylker Techfix, a gadget servicing firm, boosted productivity by tracking the time spent at a particular ticket status in Zoho Desk. Zylker Techfix customized Zoho Desk’s
        • Self-Support Portal invites

          I'm a one man operation and I'm using the free version of the Zoho Desk for now, but I am in need of help. When I do test tickets, I get a reply from the system inviting me to join the Self Service portal. I don't plan on using that, so I wonder if there
        • Tip #10: Automatically add tags to Zoho CRM records using form responses

          You may be using tags to filter records, create reports based on specific tags, or let your sales team to know which clients to give priority to. Don't skip tagging for the crm records added via forms. The tags can be set to be automatically captured during the form submission. How it works When you set up a configuration to push form entries into CRM, you can add a tag to them automatically. The tag value can vary based on the respondent's input (captured using form fields), or you can include a
        • Understanding response time

          We have the following set up for our SLA. When a contact first writes in, the response due and resolution due dates are set. When one of our agents responses, the response due goes away. When a ticket gets a response from the contact, it appears to reset
        • Publish multiple languages at once in Knowledge Base

          Does anyone know if it is possible to publish multiple translated articles at the same time? My knowledge base has about 35 languages, and while I have them set up to automatically translate, I still have to go in and select each language and manually
        • Canvas and Related lists

          Hi, As much as I like canvas, when adding in a asection with related lists,it doesnt mimic the same functionality as the standard view within the CRM e.g left hand panel will show the module and total number of records. Is there a way of indicating this
        • Email address ZOHO suggestions in replying - how to delete unwanted suggestions?

          Hi, I have some "unwanted" email addresses suggestions by ZOHO, and made some mistakes by replying for some tickets already. How can I clear this in ZOHO directly, I deleted all web browser history and cookies . Did not help :/ Below example, where one
        • Subform edits don't appear in parent record timeline?

          Is it possible to have subform edits (like add row/delete row) appear in the Timeline for parent records? A user can edit a record, only edit the subform, and it doesn't appear in the timeline. Is there a workaround or way that we can show when a user
        • Zoho Learn vs. Trainer Central

          Hi, I'm currently using Zoho One with a WordPress-based website and WooCommerce to manage my online courses. I would like to know what is the difference between Zoho Learn and Trainer Central and if it's possible for these two platforms to replace WP
        • How to Display a Logo Image on a Public Form?

          I would like to display a logo image in the header of a form. To achieve this, I added an Add Notes field to the form. The code below works perfectly for Zoho users accessing the form. However, when the form is made public, the image does not load properly:
        • Next Page