Zoho Developer Community Monthly Digest - January 2024

Zoho Developer Community Monthly Digest - January 2024



Hello everyone!

Welcome to the latest edition of the Zoho Developer Community Digest. As we begin the year with renewed vigor, we're thrilled to present a roundup of engaging discussions, valuable resources, and noteworthy community highlights from January. Dive in to stay updated on the latest developments in Zoho and join us in fostering collaboration within the developer community.

Upcoming Events

  1. Zoho Developer Hangout 13: Zoho CRM offers flexibility for businesses to tailor it precisely according to their unique requirements. However, even the best suits may need a few extra accessories. That's where Zoho Creator steps in. When integrated with Zoho CRM, it extends the platform's capabilities, allowing you to build custom applications, forms, and views, transforming them into custom tabs within the CRM interface. Think of it as the stylish pocket square that completes the look. In this session, our MVP @Anonymous User, will provide an introduction to Deluge scripting and its role in creating integrations between Zoho Creator and Zoho CRM. He will delve into the intricacies of fetching records from Creator within CRM and vice versa, as well as creating and updating records in both platforms. Click here for registration.

  2. Zoho Developer Community Bootcamp (In-Person): This has been long overdue! We're hosting our first-ever in-person developer meetup, and we're doing it right here in our home base. If you're in Chennai, you're in for a special treat. The bootcamp is designed to empower developers of all skill levels, guiding them to learn and create extensions for Zoho products. Participants also have the opportunity to potentially monetize their creations by listing them on the Zoho Marketplace. Registration and more details here.

  3. Creator Learning Table Series: We designed this series to provide users with valuable insights and knowledge about Creator's capabilities in various business use cases and applications. This year, we have adopted the 12 Months 12 Industries concept. Every month, we will focus on a specific industry, illustrating its unique processes with real-time business scenarios and how to make best use of Creator for that industry. Our recent webinar on Creator for the Agriculture Industry was a success, and during the upcoming session, we'll be exploring Creator for the Real Estate Industry.

    Title: Creator For Real Estate Industry
    Date: March 7, 2024
    APAC & ANZ - 11 AM to 12 PM IST - Registration Link
    EMEA - 4 PM to 5 PM IST - Registration Link
    Americas - 9 PM to 10 PM IST - Registration Link

  4. Creator Tech Connect: Creator's tech connect series would comprise of technical sessions that provide immersive training on the key essentials and technical nuances of building a solution in Zoho Creator. This is a great opportunity for our developer community to stay informed about Creator's new feature releases, product roadmap, best practices to follow while scripting in deluge, new deluge concepts, and cloud functions. We are planning to conduct a three-month series on Custom widgets: Extension in Zoho Creator and its development process. While the first session of the series focused on developing widgets with JS API in Zoho Creator, the upcoming session will be about using Widgets from Zoho Marketplace as Extensions in Zoho Creator.

    Title: Developing Widgets in Zoho Creator
    Date: February 15, 2024
    APAC & ANZ: 11 AM to 12 PM IST - Registration Link
    EMEA: 4 PM to 5 PM IST - Registration Link
    Americas: 9 PM to 10 PM IST - Registration Link

  5. Application Development Bootcamp: Application Development Bootcamp is a three-day webinar on Zoho Creator features and the application-building process. During these sessions, users get to learn how to turn their ideas into fully functional applications through live sessions and exercises. The webinars, each lasting an hour, cover sessions on ideating, structuring, developing, and managing solutions in Zoho Creator.

    Title: Application Development Bootcamp 1.0
    Date:  March 19, 20, and 21, 2024
    APAC & ANZ: 11 AM to 12 PM IST - Registration Link
    EMEA: 4 PM to 5 PM IST - Registration Link
    Americas: 9 PM to 10 PM IST - Registration Link

  6. Catalyst Webinar: Turn Ideas into Modern Apps with Ease using Catalyst AppSail
    Catalyst AppSail is a highly scalable platform that allows you to quickly build apps using popular programming languages such as Java, Node.js, or Python, and your favorite frameworks like Spring, SpringBoot, Flutter, Angular, Django, Flask, and many more. Tune into our webinar to gain insights on using AppSail from our in-house industry experts. Registration and more details yet.
Having hosted many meetups and events in the past, we've witnessed the value of networking, shared learning, and collaboration among the developer community members. As we look forward to 2024, an exclusive series of events is on the horizon, and we invite developers from all corners to join us. Embrace the community experience with Zoho, and let's make the most of these opportunities together. Take a moment to review the details of each event listed in this forum post and complete the form by indicating your preferred events. Feel free to select all that pique your interest – there's no need to hold back; we'll ensure you receive the invitations accordingly.

Resource Spotlight

We've consolidated all the resources from the developer community learning series into a centralized hub for your convenient access. Consider bookmarking the Zoho Developer Community website to stay informed about the latest updates in the developer community.

Community Discussions

Zoho Developer Forum

  • When @Federico needed help with dynamically adjusting a webhook to distinguish calls from production and sandbox environments, @Hugh Marshall and @Ishwarya SG offered three methods to accomplish this task in this discussion. 
  • When @Scholfield's code logic didn't meet his requirements of identifying accounts in Zoho CRM without any scheduled calls or calls altogether, @Ishwarya SG stepped in with a solution, offering advice on scaling it and providing a code snippet for implementation.
  • @Federico sought help in the community forum to add a "Ask for a quote" button to the Deals Detail page that opens a form to collect data. @Haiku technical support stepped in and suggested the best ways to implement this scenario effectively. Check out the conversation here.
  • Check out the code snippet shared by @Pheranda Nongpiur to fetch values from a Subform in one module and display those values for comparison in another module in Zoho CRM. 
  • Do you want to get the ID of a CRM record created using Client Script? Then this post is for you. When @Serge Piskarev was finding it difficult, @Maadhari M provided guidance with creating a record successfully and getting the ID. She also went the extra mile and suggested @Serge to use ZDK.Apps.CRM.Contacts.Models.Contacts() model, as it has more extensive features.

Developers ZUG Cliq Channel

Note: These conversations are confined to the Developers ZUG Cliq channel members. If you're keen on becoming a part of this space, please fill in this onboarding form to receive your invitation to join the channel.

Community Spotlight

ZDH Speakers

The contributions of our ZDH presenters have been instrumental in the success of the this segment. We extend our heartfelt appreciation for their efforts.

As a continuation of featuring a ZDH presenter each month, this time, we would like to introduce our sixth ZDH presenter, @Anonymous User. Explore this post to discover the knowledge and insights he shared with the community.

Cliq Contributors

The Developers ZUG Cliq channel has consistently served as the primary hub for community members seeking technical assistance and engaging in savvy discussions. Here are our top contributors who have gone the extra mile to support and assist the Zoho Developer Community:



We want to express our sincere appreciation to all our community contributors. Your commitment, expertise, and the time you invest are invaluable to the community. 

For those who are new to the Zoho Developer Community, check out this post to get started. 

We appreciate you dedicating your time to peruse this month's digest. Make sure to follow the digest each month for the most recent updates and conversations. Stay connected and participate in the forums to be features in the upcoming month's digest. Wishing you an amazing month ahead!

SEE ALSO




        • Recent Topics

        • Sorting Custom Date in API isn't working w pagination limit

          How can we sort a custom field with DATE using pagination? Starting at page=1 then moving to page=2 with a limit of 10 each, its all messed up and even shows some of the same records as page 1? https://www.zohoapis.com/crm/v2/INVOICE_MODULE/search?criteria=(FM_Contact_ID:equals:1234)&sort_by=Invoice_Date&sort_order=desc&per_page=10&page='

        • SAP Business One(B1) integration is now live in Zoho Flow

          We’re excited to share that SAP Business One (B1) is now available in Zoho Flow! This means you can now build workflows that connect SAP B1 with other apps and automate routine processes without relying on custom code. Note: SAP Business One integration

        • Enhancement in Role and Profile mapping of agents in Sandbox

          Hello everyone! We have brought in a modification in the way users are mapped to a particular role and profile in Sandbox. What has changed? When agents are copied from production to Sandbox: If a user's current role and profile is available in Sandbox,

        • The reason I switched away from Zoho Notebook

          My main reason for switching to Zoho was driven by three core principles: moving away from US-based products, keeping my data within India as much as possible, and supporting Indian companies. With that intent, I’ve been actively de-Googling my digital

        • Decimal places settings for exchange rates

          Hello, We are facing issues while matching vendor payments with banking feeds. As we often import products/services exchange rate comes into play. Currently, ZOHO allows only six digits for decimal places. We feel that conversions like JPY to INR require

        • Zoho removed ability to see all Scheduled Reports!

          If you are not the owner of a scheduled report, Zoho recently removed the capability to see each scheduled report. As an admin who relies on seeing all scheduled reports being sent, this is a terrible update. Now I cannot see ANY scheduled reports...even the ones I am being sent!!  This should be a setting for admins to control.  This is a bad update.

        • Automate Backups

          This is a feature request. Consider adding an auto backup feature. Where when you turn it on, it will auto backup on the 15-day schedule. For additional consideration, allow for the export of module data via API calls. Thank you for your consideration.

        • GCLID and Zoho Bookings

          Is there anyway to embed a Zoho Bookings signup on a landing page and pass the GCLID information? More specifically, can this be done using auto-tagging and not manual tagging the GCLID? I know Zappier has an integration to do this but is there a better

        • Merge Items

          Is there a work around for merging items? We currently have three names for one item, all have had a transaction associated so there is no deleting (just deactivating, which doesn't really help. It still appears so people are continuing to use it). I also can't assign inventory tracking to items used in past transactions, which I don't understand, this is an important feature moving forward.. It would be nice to merge into one item and be able to track inventory. Let me know if this is possible.

        • Create PO from an invoice

          We are a hardware and software sales company which receives orders over the internet. We drop ship most of our products from a warehouse outside of our company. Our orders get sync'd into Zoho from our store via onesaas as invoices. It would be great

        • Blueprint or Validation Rules for Invoices in Zoho Books

          Can I implement Blueprint or Validation Rules for Invoices in Zoho Books? Example, use case could be, Agent confirms from client that payment is done, but bank only syncs transactions tomorrow. in this case, Agent can update invoice status to done, and

        • Resetting auto-number on new year

          Hi everyone! We have an auto-number with prefix "D{YYYY}-", it generates numbers like D2025-1, D2025-2, etc... How can we have it auto-reset at the beginning of the next year, so that it goes to D2026-1? Thanks!

        • The Social Wall: December 2025

          Hello everyone! As we wrap up the final edition of the Social Wall for 2025, it’s the perfect time to look at what went live during December. QR code generator From paying for coffee to scanning metro tickets, QR codes are everywhere and have made everyday

        • Custom AI solutions with QuickML for Zoho CRM

          Hello everyone, Earlier, we introduced Custom AI Solutions in CRM that let you access QuickML for your custom AI needs. Building on that foundation, we’ve now enabled a deeper integration: QuickML models can be seamlessly integrated into CRM, and surface

        • Helper Functions and DRY principle

          Hello everyone, I believe Deluge should be able to use 'Helper functions' inside the main function. I know I can create different standalones, but this is not helpful and confusing. I don't want 10000 different standalones, and I dont want to have to

        • Introducing workflow automation for the Products module

          Greetings, I hope all of you are doing well. We're happy to announce a few recent enhancements we've made to Bigin's Products module. The Products module in Bigin now supports Workflows, enabling you to automate routine actions. Along with this update,

        • Zia Formula Expression Generator for Formula fields

          Hello everyone! Formula fields are super useful when you want your CRM to calculate things for you but writing the expression is where most people slow down. You know what you want, but you’re not fully sure which function to use, how the syntax should

        • Issue with Zoho Creator Form Full-Screen View in CRM Related List Integration

          Hi Team, We have created a custom application in Zoho Creator and integrated it into Zoho CRM as a related list under the Vendor module, which we have renamed as Consignors. Within the Creator application, there is a form named “Pickup Request.” Inside

        • Wrapping up 2025 on a high note: CRM Release Highlights of the year

          Dear Customers, 2025 was an eventful year for us at Zoho CRM. We’ve had releases of all sizes and impact, and we are excited to look back, break it down, and rediscover them with you! Before we rewind—we’d like to take a minute and sincerely thank you

        • Customer Parent Account or Sub-Customer Account

          Some of clients as they have 50 to 300 branches, they required separate account statement with outlet name and number; which means we have to open new account for each branch individually. However, the main issue is that, when they make a payment, they

        • Restrict Users access to login into CRM?

          I’m wanting my employees to be able to utilize the Zoho CRM Lookup field within Zoho Forms. For them to use lookup field in Zoho Forms it is my understanding that they need to be licensed for Forms and the CRM. However, I don’t want them to be able to

        • Unknown table or alias 'A1'

          I would like to create a subquery but i am getting the following error: Unknown table or alias 'A1' used in select query. This is the sql statement:  SELECT A1.active_paying_customers, A1.active_trial_customers, A1.new_paying_signup, date(A1.date_active_customers), 

        • in the Zoho creator i have address field based the customer lookup im selecting the addresss , some times the customer address getting as null i want to show as blank

          in the Zoho creator i have address field based the customer lookup im selecting the addresss , some times the customer address getting as null ,i want to show as blank instead of showing null. input.Billing_Address.address_line_1 = ifNUll(input.Customers_Name.Address.address_line_1,"");

        • Question about upgrade and storage space Zoho Notebook

          After upgarding my Zoho Notebook plan, I am running into the following issue. I just upgraded from a free Zoho Notebook subscription to Pro Lite after I got a notification in my Window Zoho Notebook desktop app saying that I had run out of space. However,

        • Printing to a brother label maker

          I see allot of really old unanswered posts asking how to print to a label maker from a zoho creator app. Has their been any progress on providing the capability to create a customized height & width page or print template or whatever to print labels?

        • Sync 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:

        • Track online, in-office, and client location meetings separately with the new meeting venue option

          Hello everyone! We’re excited to announce meeting enhancements in Zoho CRM that bring more clarity and structure to how meetings are categorized. You can now specify the meeting venue to clearly indicate whether a meeting is being held online, at the

        • Announcing new features in Trident for Mac (1.32.0)

          Hello everyone! We’re excited to introduce the latest updates to Trident, which are designed to reinforce email security and protect your inbox from evolving threats. Let’s take a quick look at what’s new. Deliver quarantined emails. Organization admins

        • Marketing Tip #5: Improve store speed with optimized images

          Slow-loading websites can turn visitors away. One of the biggest culprits? Large, uncompressed images. By optimizing your images, your store loads faster and creates a smoother shopping experience leading to higher sales. It also indirectly improves SEO.

        • SMS to customers from within Bigin

          Hi All, Is there anyone else crying out for Bigin SMS capability to send an SMS to customers directly from the Bigin interface? We have inbuilt telephony already with call recordings which works well. What's lacking is the ability to send and receive

        • Admins cannot see each others' Scheduled Reports?!

          Very frustrating that as an admin I cannot see what my reports my fellow admins have created and scheduled.  After asking about this on the help chat, I was told the issue is trust and security.  By giving someone Admin status, it means we trust them with those responsibilities. Please change this, it is not a good process to have to bother other users to change a report or change users within a report.

        • Writer update results in BitDefender blocking it as malware

          After updating Writer to latest update, Bitdefender blocked the app and writer no longer runs.

        • Missing Import Options

          Hello, do I miss something or is there no space import option inside of this application? In ClickUp, you can import from every common application. We don't want to go through every page and export them one by one. That wastes time. We want to centralize

        • Zoho CRM Portal Field Level Permission Issue

          Hi Support Team, I am using the Zoho CRM Portal and configuring field-level editing permissions. However, we are unable to restrict portal users from editing certain fields. We have created a portal and provided View and Edit (Shared Only) access for

        • Custom Fonts in Zoho CRM Template Builder

          Hi, I am currently creating a new template for our quotes using the Zoho CRM template builder. However, I noticed that there is no option to add custom fonts to the template builder. It would greatly enhance the flexibility and branding capabilities if

        • Collaboration with customers made easy with Zoom Meeting and Zoho Desk integration

          Hello everyone! We are happy to announce that you can now integrate your Zoho Desk account with Zoom Meeting. The integration bridges the gap between digital communication and human connection, empowering teams to deliver timely support when it matters

        • CRM Canvas - Upload Attachments

          I am in the process of changing my screens to Canvas.  On one screen, I have tabs with related lists, one of which is attachments.  There doesn't appear to be a way to upload documents though.  Am I missing something really obvious?  Does anyone have

        • TrueSync regularly filling up my local disk

          Seems that WorkDrive's TrueSync randomly starts filling up my local hard drive space. None of the folders have been set as "Make Offline" but still it seems to randomly start making file offline. The settings of the app is so minimal and is of no real

        • Kaizen #194 : Trigger Client Script via Custom buttons

          Hello everyone! Welcome back to another interesting and useful Kaizen post. We know that Client Scripts can be triggered with Canvas buttons and we discussed this with a use case in Kaizen#180. Today, let us discuss how to trigger Client Script when a

        • Picklist field shows "none" as default

          Hello, Is there an option to avoid showing "none" as the default value in a picklist field? I also don't want to see any option displayed. My expectation is to have a blank bar, and then when I display the drop-down list, I can choose whichever I wa

        • Next Page