Kaizen #183 - COQL API's Enhancements in Zoho CRM API Version 7

Kaizen #183 - COQL API's Enhancements in Zoho CRM API Version 7

Hello everybody!

Welcome back to another post in our Kaizen series.
In this post, we will discuss the latest COQL API enhancements introduced in Zoho CRM Version 7.



COQL API

Query API lets you query for records based on queries using the CRM Object Query Language(COQL). COQL is based on the SQL query syntax, and supports the SELECT query to fetch records. Using this API, you can query for data across different modules that are linked using lookup fields. 

1. Enhanced Field Limits in the SELECT Clause

You can now retrieve up to 500 fields in a single query. Previously, the limit was 50. This allows you to fetch more data in a single request, reducing the number of API calls and improving performance.

Sample query:
{
  "select_query": "select Last_Name, Email, Phone, Industry, Revenue, ... (500 fields) from Leads where id is not null"
}

2. Enhanced Value Limits for IN and NOT IN Operators

The IN and NOT IN operators now support up to 100 values each, doubling the previous limit of 50. This enhancement allows for more comprehensive filtering in your queries. Users can now include a larger set of criteria in a single query, making it easier to retrieve your data without needing multiple queries.

Sample query for IN:
{
  "select_query": "select Account_Name from Accounts where Industry in ('IT', 'Finance', 'Healthcare', ... (100 values))"
}

Sample query for NOT IN:
{
  "select_query": "select Account_Name from Accounts where Industry not in ('IT', 'Finance', 'Healthcare', ... (100 values))"
}

3. Custom View support in COQL API

No more manual filtering! Simply use a custom view ID directly in the FROM clause. Retrieve custom view IDs using the Custom View API and include them in your queries to retrieve specific-custom view data.


Unsupported Custom Views
  • Custom View in Other Modules : The following custom views are not supported in any module.
    • Shared By Me
    • Co-owner
    • Shared To Me
In the Custom View API response for a module (e.g., Leads), search for the key "system_name". If the value matches any of the unsupported custom views (Shared By Me, Co-owner, Shared To Me), that view is not supported.

Example : Shared By Me

Key and Value Structure
 "system_name": "{module_name}SHAREDBYME" 
Example
"system_name": "LEADSSHAREDBYME"


COQL supports CVID in the following format: FROM {module_API_name}#{CVID}. 
See the sample query below for reference.

Sample query:
{
    "select_query": "select Lead_Status from Leads#5725767000000087501 WHERE id is not null"
}
//CVID: 5725767000000087501 - This is the Custom View ID in the Leads module.


4. Retrieve Corresponding Field Metadata via COQL

Need to retrieve field details? You can fetch both the required data and field metadata in a single query. Just add "include_meta" key to your query to retrieve field metadata. This key fetches metadata for the fields specified only in the SELECT column. Also, it eliminates making an additional GET - Fields Metadata API call to know the field metadata and save API credits.

Sample query:
{
    "select_query": "select Lead_Status, Phone from Leads where id is not null",
    "include_meta": [
        "fields"
    ]
}

Ensure you have the ZohoCRM.settings.fields.READ scope to avoid an OAUTH_SCOPE_MISMATCH error.

Sample Response:

{
    "data": [
        {
            "Lead_Status": "Attempted to Contact",
            "Phone": "555-555-5555",
            "id": "5725767000000420480"
        },
        {
            "Lead_Status": "Contact in Future",
            "Phone": "555-555-5555",
            "id": "5725767000000420481"
        },
        .
        .
        .
        
    ],
    "fields": {
        "Lead_Status": {
            "webhook": true,
            "operation_type": {
                "web_update": true,
                "api_create": true,
                "web_create": true,
                "api_update": true
            },
            "colour_code_enabled_by_system": false,
            "field_label": "Lead Status",
            "tooltip": null,
            "type": "used",
            "table_name": "CrmLeadDetails",
            "field_read_only": false,
            "required": false,
            "display_label": "Lead Status",
            "read_only": false,
            "association_details": null,
            "multi_module_lookup": {},
            "id": "5725767000000002611",
            "created_time": null,
            "filterable": true,
            "visible": true,
            "refer_from_field": null
             "auto_number": {}
        }
    },
    "info": {
        "count": 200,
        "more_records": true
    }
}


5. Field Limit Restriction in the ORDER BY Clause

The fields limit has been restricted in the ORDER BY clause. You can specify up to 10 fields in the ORDER BY clause for more precise sorting. Previously, there was no limit. This restriction helps improve query performance.

sample query:
{
    "select_query" : "select Last_Name from Leads where id is not null order by Lead_Source, Lead_Status, Email, ... (up to 10 fields)"
}

6. Duplicate fields restriction 

Duplicate fields are restricted in ORDER BY, GROUP BY, and AGGREGATE clauses. That is, if the same field is specified multiple times within the same clause, leading to unnecessary repetition and potential errors. This ensures cleaner and more accurate query results. Previously, this restriction applied only to the SELECT column. 

Bad query:
{
"select_query":"select id from Contacts where id is not null order by id,id"
}

Duplicate aggregate fields in a query will result in a "DUPLICATE_DATA" error in the response.

7. Retrieve territory information

You can now retrieve territory information from a module by including the territory field API name in the SELECT column. This is useful to understand where your data has been distributed in various geographical locations.

Sample query 1 :
{
  "select_query": "select Account_Name, Territories from Accounts where id is not null"
}

Sample query 2 :
{
 "select_query" : "select Territories, Account_Name.Territories from Contacts where id is not null" 
}

Sample response:

{
    "data": [
        {
            "Account_Name.Territories": [
                {
                    "name": "USA",
                    "id": "5725767000000454003"
                }
            ],
            "id": "5725767000000420261",
            "Territories": [
                {
                    "name": "China",
                    "id": "5725767000000454981"
                }
            ]
        },
        .
        .
        .
       
    ],
    "info": {
        "count": 174,
        "more_records": false
    }
}


Supported modules to retrieve territory details: Contacts, Accounts, Leads, and Deals.

Note: 
The territory field API names differ by module:
  • Accounts, Contacts, and Leads : Territories
  • Deals : Territory

8. "Full_Name" retrieval based on user preferences 

The full name can be retrieved based on the current user's display name pattern, as set in their preferences. This ensures that the full name format aligns with the user's settings.
The "Full_Name" field contains the concatenated values of the First_Name and Last_Name fields. This is a read-only field available only in the Leads and Contacts modules.

Sample query:
{
    "select_query": "select Full_Name from Contacts where id is not null"
}

9. Support for Multiple Modules in "what_id"

A Multi-Module Lookup (MML) field is a special type of lookup field that allows you to establish a relationship between a record in one module and records from multiple other modules. Unlike a standard lookup field that references a single module, an MML field can point to multiple module types.

Currently, an MML field is available in the Appointments module. The Appointment_For field is an MML field that can reference multiple modules, such as Leads and Contacts.

Sample query:
{
 "select_query": "select 'What_Id->Leads.Company','What_Id->Accounts.Account_Type' from Calls where id is not null"
}

9.1 Support to query Multi-module Lookup (MML)'s inner field

You can now retrieve inner fields of linked modules within the MML field. This provides deeper insights into related fields data in a module. 

For example, you can now query specific fields from a related module that is linked through a Multi-Module Lookup, making your data retrieval more precise and informative. 
{
 "select_query": "select 'Appointment_For->Contacts.Lead_Source' from Appointments__s where id is not null"
}
This query retrieves the Lead Source field from the Contacts module within the Appointment_For MML field. 

9.2 Support for Querying Multi-Module Lookup Module Name

Retrieve the module name associated with each record in a Multi-Module Lookup (MML) field. This helps in identifying the source module of the linked records, providing a better context for your data.

Sample query:
{
"select_query": "select Appointment_For.module.api_name, Appointment_For from Appointments__s where id is not null"
}
The Appointment_For.module.api_name returns the module name (e.g., Contacts or Accounts) for each record linked in the Appointment_For MML field.

10. Retrieving Consent-Related Information

You can now retrieve consent-related information using the Consents Lookup fields in a module. This is particularly useful for GDPR compliance, ensuring you have consent records.
For more details, refer to the Consent Management documentation. This is particularly useful for GDPR compliance, ensuring you have all necessary consent information.

Note:
  • Once GDPR is enabled and configured for a module, a new Data Processing Basis Details field will be created in the respective module with the data type consent_lookup ("data_type": "consent_lookup").
  • You can retrieve the Data Processing Basis Details field created in the module using the GET Fields Metadata API. 
  • To know all available fields in the Consents module, make another GET Fields Metadata API call.
Sample query:
{
"select_query": "select Data_Processing_Basis_Details.Contact_Through_Survey, Data_Processing_Basis_Details.Data_Processing_Basis from Leads where Data_Processing_Basis_Details is not null"
}

11. Enhanced Lookup Field Response 

Previously, when a lookup field was included in the SELECT column JOIN, only the lookup field’s ID was displayed. From V7, the corresponding display field value is also provided. Now, when you specify a lookup field in the SELECT column, the response includes the id of the Lookup record ID and the display field value of the lookup record. 

This eliminates the need for an additional SELECT column JOIN to fetch the display value (e.g., Owner.last_name).

Sample query:
{
"select_query" : "select Owner from Accounts where id is not null"
}


Sample response
                                               V6
                                      V7      
{
    "data": [
        {
            "Owner": {
                "id": "5725767000000411001"
            },
            "id": "5725767000000420169"
        },



        {
            "Owner": {
                "id": "5725767000000411001"
            },
            "id": "5725767000000420170"
        },
        .
        .
        .
    ],
    "info": {
        "count": 23,
        "more_records": false
    }
}
{
    "data": [
        {
            "Owner": {
                "name": "Boyle",
                "id": "5725767000000411001"
            },
            "id": "5725767000000420169"
        },


        {
            "Owner": {
                "name": "Kate",
                "id": "5725767000000411482"
            },
            "id": "5725767000000420170"
        },
        .
        .
        .
    ],
    "info": {
        "count": 23,
        "more_records": false
    }
}


Note:
  • If you query the Users lookup field in the SELECT column, the corresponding record’s last name (display field) will be displayed in the name key of the corresponding lookup JSON (e.g. Owner) response, from V7. 
  • Display field value will not be available for Consent Lookup and Multi-Module Lookup (MML) fields.

12. Increasing "Profile Image" field comparators

The Profile Image field now supports additional comparators.

                                                                         V6
                                    V7
      is null, is not null
 is null, is not null, =, !=, in, not in, like, not like

You can use a record image's ID to fetch related data. For example, if you only have a record image's ID and want to retrieve the respective record's last name, you can include the record image ID in your query. 
Refer to the COQL document for more details.

Sample query:
{
 "select_query" : "select Record_Image from Leads where Record_Image = 'siwz79472749456ff433f8b88d0a795ae9855' " 
}

13. Enhanced "Rollup Summary" field comparators

The Rollup Summary field now supports additional comparators, making it easier to filter and analyze your data with more precision.
                                                                                              V6                                                     V7
   is null, is not null
 =, !=, >=, >, <=, <, between, not between, in, not in, is null, is not null

Sample query:
{
 "select_query" : "select Last_Name from Leads where Total_Calls between 5 and 10"
}

13.1 Enhanced response for the Date and Datetime return types of the Rollup Summary 

The Date and Datetime return types in the Rollup Summary field are now provided in ISO date and ISO datetime formats based on the user's time zone.

Sample query:
{
"select_query": "select Last_Note_Added from Leads where id is not null"
}

Response
                                                 V6                                       V7
{
    "data": [
        
        {
            "Last_Note_Added": "1721302770000",
            "id": "5725767000003160016"
        },
        .
        .
        .
        
    ],
    "info": {
        "count": 200,
        "more_records": true
    }
}   

{    
"data": [
        
        {
             "Last_Note_Added": "2024-07-04T03:49:48-07:00",
            "id": "5725767000003160016"
        },
        .
        .
        .
        
    ],
    "info": {
        "count": 200,
        "more_records": true
    }
}    

14. Enhanced LIMIT and OFFSET Value Limit

You can now retrieve up to 100,000 records using pagination with the LIMIT and OFFSET clauses. This significantly increases the amount of data you can handle in a single query, making it easier to work with large datasets. Previously, the maximum limit was 10,000. For the next set of records, add another criteria id > {1,00,000th record ID} with the "AND" operator, and go on to fetch the next 1,00,000 records.

Sample query:
{
"select_query" : "select Last_Name, Created_Time from Leads where (Last_Name is not null and id > 5725767000003160016)"
}


15. Enhanced JOIN Support Limit

Base Column JOIN
If a query contains any lookup_field.{any_field} in any clause other than the SELECT column such as ORDER BY, GROUP BY, or AGGREGATE columns, then it will be treated as Base JOIN. The Base JOIN support limit has been increased from two to five. This enhancement enables more complex queries across multiple modules, improving data retrieval flexibility.

Sample query: 
{
 "select_query" : "select id from Contacts where id is not null order by Owner.role, Created_By.profile"
}

Refer to the Base JOIN section in the COQL API document for more details. 

15.1 Introducing the SELECT Column JOIN

A new SELECT column JOIN has been introduced, with a maximum limit of 15.

Advantages of SELECT Column JOIN
  • If a lookup field is included in the SELECT column and another lookup field is used in the Base column JOIN, they will be treated as separate JOINs. This ensures that the SELECT column JOIN does not affect the Base JOIN.
  • Previously, when two lookup fields in the SELECT pointed to the same module (e.g., Users), they were treated as separate JOINs. From V7, they are now considered a single JOIN, optimizing query performance and reducing redundancy.

Sample query:
{
"select_query" : "select Owner.last_name, Created_By.role from Contacts where id is not null"
}

Refer to the JOINs in COQL Queries for more details on both the JOINs.

16. Subquery in COQL

A subquery support has been given in COQL. A subquery is a child query that is nested or embedded within a parent query i.e., outer query. Subqueries can be used as an alternative to JOINs in a query. Use subqueries when a JOIN field is only needed in the criteria, i.e., in the WHERE clause. The primary reason for using subqueries is to improve performance by saving time and memory.  

Sample query:
{
"select_query" : "select Lead_Source,Email from Leads where Contacts in (select id from Contacts where Email='patricia@mail.com')"
}
You can retrieve up to 100 records per subquery in a single query. A maximum of 5 subqueries can be queried in a parent query. 
Refer to the Subquery documentation for more details. A detailed post on Subquery will be covered in an upcoming Kaizen post.


We trust that this post meets your needs and is helpful. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section or reach out to us at support@zohocrm.com.

Stay tuned for more insights in our upcoming Kaizen posts! 






    • Recent Topics

    • Zoho Cliq - Incident alert (Server outage - IN DC) | August 28

      We've received server down alerts and are currently investigating the issue (IN DC) to find the root cause. Our team is actively working to restore normal operations at the earliest. Status: Under investigation Start time: 09:44:21 AM IST Affected location:

    • Claude + MCP Server + Zoho CRM Integration – AI-Powered Sales Automation

      Hello Zoho Community 👋 I’m excited to share a recent integration we’ve worked on at OfficehubTech: ✅ Claude + MCP Server + Zoho CRM This integration connects Zoho CRM with Claude AI through our custom MCP Server, enabling intelligent AI-driven responses

    • 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.

    • Limitations on editing a message in Cliq

      Hi I've checked the documentations and there's no mention of how many times a message can be edited. When trying with code, I get various numbers such as ~1000 edits or so. Please mention if there's a limit on how many times one can change a message via

    • Narrative 10: Assignment Rules - Streamlining Ticket Management

      Behind the scenes of a successful ticketing system: BTS Series Narrative 10: Assignment Rules - Streamlining Ticket Management In the complex world of customer support, a flood of incoming tickets can hit the help desk in seconds. Businesses must do more

    • Free webinar! Digitize recruitment and onboarding with Zoho Sign and Zoho Recruit

      Hello, Tired of being buried in onboarding paperwork? With the integration between Zoho Sign and Zoho Recruit, a powerful applicant tracking system, you can digitize and streamline the entire recruitment and onboarding process, all from one platform.

    • Custom form - Duplicate Value Present

      I am new to Zoho People. I create a new form on Zoho People quite simple. A date (by default the current date) and a radio button with 3 options (Yes, No, Not applicable) I defined the date as ‘No duplicate’ as only one entry by date is allowed. I added:

    • Zoho API connection issues

      Hi, Today at around 1930 GMT our application started experiencing intermittent timeouts from the Zoho API. These intermittent timeouts are not enabling our app to work properly. The API connection was working just fine before. HTTPSConnectionPool(host='www.zohoapis.com',

    • Query Regarding our Partnership between AIC-JKLU and Zoho

      Dear Zoho Team, I am writing to raise a concern on behalf of AIC-JKLU, one of Zoho’s incubator partners. Recently, our startups have been facing difficulties while trying to get themselves onboarded on Zoho through our dedicated partner link. Unfortunately,

    • Disputed Purchase Invoices

      We have recently moved to Zoho Books from Sage. In Sage we were able to post a purchase/vendor invoice but mark it as on dispute. This would usually be a pricing query or if something was damaged. It would show in their ledger, so we could agree their

    • Getting events in the future

      Hi I am trying to get events in the future by calling this API Endpoint https://www.zohoapis.eu/crm/v8/Events?fields=Event_Title,Created_By,Created_Time,Start_DateTime But that gives me all events in the database. How do I make a query that returns all

    • Created Date/Invalid Fields

      Since Saturday we have suddenly had issues with our webhooks and data retrieval from CRM. Specifically how Created Date is handled. It appears there was some sort of change within CRM that broke a lot of our code that has been in place for several years.

    • add employees and customiz

      I want a Zoho software to track employees record. I logged in a demo so now I tried adding employee, first thing when I click on add employee it takes me to a page where it says add user maximum 10 users, my first doubt why users I don't want employees

    • Revenue Management: #9 Revenue Recognition in Media & Publishing

      Media & Publishing industry has evolved in recent times. It offers subscriptions, bundles digital and print access, runs sponsored content, and sometimes even sells ad spaces. If you run a media or publishing business, you will always get into a situation

    • Zoho CRM Community Digest - July 2025 | Part 2:

      Hello, Everyone! We’re closing out July with a can’t-miss highlight: Zoholics Europe 2025! Happening from September to October, it’s your chance to level up your CRM skills, covering everything from automation and CPQ to dashboards and advanced workflows.

    • How can I trigger a flow action only once while updating contact?

      Hi, we have a trigger to merge&mail file when the field YYY is filled out. For this acion I used "Create or update module entry". But unfortunately we get tens of email on a day with this merged file, because the contact is being regularly updated. The

    • Copy a Record Template from one Form to another

      I have a Creator application with several forms.  I developed a record template for one of the reports/forms but want to use most of it for another of the form/report combinations in the application. Is there a way to copy the template (code or otherwise) to another form?

    • Tip of the Week #70 – Create common team signatures for your shared inboxes

      Did you know that a small detail, such as an email signature, can make a big difference in how your brand is perceived? One simple yet smart way to enhance your team’s communication is by creating common team signatures for your shared inboxes. Instead

    • Enhanced data export features: XLSX format, custom character encoding, and selective record export

      Greetings all, Here are a few enhancements related to exporting CRM data, including the ability to export data in XLSX file format now. The Export feature under Data Administration now offers new options that expand its flexibility and enable users to

    • Tip #42 – How to manage data security with Privacy Settings – 'Insider Insights'

      Data privacy is a cornerstone of trust in remote support. Through Privacy Settings in Zoho Assist, you can set up how data is gathered, stored, and handled in your organization. These settings ensure compliance, data protection for sensitive details,

    • Zoho DataPrep and File Pattern configuration

      I'm using Zoho data prep to ingest data from One Drive into Zoho Analytics... The pipeline is super simple but I can't any way to get all the files that I need. Basically I need to bring all the files with a certain pattern and for that I'm using a regex

    • Introducing Dark Mode / Light Mode : A New Look For Your CRM

      Hello Users, We are excited to announce a highly anticipated feature - the launch of Day, Night and Auto Mode implementation in Zoho CRM's NextGen user interface! This feature is designed to provide a visually appealing and comfortable experience for

    • Quick Item Search & Auto-suggestion for Invoices

      Hi Team, I am facing an issue while creating invoices in Zoho Books. Currently, I have to type the full item name in the correct sequence and spelling for it to appear. For example, my item name is: "Distemper Acri Silk Special White 10kg" If I type something

    • Ticketbai! en el Pais Vasco

      Hola a todos, En enero de 2.022 se va a implantar en el país vasco un nuevo sistema de facturación, denominado ticketbai!, ¿hay alguna previsión de realizar las adaptaciones en zoho books o zoho invoices? Ignoro la cantidad de clientes que tienen estas

    • Zoho CRM mobile app feature update: home page widgets, field tooltips and user image upload

      Hello everyone! Your business doesn't pause when you're on the move, and neither should your CRM. That's why in our latest update, we've introduced a few new features to make your mobile CRM experience smoother and more efficient. Let's take a quick look

    • Zoho CRM Plain Text Template: Line Breaks and Formatting Issue

      Hello, I'm following the instructions to create email templates in Zoho CRM, but I'm having a problem with the plain text version. https://help.zoho.com/portal/en/kb/zoho-sign/integrations/zoho-apps/zoho-crm/articles/zoho-crm-email-templates#Steps_to_create_a_custom_email_template

    • Optimizing Task Handling: Auto-Remove Recurrence for cancelled Tasks.

      Hello Everyone, A Custom function is a user-written set of code to achieve a specific requirement. Set the required conditions needed as when to trigger using the Workflow rules (be it Tasks / Project) and associate the custom function to it. Requirement:

    • Important updates to your connectors

      Hello everyone, Greeting from Zoho Creator! We're excited to announce that we'll be rolling out significant backend updates to Zoho Creator's built-in connectors to enhance security by following the latest frameworks. The existing version of some of the

    • Create, collaborate, and manage agreements with Zoho Sign

      Agreements drive business. We launched Zoho Sign in 2017 as a simple digital signature tool to sign agreements from anywhere, at any time. Over the years, we've learned that most agreements go through last-minute changes before they're signed. Our users

    • Function #25: Automatically generate purchase orders from a sales order

      We kicked off the "Function Fridays" series with the goal of helping you automate your everyday accounting tasks. As we delve into today's post, I'm delighted to announce that we're here to present the 25th custom function in this series. While it is

    • DNS set up

      I want to create an email with my company domain. When I tried to add new record with cloudflare it didn't work. The DNS record can't be manually added. I followed the instruction but still can't add it. Could you help?

    • hiding a topic from all but one segment (or list)

      My organization sends out a number of newsletters using Zoho Campaigns. One of those newsletters is for volunteers. In order to become a volunteer, a person has to first go through our volunteer orientation (training). After that, they can receive newsletters

    • How do I set up this automation correctly?

      When contacts enter my Subscribers list, I want it to reference a custom field to see if it is empty. Then I want it to do two things: If empty: Assign a tag based on a different custom field. If that custom field is empty, assign a different tag. If

    • Function #62: Display associated Quote on Invoice details screen

      Hello everyone! Today, we are sharing a Related List script that makes it easy to view and access the quote from which an invoice was created right from the invoice details screen. This Related List displays the Quote number and Amount, allowing you to

    • Desk x CRM Integration

      Howdy! We currently use SalesIQ but we are considering moving across to Desk as it seems to have more functionality that we want. One of the pulls is the ability for our customers to self serve. But, I might be getting over excited and not actually need

    • Function #53: Transaction Level Profitability for Invoices

      Hello everyone, and welcome back to our series! We have previously provided custom functions for calculating the profitability of a quote and a sales order. There may be instances where the invoice may differ from its corresponding quote or sales order.

    • Issue with Save & Share Link – Works for Others but Not Creator

      I’ve enabled the "Save and Share" feature in Zoho Forms, and it works correctly for all users accessing the public link—except for me (the form creator). Issue Details: When I save and share the link, recipients see a “no permission” error. The form is

    • Save the pdf report from a registration form in a Folder

      Through Zoho Forms I created a registration form with quite a lot of rules to handle different variables (TEAM types, payment in installments, etc.), and the result is pretty good. The automatic PDF that is sent to the respondent upon submission is already

    • zoho forms integration to zoho work drive

      Scenario: A user fills out a Zoho Form, entering details such as email, mobile number, and other required information, and uploads supporting documents like PAN, Aadhaar, etc. Upon submission, the data is available in Zoho Forms Reports. Requirement:

    • Zoho Forms to Zoho CRM Integration failed - can I restart it?

      The integration of Zoho Form to Zoho CRM has failed. Is there a way for me to restart it for the impacted entry?

    • Next Page