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

    • Verifying Zoho Mail Functionality After Switching DNS from Cloudflare to Hosting Provider

      I initially configured my domain's (https://roblaxmod.com/) email with Zoho Mail while using Cloudflare to manage my DNS records (MX, SPF, etc.). All services were working correctly. Recently, I have removed my site from Cloudflare and switched my domain's

    • Fat Download of Ulaa Browser

      I just observed that Ulaa Browser is offering an one-capsule big download. These days it is a custom to offer a small bootstrap downloader and based on user customization options an appropriate download completes. And this is particularly common with

    • Cancelled Transfer order problem

      Hello, We've canceled a transfer order, and we can't add the related items to a new Transfer Order. The system tells us that the bin doesn't have the required quantity, but when we check the item, it indicates that there are 2 units in the bin. It also

    • Zoho Creator customer portal limitation | Zoho One

      I'm asking you all for any feedback as to the logic or reasoning behind drastically limiting portal users when Zoho already meters based on number of records. I'm a single-seat, Zoho One Enterprise license holder. If my portal users are going to add records, wouldn't that increase revenue for Zoho as that is how Creator is monetized? Why limit my customer portal to only THREE external users when more users would equate to more records being entered into the database?!? (See help ticket reply below.)

    • Changing the Default Search Criteria for Finding Duplicates

      Hey everyone, is it possible to adjust the default search criteria for finding and merging duplicate records? Right now, CRM uses some (in my opinion nonsensical) fields as search criteria for duplicate records which do nothing except dilute the results.

    • Billing Management: #8 Usage Billing in Logistics & Delivery Services

      The logistics and delivery industry thrives on movement and precision. Every delivery completed, every kilometre driven, and every ton transported is a measurable activity. However, billing often lags behind. Many logistics companies still rely on fixed-rate

    • Create custom rollup summary fields in Zoho CRM

      Hello everyone, In Zoho CRM, rollup summary fields have been essential tools for summarizing data across related records and enabling users to gain quick insights without having to jump across modules. Previously, only predefined summary functions were

    • Zoho sheet for desktop

      Hi is zoho sheets available for desktop version for windows

    • Tags for New Tickets

      Hi there, When creating a new ticket, there is currently no way to choose a tag you would like to associate with the new ticket. Being able to associate a tag while creating a new ticket will be very beneficial as it will save time and flow well with

    • Experience effortless record management in CRM For Everyone with the all-new Grid View!

      Hello Everyone, Hope you are well! As part of our ongoing series of feature announcements for Zoho CRM For Everyone, we’re excited to bring you another type of module view : Grid View. In addition to Kanban view, List view, Canvas view, Chart view and

    • Zoho Desk: No Incoming email

      Is Zoho Desk services down? No incoming email reflect to desk tickets.

    • Mapping a new Ticket in Zoho Desk to an Account or Deal in Zoho CRM manually

      Is there any way for me to map an existing ticket in Zoho desk to an account or Deal within Zoho CRM? Sometimes people use different email to put in a ticket than the one that we have in the CRM, but it's still the same person. We would like to be able

    • Zoho CRM - Widgets | Update #3 : Introducing SDK V1.5 along with new ZDK Methods and ZRC Support

      Hello everyone! Widgets in Zoho CRM just got a big upgrade! With the release of SDK v1.5, developers can now create more immersive widget experiences. This update elevates Widget development with new ZDK methods for easier interactivity and ZRC support

    • Unusual activity detected, account blocked

      I am unable to send emails and am getting the error "Outgoing blocked: Unusual activity detected. To unblock your account, please and submit a request. Learn more.". I am unsure as to why this is happening since all my activity is legitimate, mainly confirmation

    • Unlock agreement intelligence with Zoho Sign's latest AI updates

      Hello! If you've been struggling with long, complex agreements and spending way too much time on them, here's exactly what you'll want to hear: Zoho Sign now integrates with OpenAI's ChatGPT to make agreement management smarter and simpler. Acting like

    • Unable to Send Emails – Outgoing Mail Blocked (Error 554 5.1.8)

      Description: Hello Zoho Support Team, I am facing an issue with my Zoho Mail account ( admin@osamarahmani.tech ). Whenever I try to send an email, I get the following error: 554 5.1.8 Email Outgoing Blocked I would like to clarify that I have not done

    • Issue connecting Zoho Mail to Thunderbird (IMAP/SMTP authentication error)

      Dear Zoho Support, I am trying to configure my Zoho Mail account on Thunderbird, but I keep getting authentication errors. Account: info@baktradingtn.com Domain: baktradingtn.com Settings used: IMAP: imap.zoho.com, Port 993, SSL/TLS, Normal Password SMTP:

    • Payment issue with Mail Lite plan – personal NIF not accepted as payment info

      Hello, I have already contacted Zoho Support by email regarding this, but since I haven’t received any reply yet, I’m sharing it here as well to see if the community can help. I’m facing a payment issue for my Mail Lite plan. I have a personal account

    • Customer payment alerts in Zoho Cliq

      For businesses that depend on cash flow, payment updates are essential for operational decision-making and go beyond simple accounting entries. The sales team needs to be notified when invoices are cleared so that upcoming orders can be released. In contrast,

    • Figma in Zoho Creator

      Hi Team, I’m creating a form using Figma and would like to know how to add workflows like scheduling, custom validation, and other logic to it. Can anyone help me understand how to set this up for a Figma-based Creator UI form?

    • How to Delete Personal Account Linked with My Mobile Number in past or by someone else

      How to Delete Account Created with My Mobile Number in past or by someone else This is creating issues in making or sync with my credentials mobile and email address..

    • Restore lost Invoice!

      Some time ago I tried to Upgrade from Invoice to Books. I not upgraded and staid n Invoice. Now i tried again and first i deleted the old trial of books. But now all is gone, PLEASE HELP!! i have no backup and i have to have at least 7 years data retention by law. 

    • Zoho Desk Down

      Not loading

    • Has anyone integrated SMS well for Zoho Desk?

      Our company does property management and needs to be able to handle inbound sms messages which create a ticket for Zoho Desk. We then need to be able to reply back from Zoho desk which sends the user an sms message. This seems like a fairly common thing

    • lookup and integrated forms

      I might be misunderstanding things but I wanted to integrate our zoho crm contacts into creator. I imagined that when I used the integration it would mirror into creator. It did brilliant. BUT We have a ticket form in creator that we want to use a lookup

    • Partially receive PO without partial Bill?

      Most of our inventory is pre-paid. Let's say we purchase 30 pieces of 3 different items for a total of 90 pieces. It is common for our supplier to send us the items as they are ready. So we will receive 30 pieces at a time. How can I partially receive

    • 2 users editing the same record - loose changes

      Hello, I'm very new to Zoho so apology if this has been addressed somewhere i can't find. I have noticed the following: If we have 2 users put an inventory item in edit mode at the same time: say user1 click on edit and user2 while user1 is still in edit,

    • How to get the Dashboard page to be the first page when you open the app

      So when it opens on a tablet or phone it opens on the welcome page, thanks.

    • How I set default email addresses for Sales Orders and Invoices

      I have customers that have different departments that handle Sales Orders and Invoices. How can i set a default email for Sales Orders that's different than the default email for Invoices? Is there a way I can automate this using the Contact Persons Departments

    • Notes Attachments

      Two things it would be nice to have the attachment size the same as the attachments sections and it would be nice to be able to attach links like you can in the attachments section. Thank you

    • Formula fields not refreshing until page is reloaded

      I need help/advice about the formula fields and how I can refresh the information in real-time. We have two formula fields on our deals page which show calculated prices: One formula is in a subform which calculates the subform total + 1 other field amount

    • How can I setup Zoho MCP with Chat GPT

      I can set up custom connections with Chat GPT but I cat an error when I try to set it up. The error is: "This MCP server can't be used by ChatGPT to search information because it doesn't implement our specification: search action not found" Thoughts?

    • Export Invoices to XML file

      Namaste! ZOHO suite of Apps is awesome and we as Partner, would like to use and implement the app´s from the Financial suite like ZOHO Invoice, but, in Portugal, we can only use certified Invoice Software and for this reason, we need to develop/customize on top of ZOHO Invoice to create an XML file with specific information and after this, go to the government and certified the software. As soon as we have for example, ZOHO CRM integrated with ZOHO Invoice up and running, our business opportunities

    • API ZOHO CRM Picket list with wrong values

      I am using Zoho API v.8. with python to create records in a custom module named "Veranstaltung" in this custom module I've got a picket list called "Email_Template" with 28 Values. I've added 8 new values yesterday, but if I try to use on of those values

    • Group Emails

      I have synced Zoho CRM to Campaigns but there are certain email not synced. showing it is Group Emails, but this email ids belongs to different individuals. please provide a solution as i nedd to sync the same.

    • Enable Password Import option in ulaa browser

      Dear Ulaa Team, I noticed that the Ulaa Password Manager currently offers an option to export passwords, but not to import them. This limitation poses a challenge for users like me who have stored numerous credentials in browsers like Chrome. Manually

    • "Is Zoho CRM customer" vs "Is linked with Zoho CRM"

      Recently while building a Flow, I was setting up a Decision action following a Zoho Invoice Fetch record action. There were 2 choices that I had not seen as something I could manually action in Zoho Invoice: "Is Zoho CRM customer" and "Is linked with

    • Client Script | Update - Introducing ZRC: Simplified HTTP request library

      Hello Developers! Are you tired of juggling different methods to make API calls? Are you confused with multiple syntaxes and version restrictions? Have you ever wished for one simple way to make all API calls in CRM? We heard you :) Here comes ZRC (Zoho

    • Selection Filed for Data Export section

      Hi FSM Team, I hope you are all doing well. I would like to share an idea for future development based on my experience. Currently, in FSM, we can only download up to 5,000 records at a time. If the development team could add a selection option to choose

    • Text wrap column headers in reports?

      Is it possible to auto wrap column headers so that a longer multi-word header displays as two lines when the column is narrower than the width of the header title?

    • Next Page