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 that simplifies making API calls. We recently announced ZRC support for Client Script, and the same is now available for Widgets as well.

1. Introducing ZRC Support in Widgets

ZRC (Zoho Request Client) is a built-in SDK that simplifies making API calls in Zoho CRM. It uses one simple and consistent syntax to handle,
- CRM APIs
- Connection requests
- Public APIs .

ZRC simplifies API call scripting, provides auto JSON handling, unified syntax, async/await support, and robust error management. It also removes API limits, enabling unlimited external calls.

Sample Widget using ZRC

A widget brings all open Desk tickets for a Contact into CRM, implemented via ZRC, so that the sales reps stay informed and responsive without switching tools. 

Widget html Code Snippet using ZRC

1. try {
   
2. // Call Zoho Desk Tickets API via ZRC
   
3. const deskRes = await zrc.get(`${ZOHO_DESK_URL}/api/v1/tickets?limit=10&status=Open&email=${encodeURIComponent(contactEmail)}`,
   
4. {Connection: "zoho_desk_connection_name", // your ZRC connection name
   
5. });
   

2. New ZDK Methods in Widgets SDK

You can power up your Widgets with the following ZDK methods and get things done faster.

Sample scenario using ZDKs
A support agent handling customer complaints in Zoho CRM wants to escalate an issue to higher support tiers. From a Related List that has the list of Complaints, when the Escalate button is clicked, the system should first display a confirmation box. Upon confirmation, a popup should appear to capture escalation details.

Widget html code snippet using ZDK Methods

1. let confirmationResult = await ZDK.Client.showConfirmation('Escalating this case will mark it High Priority, notify the Customer Success Manager, and start SLA tracking. Do you want to continue?', 'Yes. Proceed', 'No'); ... const escalationResponse = await ZDK.Client.openPopup({ api_name:'EscalationPopup', type:'widget', header:'Escalation Information', animation_type: 1, width:'500px', height: '650px' }

With this update, we are releasingMulti-page support in Widgets. It lets modern frameworks like React and Angular run seamlessly inside CRM widgets, enabling smooth navigation across views without reloads. This makes it easier to build interactive widgets while delivering a dynamic user experience.

Support for the newly added ZDK methods will be available soon on mobile.

Upgrade your widgets to SDK v1.5 and unlock these capabilities!

Happy Widget Building!