Building extensions #4: Integrating Zoho Books with applications using connections

Building extensions #4: Integrating Zoho Books with applications using connections

In our last post, we looked at an overview of the key features available for creating a Zoho Books extension, including connections. In this post, we'll go over connections in depth, including their types and applications.

What are connections?

"Connections" is a component in the developer console that allows you to establish secure connections between applications. In general, a secure connection is essential for apps to work seamlessly for data transmission and synchronization. The connections functionality in the Zoho Books extension developer portal is ideal for securely connecting Zoho Books to other Zoho products or third-party applications.

Types of connections

The Zoho Books extension developer portal allows you to use both predefined and custom connections.

Predefined connections:
 These are ready-to-use connections that are preconfigured for various applications to connect with Zoho Books. You can simply search for the application you want to connect to from the default list, choose it, enter some basic information (scope), and connect to Zoho Books.

Custom connections:
 These are connections for apps not included in the default list. You can create a custom connection by manually setting up or configuring information about the application you want to connect to Zoho Books with—such as the authentication type and other corresponding details—and then proceeding with the connection.

Notes
Note: You can also create these custom connections for applications in the default list if you want to customize the connection with specific details.

Now, let's explore the steps to create these connections with an example for each.

Steps to create a predefined connection
  • Go to Sigma and access your workspace.
  • Enter the developer portal of the Zoho Books extension you're creating a connection for.
  • Navigate to the Build section and click Connections to view the connection details, types (predefined and custom), and support to create a new connection.

  • Click the New Connection button to create a new connection.
Notes
Note: Alternatively, you can use the View All option under a connection type to see all the services under that particular connection type and begin building connections.

  • You'll be redirected to the connections page of your extension's developer space, where you can select default or custom services to create connections.


In this post, we'll walk you through creating a predefined connection using the default services available.

For our example, let's create a connection for Wrike (a project management service) available in the default services list and integrate it with Zoho Books.
  • Choose Wrike from the default services list.

  • Click the Create Connection button.

  • Provide the connection details.
➤ Enter the connection name.
➤ Toggle and choose whether you want every user to enter their credentials during connection authorization.
➤ Choose the scopes necessary for your purposes for the connection.

  • Click Create And Connect. Proceed with the flow to accept the scopes and authorize the connection.
  • The connection is now authorized, and you'll be directed to the connection details page. This page will also contain sample code in both deluge and JSON formats that can be used to utilize this connection as part of your extension components. Depending on which component you want to invoke the connection in, you can use the appropriate sample code format.
Notes
Note: Giving the connection name in the script is critical to be able to use the connection in the extension.


  • Close the connection's detail page, and you'll be taken back to your extension's developer portal.
  • If needed, you can create multiple connections for your extension. The connections you've created will be visible in the My Connections section of the Connections page.

  • You can click on a connection to view its details or choose to revoke it, if necessary. You can reconnect a revoked connection whenever you need it.
Let's look at a simple scenario for the predefined connection we created. Assume that each time a project is created in Zoho Books, a new project is created in Wrike to handle project management in detail. In addition, if any tasks are available as part of that Zoho Books project, they'll be instantly created in Wrike alongside the project. This can be accomplished easily in an extension using workflows, custom functions, and connections.

Let's check out the steps to make this happen.
  • Create a custom function for the Projects module by selecting Automate, then Workflow Actions, then Custom Functions, then New Custom Function. Include the logic to fetch the details and its tasks from a Zoho Books project and create a matching project in Wrike.
createwrikeproject deluge function - Please find the code snippet as an attachment in the post
  • In the code above, the Zoho Books project's details, such as project name and task details, are fetched from the Project Map parameter in the custom function.
  • The retrieved project details are constructed as a Map and then passed to the invokeURL deluge task to invoke the Wrike API and create a project. Additionally, a check is made to see if the Zoho Books project has tasks associated with it. If it does, then those tasks are added to the project created in Wrike using the Wrike API to create tasks.
  • The Invoke URL task requires some basic parameters to invoke the API and provide a response.
➤ url: This is the URL of the application's API that will be invoked. In our case, it's the Wrike API URL for Create Project and Create Task.
➤ type: This is the method of the HTTP request required for the API. Since we're creating projects and tasks in Wrike, the type is POST in our example.
➤ parameters: These are data that need to be constructed and passed as the body for the API.
➤ connection: The name of the Wrike connection we created has to be supplied as the value for the connection parameter. This ensures that data transfer between Zoho Books and Wrike is authorized and secure.
  • Next, create a workflow rule for the Projects module by selecting Automate, then Workflow Rules, then New Workflow Rule.
  • Set the Action Type as "When project is created."

  • Now, associate the custom function (createwrikeproject) as a workflow action to this workflow rule. Save the workflow rule.


We've now completed our extension setup for our use case.

After testing and publishing our extension, whenever a new project is created in Zoho Books, a matching project is created in Wrike as well, along with any tasks.


This example demonstrated a seamless transfer of data from Zoho Books to Wrike with connections. This use case can be taken a step further, making sure the project and its tasks maintained in Wrike are also synchronized in Zoho Books.

In this post, we've seen how to set up a predefined connection and use it in a Zoho Books extension. In the next post, we'll look at custom connections and how to create them.

SEE ALSO


    • Recent Topics

    • Add a "Success" Route to the "Forward to Operator" Card in Zobot

      Hello Zoho SalesIQ Team, We hope you're doing well. We would like to request an enhancement to the "Forward to Operator" card in Zobot. Current Limitation: At present, the "Forward to Operator" card provides the following routes: Operator Not Available

    • Power of Automation :: Auto-update Project status based on Tasklist completion

      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:

    • Multi Module Lookup Fields

      🎯 Use Case: In many custom implementations, especially those involving financial tracking, service operations, or project-based work, a single record (e.g. an invoice or bill) often relates to one of several different modules — but only one at a time.

    • Introducing AI Modeler—a no-code approach to adding AI to your business applications

      Forward-thinking businesses today are embracing AI to make life easier for themselves, their employees, and their customers. But if you haven't started yet, you might be concerned that your business will be left behind. Or maybe you're worried because

    • Zoho People how do i view the history of leave taken

      Hi All What is the report that i am unable to view the history of the leave taken for an individual and team?

    • UK Registration for VAT with existing stock/inventory

      We have an existing inventory of stock and are investigating how to handle the conversion from a UK VAT unregistered company to a UK VAT registered company. Enabling VAT registered status looks extremely easy, but we cannot find any way within Books to

    • Trigger action after workflow

      I would like to trigger a deluge function after the approval workflow is complete. Is this possible? The objective is to take the approved document and move it over to Zoho Contracts to send out to our customer for review and signature. The reason we

    • Is it possible to create a meeting in Zoho Crm which automatically creates a Google Meet link?

      We are using Google's own "Zoho CRM for Google" integration and also Zoho's "Google Apps Sync" tools, but none of them provide us with the ability to create a meeting in Zoho CRM that then adds a Google Meet link into the meeting. Is this something that

    • Unable To Enable Google Calendar Sync

      Hi Folks, I am unable to enable google calendar sync. I get Internal Error, Problem Occurred Internally. Screenshot attached. How do I solve this?

    • Export to Zoho CRM Not Triggering Workflow Rules

      Hello, I have set up an automated export from DataPrep to Leads in CRM but none of my Workflow Rules are triggering once the leads are created. The Timeline history is completely empty in every lead. How can I fix this issue? Do I need to set up a Schedule

    • 【Zoho Projects】サンドボックス機能（テスト環境）リリースのお知らせ

      本投稿は、本社のZoho コミュニティに投稿された以下の記事を参照し作成したものです。 Sandbox - Your Secure Testing Space in Zoho Projects ユーザーの皆さま、こんにちは。コミュニティチームの中野です。 本投稿では、Zoho Projects のサンドボックス機能リリースについてご紹介します。 サンドボックス（テスト環境）とは？ Zoho Projects の「サンドボックス」は、新たな設定を作成、検証、そして既存の処理を妨げることなく本番環境に適用することができるテスト環境です。

    • Sending from domain alias

      In the Control Panel/Domains, I have set up some domains as aliases for my main domain. Only my main domain has mail hosting. The other domains are verified as aliases for the main domain, and emails sent to <user>@<alias domain> arrive successfully at

    • Difficult to Purchase More users

      It's surprisingly difficult and un-intuitive to purchase more user licenses in Zoho One under the new UI. It's not actually possible to do it anywhere from the admin interface. You have to leave the admin/directory section, then click your profile icon,

    • How to link web sales payments through Stripe to invoices?

      I have just set up an online shop website which accepts payments through Stripe.  The payment appears in Zoho Books through the Stripe feed as 'Sales without invoices'.  In order to keep Zoho Inventory in step, I manually (for now) create a Sales Invoice

    • Announcing New Features in Trident for macOS (v.1.22.0)

      Hello everyone! Trident for macOS (v.1.22.0) is here with thoughtful updates to improve your daily workflow. Here's a quick look at what's new. Switch email response type easily. You can now switch between Reply, Reply All, and Forward directly in the

    • Layout Rules / Quick create

      Hello, is there a way to create a layout rule for quick create option? Regards, Katarzyna

    • Zoho Notebook Will Not Open After App Install

      I am a new user of Notebook. I was able to successfully import my data from Evernote and the product is working well on a Windows 11 computer and Pixel device. I have also installed Notebook on a Samsung S6 lite tablet however the software freezes on

    • Leads, contacts, deals table view is not sorting

      i am unable to sort the table view of leads, contacts and deals

    • Conditional Layouts On Multi Select Field

      How we can use Conditional Layouts On Multi Select Field field? Please help.

    • Zoho CRM Multi-select values not translated

      Hello! I have some issue with translate custom multi-select fields in zoho CRM in other language. I download export file, but it has all my custom fields and picklist values exept multi-select fields picklist values.  Please, help me to undestand, is

    • Unable to Download Invoices via API – Code 57 Authorization Error

      I’m integrating the Zoho Billing API with the scopes ZohoInvoice.invoices.CREATE,ZohoInvoice.invoices.READ. I’ve completed the OAuth2 flow successfully, including generating the auth code, access token, and refresh token. All tokens are valid and fresh.

    • Weekly Tips : Stay in loop with Conversation View

      You receive a series of emails back and forth with a client regarding a project update. Instead of searching through your inbox for each separate email, you would want to see the entire email conversation in one place to understand the context quickly

    • Introducing Zoho PDF Editor: Your free online PDF editing tool

      Edit your PDFs effortlessly with Zoho PDF Editor, Zoho's new free online PDF editing tool. Add text, insert images, include shapes, embed hyperlinks, and even transform your PDFs into fillable forms to collect data and e-signatures. You can edit PDFs

    • RSC Connectivity Linkedin Recruiter RPS

      It seems there's a bit of a push from Linkedin Talent Solutions to keep integrations moving. My Account Manager confirmed that Zoho Recruit is a Certified Linkedin Linkedin Partner but does not have RSC as of yet., (we knew that :-) She encouraged me

    • Water-Scrum-Fall approach for finance institutions with Zoho Projects Plus

      Finance is a highly regulated sector with strict rules and compliance requirements. Handling sensitive client data and complex transactions like multi-currency deals requires elaborate workflows and precise management. Implementing project management

    • Get instant summaries of your notes with the help of Zia

      Hello all, We've added a simple yet powerful feature to Zoho CRM that we're excited for you to try: Zia Notes Summary. It's designed to make the daily lives of a CRM user a bit easier by giving you quick summaries of your CRM notes. Whether it's a glance

    • Zoho one web page are not available

      Why I am not able to enter to zoho one web page?

    • Zoho People > Onboarding > Candidate do not view all the data field on the Employee Onboarding

      Hello In my onboarding portal I do not see all the fields that i want the candidate to fill in In my Employee Onboarding Form These details i can see In the work information, i have enable the Company View but in the Employee Portal i do not see I have

    • Has anyone implemented a ""switch"" to redirect emails in production for testing?

      Hi everyone, In our production Zoho CRM we have a fairly complex setup with multiple Blueprints and Deluge functions that send emails automatically — to managers and internal staff — triggered by workflows. We’re looking for a way to *test changes safely*,

    • Restrict Access/Shared Access

      Sometimes access to documents that go out from Zoho Sign need to be restricted or shared. For example: 1) HR department send out employment contracts. Any Zoho Sign admin can view them. Access should be restricted to those that HR would allow to view

    • Tip#44: Integrate with Xero to manage your financial operations

      Managing your project finances becomes more efficient with Xero integration in Zoho Sprints. With this integration, you can sync your Zoho Sprints data with Xero. Once you sync them to Xero, you can easily create invoices in Xero. This feature significantly

    • Zoho People Onboarding Unable to Convert to User

      Hello All I need help in this onboarding of candidate Currently at this stage the candidate is just being offered and we are filling in his details however not all information are fill up. The candidate is still using his/her personal email When i try

    • Integration with SharePoint Online

      Is there an integration where we can add a Zoho Sign link to the context menu of a document in the SharePoint document library. Then, we could directly initiate a workflow of sending a document for signature from a document library in SharePoint onl

    • White screen when connecting Zoho Cliq and Zoho People for birthday notifications

      Hi everyone, I'm new to Zoho and I'm trying to set up the employee birthday notifications, following this guide: Automating Employee Birthday Notifications in Zoho Cliq But when I try to connect Zoho Cliq with Zoho People, I just get a white screen and

    • Word file is messed up when i upload it to zoho sign

      Hi. I am trying to upload a word file to zoho sign and when i do that it ruins the file, It adds spaces and images are on top of each other. What can i do? Thanks.

    • Annotate widget?

      Is there something in creator or any zoho app that allows me to have an image markup field item in the form? I need to be able to complete a form that also allows the user to mark up a preloaded image. Other compay's call this an image markup field or

    • Dashboards / Home Page - Logged In User

      Lots of the dashboards that we use reference the Logged In User.  We also set up Home Pages for specific roles, where the Logged In User is referenced within the custom view.  As an admin, that means that these views are often blank when customizing and

    • I'm pissed as fuck

      What the hell Zoho! Always the same goddam problem. It takes time because the simplest things just don't fucking work. Today it just took me 3 hours to complete and send a 1page privacy letter to a client. And you know what 99% of the document was already

    • Configure Notifications for API Limit

      Hello developers, APIs are essential for businesses today as they enable seamless integration between different software systems, automate workflows, and ensure real-time data sync. To ensure that admins are notified well in advance before APIs reach

    • Introducing Blueprints for Custom Modules!

      Hello developers, We've added a new feature called Blueprints in Custom Modules. Blueprints are the online representation of a business process. In Zoho Books, you can use Blueprints to design a process flow using states and transitions. Developers can

    • Next Page