Fetch customized user inputs, store them globally at the app leve | Community | Zoho Projects

Fetch customized user inputs, store them globally at the app leve | Community | Zoho Projects

This data storage concept enables you to store data related to your extension for both entity properties and extension properties.

In our previous piece, we looked at how to store data for entities using entity properties. In this post, we'll look at an example of using extension properties effectively. Extension properties enable you to record data for an app in its entirety. Refer to this article on the limitations of extension properties for additional details.

Scenario

Let's say that as a developer you want to gather feedback/reviews through your extension. In general, reviews and feedback help you gain insights into users' perspectives.

When designing a review/feedback template, using a standard question with predefined options will restrict the feedback/review process to certain specific standards/requirements. However, your clients may use Zoho Projects to manage a variety of businesses, each with its own set of processes tailored to the needs of that company.

What can you do to standardize and streamline this process for all clients?
It would be beneficial to create a standard feedback/review template for your customers and then enable them to customize the question and its options to meet their own company feedback requirements.

Goal: Create a generic feedback/review template that enables clients to provide their personalized inputs to customize the review/feedback question per their company needs.

Solution

To accomplish this goal, we'll incorporate both entity and app data storage—as well as a few other capabilities—into our extension. Let's look at the features and steps we'll be taking to develop this example.
  • First, we must gather the question and options that the user wants for their feedback/review form. To accomplish this, we can create a bottom navigation bar widget called "Feedback or Review template settings" that enables the user to provide their personalized feedback/review question along with its options as input. We can accomplish this using the widgets approach explained earlier in this post.
  • Next, we must save the values the user provides for the question and options. We can accomplish this by using the data storage extension properties, which will store the data and make it available across the app/extension. (Now that we have the values stored for the entire extension/app, we can retrieve the data and access it across the necessary entities.)
  • In our example, we want to collect feedback/reviews from users for the tasks and issues entities. For this, we can create a widget called "Feedback or Review" in the details page of the task and issue entities, respectively.
  • In this widget, we must populate the question with the options the user previously provided as part of the "Feedback or Review template settings" widget. We can accomplish this by retrieving the previously saved details and displaying them in the relevant entities (tasks and issues, in our example).
  • Once we've displayed the question and options to the user, they can select an option to provide feedback or a review for the entity they're working on.
  • Furthermore, we can save the user's option selection and associate it with the entity. This will enable us to display the previously selected option for that question each time the user accesses the "Feedback or Review" widget, which we can accomplish using the data storage-entity properties concept.
Required components
  • An extension configuration process includes the following:
    • Creating an extension.
    • Configuring the plugin manifest.
    • Setting up the widget code.
  • Bottom navigation bar widget (top_band): Enables the user to input their customized values for the feedback/review template's question and its options.
  • Task details tab widget (task_tab)/Issue details tab (issue_tab): Enables us to fetch and display the value the user enters for the feedback/review template in the respective entities.
Let's explore these components now.

Extension configuration

Extension creation: We've created a new extension for Zoho Projects. Learn more about the steps to create an extension.
                                                                  

Plugin-manifest.json configuration: Once we created the extension, we configured the plugin-manifest.json file to include the widgets. For a more detailed understanding of how to configure the plugin-manifest.json file, refer to our earlier post.

For our extension use case, the plugin-manifest.json file is configured as shown in the screenshot below.

Note: We'll have to set the storage key to true in order for storage space to be allocated in the Zoho Projects product for this extension. By default, the value will be false.
                                                

Setting up the widget code

Now that we've set up the other components, let's move on to writing our widget code and incorporating the data storage feature.

Feedback or Review template settings widget (Bottom navigation bar - top_band) - Enables us to gather personalized user input for the feedback/review template. Please find the index.html code snippet attached in the post.
  • In the code snippet above for the bottom navigation bar widget, the user is presented with two text boxes: one for entering their customized question for feedback/review and the other for entering their customized options, each separated by a comma.
➤ The app.store method in the extension properties is used to store this data against the extension in the form of key-value pairs.
➤ The values for the question and options are constructed as a JSON object and then stored against the key "storedappvalue" using the app.store method.
Note: For user-entered options separated by a comma, these options are converted to an array using the split() method, with the comma serving as the criteria, and then stored against the key.
➤ Finally, when the values are successfully stored after clicking the Add button, the zohoprojects.invoke method is used, and the user is notified with the alert "Data added".
  • Additionally, every time this widget loads, the data stored at the app level in the key "storedappvalue" is obtained using the app.retrieve method.
  • From this retrieved value, any previously stored data against the key "storedappvalue" is removed using the app.remove method.
  • This is done because whenever a user wishes to change their feedback/review question and options, the new data will be added and stored against the key as well. Since we require the newly entered values to be displayed as part of our "Feedback or Review" widget in the tasks and issues entities, the previously stored data is removed, and the new values entered are stored against the key upon clicking on the Add button.

Feedback or Review widget (task details tab - task_tab) - Displays the feedback question and options and enables the user to provide feedback for the entity they're working on. Please find the Taskfeedback.html code snippet attached in the post.
  • In the code snippet above—for task/issue details tab—we're first retrieving the value stored against the extension (in the bottom-band navigation bar) by invoking the app.retrieve method using the key "storedappvalue".
  • From this retrieved value, we fetch the question and its options. The options for the question are displayed in the widget in radio button format, which enables the user to choose one option for the feedback/review question.
  • Once the user chooses an option and clicks the Save button, the data is saved using the entity properties in data storage feature.
➤ Here, the selected review option (selectedreview) value and its index position (selectedoptionnumber) in the radio button element are stored using the entity.store method. We use entity storage here since this value chosen is specific to the entity the user is working on.
  • Every time the widget loads, the chosen value stored using the entity.store method is retrieved using the entity.retrieve method and checked against the radio element options. This allows the chosen value to be enabled and displayed to the user every time the widget loads.
We can use the same snippet across the issue entity as well.

Now that we've completed the setup for both the widgets and have all the extension components ready, let's go ahead and see the output.

Sample output:
                                                

This example demonstrates how to efficiently use data storage for extension properties. The data stored against an extension/app can be retrieved across multiple entities to perform logical functions. Additionally, in this example, we also witnessed code reusability across multiple entities. You may enhance this example by incorporating more than one feedback/review question.

In this way, you can use extension properties to store data across an extension/app. We hope you found this information useful. Follow this space for more insights!

Sign up for a Zoho Developer account and start developing extensions for Zoho Projects using Sigma.

SEE ALSO



    • Recent Topics

    • Chanel Partner

      Any Zoho channel partner or dubai based company who will help us for getting zoho services including the training for our staff

    • Refer a Friend Campaign

      I am looking to run a referral campaign that sees an initial email going to existing clients, asking them to refer a friend. For each new client referred, the existing client will get a ticket in a prize draw - the more new clients they refer, the more tickets they get in the draw.  I am wanting to figure out how this could be done via Zoho, and how these referrals can be tracked and linked to the existing client who referred them.

    • Emails cannot be received

      Hey, There is an issue in my Zoho account, E-mails can be send from my side but cannot be received on my account MX, DCIM and other are added but still cant receive them. Please help me to solve this problem at your earliest convenience and this is happening

    • Newsletter in multiple languages

      Hi We are planning on starting to use Zoho Campaigns for our newsletters. Since we send our newsletters in three languages, I would need the "unsubscribe page" and other pages related to the NL (Thank you page and so on) to be available in different languages

    • i couldn't recall message as one of the receptionists didn't received the message and i want to recall it urgent

      i couldn't recall message as one of the receptionists didn't received the message and i want to recall it urgent as recall button doesn't appear

    • Servidores caidos?

      Buenas, Hoy 30/12/2024, mi empresa esta sufriendo bastante problemas para acceder a las aplicaciones de Zoho. No sabemos si es solo nuestra compañia o esta afectado a todos. Cuando intentamos acceder a las aplicaciones nos salta el siguiente error: A

    • Tip #1- Remote support vs. unattended access: Contrasting two key concepts in tech assistance- 'Insider Insights'

      Hello everyone! We, at Zoho Community, are excited to introduce Insider Insights, a new series where we will look into various aspects of remote support technology and how they might help you. We'll be sharing tips, methods, and insights acquired from

    • Introducing Fair Evaluation for Interviews

      Collaboration is key in recruitment, but it’s important to ensure individual interviewers’ assessments are not influenced by others. With Fair Evaluation, you can choose how and when interviewers can see reviews of a candidate for the same job opening.

    • I have been looking for CVID to get segmate list where & how can fnd it?

      I am trying to get segment details from the Zoho API. The API documentation says that the CVID is a mandatory parameter, but I cannot find the CVID in the "getmailinglists" API. Can you tell me where to find the CVID?

    • "The data you have entered already exists" when trying to create contac@mydomain.com

      Hi all, Our domain is ananasjuicebar.com. Working as admin in the control panel: When I try to add the email account "contact@ananasjuicebar.com" I get the error: "The data you have entered already exists" I've tried creating a new user or creating a new group with this address associated. To my knowledge this address has never been added and I can also not find any reference to it. (Shopify used this address to send customer notifications BEFORE setting up Zohomail.) Any ideas? are there any restrictions

    • Tip of the week 03 - Sending emails in batches

      Today's marketers not only want their email marketing to be efficient, but also smart. For an email campaign, you may think you have all the essential elements for lead conversion—a big mailing list, an attractive template design, and the most-engaging message content, but after hitting the ‘send’ button, you may not get the expected conversions. Wondering why? Here’s one of the major reasons. Many marketers miss out on sending the email campaign the right way. Did you know that you should not be

    • Zoho Books Bank Feed

      Good afternoon, Is it possible to change the bank feed provider on a bank account. I'm using Plaid but think that Yodlee would be better in terms of pulling transactions in a timely manner. Thank you.

    • Create Bill from Purchase Order via API

      I know you can create a invoice from a Sales Order by using https://books.zoho.com/api/v3/invoices/fromsalesorder Is there a similar url for creating a bill from a purchase order?

    • Log incoming calls on Android CRM?

      I keep reading that I'm able to log incoming calls on the CRM app for Android, but when I answer a call and hang up, I never get the option to log. Is there a special admin I need to do for that? Or permissions? Thanks

    • How do i send an automated email 10 days after closing a ticket

      I am trying to set up an automated email to the customer a set period after the ticket is closed. I have created the email template, but i cannot work out how to set the trigger to send this out. Can someone point me in the right direction please? If

    • Domain Verification

      Hey,  How do I know that my account is verified by Zoho?  Do I need some zd code/number for it?  Need help asap! 

    • Sender not verified message showing on mails sent using zoho mail

      Hello, I am using Zoho mail to send and receive emails. Whenever i send emails to zoho mail id, it showing a message "Warning! Unverified sender.We could not verify that the email was actually from sending email. Be cautious when opening any links/ attachments,

    • Mail Outgoing blocked. Reason :Mail rate exceeded limit

      Hello, Please unblock my mail account: ser1@innspo.com Thanks

    • Why is Zoho Mail support so lousy?

      This is not the first time I voiced out about this, the first time was 2 months ago https://help.zoho.com/portal/en/community/topic/what-the-actual-fk-is-wrong-with-zoho-mail-support where I had to follow 7 times in the span of 2 months to get a (unhelpful)

    • This domain is not allowed to add. Please contact support-as@zohocorp.com for further details

      I am trying to setup the free version of Zoho Mail. When I tried to add my domain, theselfreunion.com I got the error message that is the subject of this Topic. I've read your other community forum topics, and this is NOT a free domain. So what is the

    • Separate Triggers and Enhanced Information for Zoho One Departments and Groups in Zoho Flow

      Dear Zoho Flow Team, I hope this message finds you well. Currently, there seems to be a mix-up between zoho one departments and groups in Zoho Flow, which causes some challenges in handling triggers effectively. For instance, when using the "User added

    • Creator Subform to CRM Subform

      Hello all, Has anyone successfully written data from a Creator Subform into CRM subform? I have a Creator form that once submitted creates a new Location in the CRM. Inside a Location there is a subform for hours of operation. I collect those hours in

    • not able to accept the Invitation

      not able to accept the Invitation

    • Inventory Management for Manufacturer

      Hello, We are a manufacturing company in the FnB industry. We want to use the inventory management system to manage our raw material stocks and at the same time once we produce items, we need to increase our final product inventory while decreasing the

    • Another nightmare experience with a "Zoho Partner": Cloud Z Technologies

      I found "CloudZTech" on fiverr and I hired them to do a simple $300-$500 task. They did not deliver on time and I was forced to fire them. You guys must watch out for these fake ZOHO PARTNERS, 99% of them don't have the expertise necessary to help. I

    • Produce application url to be common for all the Creator application Stages

      I am trying to develop an application using the 3 environments steps like development, stage, production. I am trying to pass in a variable url like which redirects to a Report inside the application URL = "https://creatorapp.zoho.eu/insurancemarket/environment/development/all/#Report:Sign_Up_Form_Report"

    • ZOHO BOOKS - RECEIVING MORE ITEMS THAN ORDERED

      Hello, When trying to enter a vendor's bill that contains items with bigger quantity than ordered in the PO (it happens quite often) - The system would not let us save the bill and show this error: "Quantity recorded cannot be more than quantity ordered." 

    • Bill quantity received / PO quantity

      PO's are raised & often the quantity received is greater than the PO quantity, so when we receive the bill & adjust the quantity on the bill we get.... Quantity recorded cannot be more than quantity ordered. This necessitates the adjustment of the PO

    • Inventory API - How do I add a payment to a bill using the API?

      I can update the "notes" field but I don't know how to add a payment to an existing bill. Is this possible? Does someone have a working example?

    • Why Doesn't TrueSync Desktop App Have an Auto-Update Feature?

      I have to manually update the app myself. I think it's a big shortcoming.

    • Link Zoho Inventory to Clover POS

      Is it possible to link zoho Inventory to Clover POS?

    • How can I start trial version without any example data?

      I am lazy to manually delete each data in every section. Is there any button to fresh start my account from zero?

    • Building a custom site

      do we have an option in Zoho to build custom sites like adding custom functionalities? want to make a site like https://trackscourier.com/jnt-tracking-ph/. Is it doable? Please assist.

    • Selecting ZOHO Help Desk Plan for Startup

      Hello everyone, We at unisouk are setting up a Product support team for our platform. and probably we will be team of 3-5 people. Which plan would cater my needs to address customer technical queries and maintain the inflow of various channel queries

    • Where do we manage tags?

      Where is the page where we can view all tags and manage them (like change a tag name to something else or merge tickets under a particular tag with another)?

    • Possibilité de créer des boutons de raccourci dans les tickets Zoho Desk

      Bonjour, J'ai développé plusieurs automatisations avec Zoho Deluge pour optimiser la gestion des tickets. Je souhaiterais savoir s’il est possible de créer des boutons de raccourci directement accessibles dans l’interface des tickets afin de déclencher

    • Update to the Merge Tickets Functionality

      This is to inform you about a significant update to the Merge Tickets functionality in Zoho Desk.  Until now, while merging tickets, a user could set one ticket as the master ticket and choose the final value for any field from any of the secondary tickets too. As a result of this provision, many a time, crucial details related to the master ticket faced the risk of being excluded in the final, merged ticket. To overcome this challenge, we have decided to make the value of some critical fields unchangeable,

    • Setting up CRM for RFP workflow management

      This will be the first time our organization uses an off-the-shelf CRM, transitioning from our homegrown custom solution, and I would appreciate general thoughts on how to get started in general with our workflow using Zoho CRM. The main question: if

    • Integrating Calendly with Zoho Calendar in Zoho Mail

      I moved my office into a business incubator space that uses Calendly for meeting management and events. Calendly doesn't have a integration with Zoho Calendar and vice versa. I was directed to Zapier for integration but it doesn't have an integration

    • Unable to access Zoho Desk at all - has an extreme slow load and then just remains blank

      This is all I see:

    • Next Page