Kaizen# 209 - Answering Your Questions | All About Client Script

Kaizen# 209 - Answering Your Questions | All About Client Script


Hello everyone!

 

Welcome back to another exciting Kaizen post! Thanks for all your feedback and questions. In this post, let's see the answers to your questions related to Client Script.

We took the time to discuss with our development team, carefully reviewing all aspects, so we could bring you accurate and complete information firsthand.

Q1: Repeating the same validation code across Create, Edit, List, and Detail views reduces maintainability


Currently, this requirement is under analysis. For now, we suggest you use Static Resources to reduce duplication and improve maintainability.


Q2: A unified screen for writing client-side validation logic would improve efficiency, especially if it supports both validation and CRM data fetching


We are planning to provide a Client Script IDE with a tree structure listing all scripts. This will allow you to access a page’s complete script in a single view without exiting each time. This is part of future enhancements and as of now there is no ETA for this.



Q3: Client Scripts currently do not support access to third-party APIs

API calls can be made using HTTP requests or Connections.
Check out Kaizen#135: Third Party Integration using Client Script to see the implementation and a practical use case.
Also, our new ZRC support, now in early access, provides direct API calls for enhanced control and flexibility.



Q4: Need for deeper UI control in Client Scripts (like modifying metadata CSS and HTML)

Direct modification of CRM page CSS/HTML via Client Script is not possible.



Q5: Canvas actions cannot trigger Blueprint transitions, limiting process automation

Blueprint transitions can now be initiated from Canvas pages. Click here for documentation.



Q6: Lack of functions to retrieve a field’s data type (text, boolean, datetime) limits dynamic handling
This feature is planned for future enhancements.



Q7: The onSave event is missing in Detail Page processing
While the Save action is not available on Detail pages, the onBeforeUpdate() field event can be used to enforce validations post-edit.

 

Q8: onChange does not work on multi-picklists and subforms

The development of onChange support for multi-select picklists  is completed and will get released very soon (in a week). The onCellChange() method is currently available for subforms.


Q9: Currently, there is no way to control or restrict access to the "Record detail page views" dropdown selector in Canvas detail pages based on user profiles or roles.

We are working on addressing this limitation and will keep you updated once the enhancement is available.

 


 

Q10: Why Zoho CRM provides too many ways for client validation? One is through Layout Validation->Setup, Layout Validation-Function, Client Script (ZDK). What is the major difference?

Feature

How It Works

Best For

Validation Rules
(no code)

Define conditions in the setup UI without coding. These checks run when you try to save a record. If conditions fail, the save is blocked and an error message is shownClick here for more details.

Quick, straightforward validations like “Email must contain @domain.com” or “Amount cannot be negative,” especially for admins with no coding knowledge.

Layout rules
(no code)

Define layout rules that adjust the form UI in real-time based on field values. This includes showing/hiding sections, enabling/disabling fields, or making them mandatory. Click here for more details.

Use when the form sections needs to adapt dynamically to the context for pages other than Canvas (e.g., “If Customer Type = Business → Show GST details section”).

Functions (Deluge)

In Functions, you can write a Deluge script that executes server-side. Functions are usually triggered by workflows, buttons, schedules or record actions and can update fields, create related records, call external APIs and so on. Click here for more details.

Ideal for automating complex business logic and integrating with Zoho services or third-party applications.

Client Scripts (ZDK + JavaScript)

Use Zoho Developer Kit (ZDK) APIs with JavaScript to run logic directly in the browser. Triggers include On Load, On Field Change, On Save. You can block record save, fetch CRM/external data instantly, show dynamic messages, or modify field behavior and much more. Click here for more details.

Perfect for advanced, real-time validations and dynamic UI.
Example: Prefill address fields from an API, validate PAN instantly, or disable Save if multiple conditions fail.


In this Kaizen post, we have answered all your questions about Client Script, shared solutions along with relevant help doc links, and highlighted upcoming features and enhancements.  We hope this answers your queries and provides clarity on Client Script usage.

 

Happy Client Scripting!

Idea
Previous Post: Kaizen #208 - Answering your Questions | Functions, AI and Extensions - Advanced Queries using COQL API | Kaizen Directory: Home




    • Recent Topics

    • Syncing with Google calendar, Tasks and Events

      Is it possible to sync Zoho CRM calendar, task and events with Google Calendar's tasks and events. With the increasing adoption by many major tool suppliers to sync seamlessly with Google's offerings (for instance I use the excellent Any.do task planning
    • CRM Deluge how can link attach file with workdrive file.

      Hi, We have create file at workdrive and would like to link to attachment at crm module by deluge. Right now can only upload it to attachment but can not link the file from workdrive. Thank you
    • Feature announcement: AI-powered document generator in Zoho Sign

      Hi there! We recently announced manual document creation by offering an editor within Zoho Sign. Today, we are excited to announce AI-powered document generation to help you draft agreements, purchase orders, and other important business documents in
    • Permanently deleted files

      Is there a way to get back permanently deleted files from your account if they were accidentally deleted and no longer recoverable from the recycling bin? I know I am probably screwed but I just figured I would ask.
    • Shared Mailbox in iOS app

      Hi, On the desktop I am using a Shared mailbox for our company's general mailbox that somebody else should be able to view. In the iOS app however I can't find it? Old sources on the internet says this isn't possible but that can't be right? Somebody
    • Tip #41- Simplify Compliance and Efficiency with Zoho Assist’s Data Cleanup Feature- 'Insider Insights'

      Managing device data efficiently is just as important as securing remote access. With Zoho Assist’s Data Cleanup feature, admins can easily remove outdated or unnecessary device records, keeping the console organized and secure. This action is carried
    • Revenue Management: #6 Revenue Recognition in Professional Services Industry

      If you run a consulting firm, agency, or any service-based business, you have a situation where you have signed the contract, maybe even sent the invoice, and have received some initial payments. So, can you consider this as revenue? What if the project
    • Zoho fsm scheduled maintenance dispatch

      Hi, I'm reaching out regarding an issue I'm encountering with the Scheduled Maintenance feature in Zoho FSM. I’m trying to configure it so that it automatically dispatches all maintenance jobs scheduled within the next 150 days, starting from today. However,
    • zoho.inventory.getRecords returns no records

      I running a custom function (Deluge) in Zoho Flow with a connection to Zoho Inventory. To debug the problem, I created the test function below. It returns "Number of contacts fetched: 0". This confirms that there's no issue with the org ID or connection
    • Feature announcement - Simplifying document creation with Zoho Sign

      Hi there, We are pleased to announce the release of our document creation feature, enabling you to create, edit, and finalize documents like agreements, purchase orders, and contracts without relying on external tools or applications. <br> This
    • Integrating File Attachments in Zoho Flow Email Notifications

      Hi, I would like to be able to send an email once an entry is made in a form, and in this email, I would like to attach a file that has been added to the form using the ImageUpload (or FileUpload) widget. So, I started by creating a flow that will trigger
    • Zoho project purchases

      Hi Folks, I think having a purchase module in projects will help in putting together a project p and L. Project wise purchases and expenses.  Do let me know your thoughts.
    • Create Tasklist with Tasklist Template using API v3

      In the old API, we could mention the parameter 'task_template_id' when creating a tasklist via API to apply a tasklist template: https://www.zoho.com/projects/help/rest-api/tasklists-api.html#create-tasklist In API v3 there does not seem to be a way to
    • How can I restore all the deleted Time entries of a Task in Zoho Projects

      How can I restore all the deleted Time entries of a Task in Zoho Projects? Query: In Zoho Projects, I cloned a task and deleted the time entries from the cloned task. However, this also deleted the time entries from the original task. How can I restore
    • Is there a way to make an account inactive in ZoHo Desk

      We have a few Clients "Accounts" that we no longer do business with. It would be beneficial for them to not show up in lists. However, we want to go back and view tickets, time, etc.
    • How to set the value of the Phone field importing contacts in Zoho Desk

      Hi everyone, i'm new in Zoho Desk, we're setting up the environment and i'm importing contacts from another CRM using a file CSV and i'm getting a problem with phone numbers (italian): the leading zero is cut away, also if the value is inside double quotes.
    • Set Custom Icon for Custom Modules in new Zoho CRM UI

    • Deprecation Notice: OpenAI Assistants API will be shut down on August 26, 2026

      I recieved this email from openAI what does it means for us that are using the integration and what should we do? Earlier this year, we shared our plan to deprecate the Assistants API once the Responses API reached feature parity. With the launch of Conversations,
    • How to center a field inside a section?

      I’ve been trying to center a field inside a section in Zoho Canvas. When I align it visually, it looks centered in the editor, but after clicking Save, the field appears misaligned on the actual canvas. I also tried setting the field to full width, but
    • Kaizen #192 - Implementing Custom Token Persistence in Python SDK

      Welcome back to another week of Kaizen! Last week, we discussed how to implement Login with Zoho using OAuth 2.0 and saw how to bring it to life in a real-world application with the Zoho CRM Python SDK. We also discussed how Zylker Academy built a custom
    • Showing the map along with mileage expense

      When you use the GPS to track mileage, it shows you the map of the actual path travelled. It would be very useful and practical to save that map with the mileage expense, so that when the report is created, it provides a map of each mileage expense associated
    • Enable Validation Rule for Multi-Select Picklist Field

      Zoho, Please allow validation rules for multi-select fields.
    • File Upload field not showing in workflow

      Hi, I have added a field on Zoho CRM. I want to use it in a workflow where that particular field is updated based on another field, however it is not showing up in the field list to select it in the workflow. Why is this please?
    • CRM Custom function updating a module record shows the Super Admin user as the record modifier

      Dear Zoho CRM Team, Is there any way to update this so that when a custom function has updated a record the Super Admin user doesn't become the modifier? This happens on the record as a modifier and shows up in the audit logs. It would be more useful
    • Best practice importing items and matching assemblies

      Hi, I was wondering what would be the best practice to import items and composite items (assemblies) From my backup, what should I import first? The items or the composite items? I am on Zoho one, using inventory and books. Kind regards, Sabine
    • Best way to fetch employee names from Zoho People into Zoho Creator Inventory Stock Form field Employee Name Lookup

      Hi Team, I have a requirement in my Zoho Creator application (Inventory Stock Adjustment) where I need to fetch employee names from Zoho People and use them as a lookup in a form. Currently, I am considering using an integration field to fetch this data
    • get file api is returning Junk data

      I am working on extension development where at one point I need to retrieve attachments on records I found out I can use only invokeconnection and not invokeurl in extension development The invoke connection returns the image in raw binary format. When
    • Need help with message box

      End user updates many records at once. Each have unique serial number. They want a confirmation box that says starting number, ending number and qty. Is there any way to do this? I been searching and asking support but seems like no great solution.
    • [Webinar] The Transformative Power of Gen BI

      Traditional decision-making tools are no longer enough. The integration of generative AI into business intelligence (BI) is proving to be a true game changer—enabling businesses to make faster, smarter, and better informed decisions. Early adopters of
    • Backorder process review - Automating Removal of Sales Order from "On Hold" When PO is Received

      Hello Zoho Inventory Team, Currently, sales orders in On Hold status are released only when the bill for the purchase order is created. In our workflow, it would be much more efficient if the sales order could automatically move out of On Hold as soon
    • How to access the saved Query using API?

      I have created a query in setting. Is it possible to access it from a API? What's the endpoint? I tried /v8/queries/important_deals but didnt' work.
    • création d'une base de données

      base de donnee d'un lycée
    • User Session variables to recall after form submit & redirect to menu

      Hey, Forgive me if this is a simple answer I have overlooked. I have built a big onboarding process for my SAAS platform which is built and managed by an external Dev team. I am hoping to embed my new creator app on the SAAS platform. I have a menu page
    • Zoho Writer Merge Template with data from Zoho Analytics Views

      Hello, Is there any way to pull information from Zoho Analytics and put it into a Merge Template? I am trying to create a bulk export of one report that filters on a field to create a single document for each of the filter fields.
    • Having to enter bill before stock shows as available.

      Hi, Am I right in thinking you must create a bill from the purchase order receipt before the goods are available for shipping?
    • Agent Availability Report

      From data to decisions: A deep dive into ticketing system reports Businesses need to track when their support agents check in and check out from work. This report, titled Agent Availability, is one of the static reports that helps managers track the number
    • Writing by Hand in "Write" Notes

      Hi there! I just downloaded this app a few moments ago, and I was wondering if there was a way to write things by hand in "Write" mode instead of just typing in the keyboard. It would make things a bit more efficient for me in this moment. Thanks!
    • AI-driven construction analytics using Zoho Projects Plus

      Construction projects thrive on timelines; if a project is completed on or before the expected time, it makes headlines, but if it gets delayed, the company’s credibility will be at risk. Such projects require precise planning and constant monitoring,
    • Canadian payroll

      Hello ZOHO, is any updates on when payroll for Canada will be available?
    • Unified customer view: Bringing product intelligence into your CRM data

      For businesses today, applications and digital interfaces are the main touch points in the customer journey. While Zoho CRM data already tells who your customers are and what they buy, Zoho Apptics tells you how they interact and engage with your product.
    • Next Page