Why Extensions?
Extensions enhance the functionality and versatility of the Zoho products suite. They enable users to customize their Zoho experience, connect Zoho products with other business tools, automate processes, and simplify workflows. With Sigma, our extension development platform, you can utilize your development expertise to build extensions for different Zoho products. Furthermore, you have the option to showcase your Extension in Zoho Marketplace as either free or paid, making it accessible to other Zoho users.
What is Extensions 101?
This series serves as a guide for developers in building extensions using Zoho's extension development platform, Sigma. These sessions benefit both beginner and advanced developers who want to build extensions for Zoho CRM, Zoho Desk, Zoho Projects, and Zoho Finance Suite using Sigma. You will learn how to develop extensions for internal use or for public use on the Zoho Marketplace.
Prerequisites
Zoho products: Basic knowledge of any of the Zoho finance applications (Books, Invoice, Inventory, Billing, Expenses) & Deluge scripting. Experience in Sigma Extension development and customization in Zoho would be an added advantage.
Programming skills: Basic knowledge of JS, HTML, and CSS. General knowledge of authorization methods and APIs would be an added advantage.
Important Links
Agenda
Building Extensions
Need for Extensions
About Zoho Marketplace
Zoho Developer Console
Extension platform Sigma
Creating Extension for Zoho CRM
Integrating applications with Zoho CRM
Handling authorization
Configuring connectors
Associating and testing connectors
Widgets
Setting up the development environment
Creating a widget
Embedding the widget
Building Extension for Zoho Desk
Demo illustration of Zoho Desk integration with an example use case
Building Extension for Zoho Projects
Demo illustration of Zoho Projects integration with an example use case
Authorization methods - CRM Variables
About CRM Variables
Using CRM variables in Extensions
Demonstration
CRM Variables and Widgets
Using CRM Variables in widgets
Supported JS SDK methods
Best practices
Demonstration
Introducing Sigma and Zoho Books platform: May 03
About Sigma
Creating Extensions for finance suite apps
Understanding the Books developer platform
Testing the Extension
Publishing the Extension
Steps to list apps in Zoho Marketplace
APIs & Connections: June 14
Zoho OAuth and APIs overview
Default and custom connections
Use connections in functions, buttons, and widgets
Sample Extension demo
Widgets: July 11
Setting up the development environment ZET CLI
Widget SDK and its APIs
Supported locations
Demo - Widgets creation
Install action and Extension configuration: August 09
On Install/ On Uninstall
Global Fields
Configuration Widget
Demo
Advanced use case extension: September 13
Extension Idea
Identifying suitable components for the use case.
Building Extension
Extension Deployment
Zoho Projects – Connections & Widgets
A quick walk-through on Extensions, Sigma, and Zoho Marketplace
The significance of connections in establishing integration between applications
Creating widgets and embedding them within Zoho Projects
A use case demonstration implementing connections and widgets features
Key points to be noted
Zoho Projects – Modal Boxes
What is a modal box and where can it be used?
The role of modal box in enhancing widgets
The SDK methods supported for handling data in a modal box
A use case demonstration showcasing the modal box feature
Key points to be noted
Zoho Projects – Data Storage
What is data storage and where is it required?
Types of data storage
Storing data for entity and extension properties and the methods supported
Use case demonstrations implementing the data storage concept to store data against entity properties and extension properties
Key points to be noted
Zoho CRM – Custom Actions
What are custom actions and when are they useful?
Steps to implement a custom action
Creating a custom action
Deploying and managing custom actions in CRM
A demonstration of a use case implementing the custom actions feature
Key points to be noted
Zoho CRM – Webhooks & Signals
What are webhooks and signals?
When and why do we need them?
Configuring webhooks and signals
A demonstration of a use case utilizing webhooks and signals features
Key points to be noted
Zoho Books – Custom Actions
Implementation and deployment cycle of custom actions
Creating a custom action
Deploying a custom action in Books
Managing the custom action
Demonstration with a use case implementation
Key points to be noted
Zoho Books –Webhooks
Configuring webhooks
Demonstration with a use case implementation
Key points to be noted
Zoho Desk – Inter-Widget communication
An explanation of inter-widget communication and its significance
Discussion on the importance of inter-widget communication in extensions
How inter-widget communication can address various business challenges
Overview of the SDK methods supported
A practical demonstration illustrating the use of inter-widget communication
Zoho Desk – Channel Integration
Understanding the circumstances that necessitate channel integration
Steps involved in configuring channel integration
Process of synchronising data between Zoho Desk and various applications
A use case implementation example showcasing channel integration in action
Zoho Desk – Webhooks
What are webhooks and when are they needed?
Detailed instructions on how to configure webhooks for your applications
A practical example demonstrating the implementation of webhooks in a use case
Speakers
Manager - Technical Trainer
Senior Technical Writer
Senior Content Writer