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Zoho CRM

CRM REST API

The Zoho CRM REST API is a set of HTTP endpoints that allow external applications, scripts, and integrations to programmatically create, read,…

The Zoho CRM REST API is a set of HTTP endpoints that allow external applications, scripts, and integrations to programmatically create, read, update, and delete CRM records. It follows REST conventions and returns data in JSON format, enabling any system that can make HTTP requests to interact with Zoho CRM data.

Key API Capabilities

The Zoho CRM REST API supports: fetching single records by ID, listing records with filter criteria, creating new records, updating existing records, bulk operations (create or update up to 100 records per request), deleting records, file attachments, running COQL queries, and retrieving module metadata (fields, layouts, picklist values). The API covers all standard and custom modules.

Authentication

All API calls require OAuth 2.0 authentication. You register a Connected App in the Zoho Developer Console, obtain an access token, and include it in the Authorization header of each request. Access tokens expire after one hour and must be refreshed using the refresh token.

Industry Example

Custom Portal: A manufacturing company builds a custom dealer portal that displays real-time order status for their channel partners. The portal calls the Zoho CRM REST API every 5 minutes to fetch Deal records where the Account matches the logged-in dealer’s company. Deal status, amount, and expected delivery date are displayed to the dealer without giving them direct access to the CRM.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Zoho CRM REST API?

The Zoho CRM REST API is a set of HTTP endpoints that allow external applications to programmatically interact with Zoho CRM data. It supports creating, reading, updating, and deleting records across all modules, bulk operations, COQL queries, and metadata retrieval using OAuth 2.0 authentication.

What authentication method does the Zoho CRM REST API use?

The Zoho CRM REST API uses OAuth 2.0 for authentication. Developers register a Connected App in the Zoho Developer Console to obtain client credentials, which are used to generate access tokens included in API request headers. Access tokens expire hourly and are refreshed using a long-lived refresh token.

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