1. Building apps using the command line interface (CLI). You can use this method if you want to build an extension offline with your own code editor.
   
2. Use Zoho Sigma cloud editor and develop extensions without any pre-setup. Manage the entire process online. 
   

Create an extension using Zoho Extension Toolkit CLI

Step 1: Install Node.js and ZET CLI 

1. Install node.js.
   
2. Execute the following command: $ node -v to verify the node.js version ( 7.1.0 and above are supported).   
   

 

1. zet -v or zet -version shows the version of the ZET. 
   

1. zet - h or zet -help to view all the available commands in ZET.
   

$ zet -h

Commands:

Init, Creates a new extension template directory

run Starts a local server with current directory as context

Validate Validates the current app with validation rules

Pack Packs the project to upload into marketplace

1. Create source folders or files under app directory. 
   
2. Run the following command to create a new project for the extension
   
   

   zet init
   
3. Choose a Zoho service, say Orchestly from the list.
   
4. Type the project name and hit Enter. 
   

1. Orchestly
   
2. Zoho Projects
   

Step 3: Run an extension  

1. Run and test the extension in your local machine.
   
2. Execute the following command in your terminal. 
   
   

   zet run
   
1. This command starts a local server and runs the extension locally.
   
2. Your extension will run on the port 5000. Ensure it is available before you execute this command.
   
3. Enable developer mode while testing your extension. 
   
4. Refer to the service specific steps for testing your extension. 
   

Step 4: Validate an extension 

1. Check if the guidelines specified in the plugin-manifest.json file are met.
   
2. Execute the following command in the terminal.
   
   

   zet validate
   
3. Repeat the command, after making necessary changes, until validation proves successful.   
   

Step 5: Pack an extension

1. This command compresses the files and folders essential for running the extension and gives a .zip file as the output.
   
2. The file will be present inside the path "/{extension's directory}/dist". 
   
   Sample file path  "/myfirstextension/dist". 
   

Step 6: Build your extension in Sigma  

1. Click  Create Extension .
   
2. Enter an extension name.
   
3. Pick a Zoho service for which you’re building the extension.
   
4. Toggle the  Upload Existing File option and attach the zip file that you just created.
   
5. Take a look at the terms and conditions and then click  Save as Draft .
   

1. Certificates signed by a Trusted Certificate Authority (CA)


2. Self-signed certificates

While a Trusted CA issues SSL certificates to verify the identity of websites we can also create self-signed certificates that offer basic encryption from the websites.