Zoho Creator – Self Help Guide to Building Custom Web Applications

Zoho allows the creator to create a custom database application using the WYSIWYG editor. These forms can be embedded on your website/blog and the collected data will be stored in Zoho Creator. The embed code is automatically generated. However, it is essential to register with ZC. This is a step by step tutorial on how to get started with Zoho Creator in less than 30 minutes.

Applications:

It is much easier to relate Zoho Creator apps as excel books. Please understand that you can only create 10 applications (workbooks). However, with the paid membership, you can have unlimited apps. 10 apps are more than enough for individuals and small business owners.

To create an app, use the Create New App link on your dashboard.

Forms:

After creating the app, you will be automatically redirected to the form area where you can design your form. Give the name of the form as Guestbook. Notice INSERT FIELDS on the left and drag and drop fields on the right. Here, it would be appropriate to say that you are in the EDIT MODE of the form. Add a single line field and provide the Name of the tag as the NAME. Add another email field and provide the Email Label Name

live mode:

(Run the form) Use the ACCESS THIS APP link at the top to enter LIVE MODE. This will take you to LIVE MODE where data is entered into the form. Enter some names and emails and click submit. As soon as you submit the form, you will see a message that says “Data added successfully.”

Points of view:

Where does all the data go?

Zoho creator uses “VIEWS” to store the data collected through forms. Views are nothing more than tables, which are automatically populated with data that is added to a form. Each default form has its view. The name is usually [FORM-NAME] & View. In this case, “My Guest Book View”. The view shows the data only in live mode.

Embedding this form in your blog/website.

Access the form in live mode. Notice the more actions header with a drop down arrow. This will present you with the embed code. Copy the code and paste it on your website and blog. Every time data is submitted through this form, it will be logged in “View” in Zoho Creator. Ready! You have created and deployed your first Zoho Creator app.

For a more detailed explanation (with pictures), see here.