Extension Connections

Summary

Extension Connections enable secure authorization between your Zoho Writer extension and third-party services. Connections act as bridges for authentication and data exchange, with Zoho Writer handling all authorization processes.

Overview

Connections are authorization configurations that:

Enable Integration — Connect extensions with third-party services
Secure Authentication — Manage secure credential handling
Abstract Complexity — Zoho handles OAuth and auth details
Simplify Development — Developers focus on functionality, not security

How Connections Work

Extension → Connection → Zoho Writer → Third-Party Service
                     ↓
            (Authorization & Security)

Create Connection in Zoho Sigma
Copy Connection JSON from Sigma
Paste in plugin-manifest.json under "connectors" attribute
Use in Extension by referencing the connection link name
Zoho Handles Authorization automatically

Security Benefits

Credentials are never exposed to extension code
Zoho Writer manages OAuth flows
Prevents malicious access to sensitive information
Routes requests through secure proxies
Supports CORS for cross-origin requests

Authorization Methods

Method	Description
OAuth 2.0	Modern, token-based authentication
Basic Authentication	Username/password-based
Custom Services	Define your own authentication

Sub-Sections

Create Connections — Create connections with default and custom services
Use Connections — Utilize connections within your extension code
Update Connections — Modify existing connections
Delete Connections — Remove connections no longer needed

Connection Lifecycle

Create — Set up connection in Sigma
Configure — Add to plugin-manifest.json
Use — Reference in extension code
Update — Modify connection details when needed
Delete — Remove when no longer needed

Best Practices

Use descriptive connection link names
Document which connections are required
Test all connections before publishing
Never hardcode credentials in extension code
Request only necessary scopes
Handle cases when a connection is unavailable

Troubleshooting

Problem	Solution
Connection not working	Verify connection created successfully, check JSON in manifest, confirm `connectionLinkName` spelling
Authorization failures	Verify user has connected the service, check credentials are valid, review scope requirements
Request failures	Verify API endpoint is correct, check request method and parameters, review error logs

Connection Plugin-Manifest Sample Request

Copied{
  "service": "WRITER",
  "modules": { ... },
  "connectors": [
    {
      "name": "Service Name",
      "connectionLinkName": "connection_link",
      "scopes": ["scope1", "scope2"]
    }
  ]
}

Using Connections Sample Request

Copied{
  "service": "WRITER",
  "modules": { ... },
  "connectors": [
    {
      "name": "Service Name",
      "connectionLinkName": "connection_link",
      "scopes": ["scope1", "scope2"]
    }
  ]
}