What Works and What to Watch Out For
If you’ve ever tried using ChatGPT to write Deluge code for Zoho CRM and ended up with code that didn’t even run, you’re not alone.
The idea is tempting. Type out what you want, let the AI handle the syntax, and copy-paste your way to automation bliss. But the reality is more complicated, especially when you’re working with Zoho’s scripting language, Deluge.
As someone who codes in Deluge nearly every day, I’ve had my share of both wins and frustrations using ChatGPT. It can definitely speed things up, but only when you use it right and when you know what to watch out for.
In this post, I’m going to share what does work, what doesn’t, and how to avoid common mistakes when generating Zoho CRM scripts with ChatGPT.
Why ChatGPT Struggles With Deluge
Deluge isn’t a widely used scripting language outside the Zoho ecosystem. ChatGPT doesn’t “know” it as deeply as it does Python, JavaScript, or SQL. As a result, you’ll often see it hallucinate syntax or borrow concepts from other languages. This gets worse when your prompt isn’t clear.
It might treat your request like Zoho Creator logic. Or it might throw in JavaScript formatting. Or use field names that don’t exist. Being specific about your setup helps reduce all of that.
How to Get Better Deluge Code from ChatGPT
- Next, give it your actual CRM field names. You can grab these from the API names section inside Zoho CRM’s setup area. Pasting those in ahead of time helps prevent the model from guessing or using incorrect labels.
- Instead of asking for code right away, write out comments first. Describe each step you want the script to do, just like outlining a function before you fill it in. Then ask ChatGPT to turn those comments into code.
- Once it gives you the output, don’t assume it’s ready to go. You’ll almost always need to make a few corrections. And once it’s working, copy that final version back into ChatGPT so it starts to learn your style.
- Most importantly, always test the code in a sandbox. Even a small mistake in production can lead to overwritten data, bad records, or broken automation.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- If you don’t provide your module’s field names, it will make them up. And they’re usually wrong—sometimes hilariously so. Always paste in the correct names upfront.
- Another common mistake is the use of input.accountID. That works in Zoho Creator but not in CRM. In CRM custom functions, you just use accountID as a standalone variable.
- Sometimes the model adds things like .toString() on numeric values or tries to format variables in ways that aren’t necessary. These won’t always break your code, but they add clutter and make it harder to read.
- And even when you’ve corrected something once, ChatGPT has a habit of backsliding. It may forget previous feedback unless you remind it or paste in the corrected code again later.
Final Thoughts
Using ChatGPT to write Deluge code for Zoho CRM isn’t magic, but it can be useful if you treat it like a junior assistant. It’s good for building outlines, filling in repetitive logic, and speeding up common tasks. But it still needs a developer to guide it and clean things up.
