catalyst-deploy-python

A Cowork skill for deploying Python web applications to Zoho Catalyst AppSail.

What this skill does

Guides you through the complete process of deploying any Python web app (Flask, Django, FastAPI, Tornado, Bottle, CherryPy, or any custom framework) to Zoho Catalyst AppSail — including:

• First-time deployments and redeployments
• Port binding configuration (the #1 cause of failed deploys)
• Environment variable management
• Promoting from development to production
• Integrating with Zoho Books, CRM, and Desk via REST API or Catalyst Connections
• Troubleshooting common deployment errors

Skill Structure

catalyst-deploy-python/
├── SKILL.md                        # Main skill — workflows, checklist, quick reference
└── references/
    ├── zoho-integration.md         # Zoho Books/CRM/Desk API integration guide
    ├── frameworks.md               # Framework-specific startup commands & code examples
    └── troubleshooting.md          # Error solutions and debug tips

Trigger phrases

This skill triggers when you say things like:

• "Deploy my Python app to Catalyst"
• "How do I host a Flask app on Catalyst AppSail?"
• "Deploy Django to Zoho Catalyst"
• "My Catalyst Python deployment is failing"
• "Set up Zoho Books integration in my Catalyst app"

Supported Frameworks

Framework	Startup command
Flask	python app.py
Django	sh -c "python manage.py runserver 0.0.0.0:$X_ZOHO_CATALYST_LISTEN_PORT"
FastAPI + Uvicorn	sh -c "uvicorn main:app --host 0.0.0.0 --port $X_ZOHO_CATALYST_LISTEN_PORT"
Tornado	python server.py
Bottle	python app.py
CherryPy	python app.py
Gunicorn	sh -c "gunicorn -b 0.0.0.0:$X_ZOHO_CATALYST_LISTEN_PORT app:app"

Critical Note

All Python apps on Catalyst AppSail must bind to the port provided by the X_ZOHO_CATALYST_LISTEN_PORT environment variable. Hardcoded ports will cause the app to fail.

import os
port = int(os.environ.get('X_ZOHO_CATALYST_LISTEN_PORT', 5000))
app.run(host='0.0.0.0', port=port)

Based on

• Zoho Catalyst AppSail Documentation
• Zoho Books API
• Last synced: May 2026

Push tested via push-skill-to-github skill