# Telegram ## What is Telegram [Telegram](https://telegram.org/) is a messenger that allows for the creation of advanced chatbots. Let's explore how you can create a Telegram bot using Directual. ## Directual–Telegram basics ### Step 1. Create a bot Open the messenger and go to the [BotFather](https://t.me/BotFather) and type `/newbot` ![Secret token is red. Here on the screenshot it is masked partially :)](https://3071851461-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M4Nnmtk9_gFGWOddsf6%2F-MQfKRohZx-Xw-w5YHRj%2F-MQfKxScX0tY2HQAQu-z%2Fbotfather.jpg?alt=media\&token=4f365853-2544-48fd-b5e7-e5cdf9c913e7) The BotFather will give you an HPPT API **secret token** (the red one). ### Step 2. Connect your bot to the app Go to Directual app, **Plugins** section → **Telegram** , insert the **secret token** you copied and click **Install**.
### Step 3. Find Telegram structures in Directual Go to Database section, `Integrations/Telegram` folder (it appears automatically). Here you will find five data structures: ![](https://3071851461-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M4Nnmtk9_gFGWOddsf6%2F-MQfKRohZx-Xw-w5YHRj%2F-MQfP8SBK2E_ZXT8Ze4M%2Fstep-2.png?alt=media\&token=bc98f186-06c0-4f41-9210-04a771f0ba68) * **Incoming Telegram messages** (system name `TMessageIn`). Stores all messages that users have sent to the bot. * **Outcoming Telegram messages** (system name `TMessageOut`). Stores all messages that the bot have sent to users. * **Users Telegram** (system name `TUser`). Stores Users who have sent messages to the bot. * **Chats Telegram** (system name `TChat`). Stores Chat-objects. That is the object which is used by scenario Telegram step as a 'destination'. * **Keyboards Telegram (Legacy)** (system name `TKeyboard`). Also, a [webhook](https://readme.directual.com/api-integrations/webhooks) for receiving Telegram messages has been added, and a new [System scenario](https://readme.directual.com/scenarios/system-scenarios) `Parse incoming telegram messages` has appeared (do not edit them!). ### Step 4. Test the integration and investigate `TMessageIn` structure Type something to the bot! Send a picture, a file, or location details. Then check the `TMessageIn` structure. ![Different messages are being sent to the bot](https://3071851461-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M4Nnmtk9_gFGWOddsf6%2F-MQfQ-o1DmLI2ufqPkuR%2F-MQfShYO0FcjHKZYIgUv%2Fmessages.png?alt=media\&token=e9f201fe-e55a-4a4a-930c-198711c82c29) Let's have a look at new objects which appeared in `TMessageIn`! ![](https://3071851461-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M4Nnmtk9_gFGWOddsf6%2F-MQfTgvXVprgB1aqtdO9%2F-MQfUPWN16IxlJJ_0b4t%2FtmessageIn.gif?alt=media\&token=0ae871b5-6d7e-405b-838c-2929f408cd60) The clue field for text messages is `text` — it contains the message. Also there is information referring to images, files and locations. {% hint style="info" %} Information about files and images are stored as `Telegram file IDs`, further in this manual we'll figure out how to download and process them. {% endhint %} ### Step 5. Creating a simple scenario Create a new scenario, which triggers new objects in `TMessageIn` structure. (See [scenarios documentation](https://readme.directual.com/scenarios/principles-of-scenarios)): ![](https://3071851461-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M4Nnmtk9_gFGWOddsf6%2F-MQfVVSmOqg0UM65W_NT%2F-MQfXVDsKUkWHC3H2aUv%2Fnew-scen.png?alt=media\&token=d0ca8dc0-0a20-4db6-a185-d3c9230558c8) Put the [Telegram step](https://readme.directual.com/scenarios/editing-scenarios/integration-steps/telegram-step) in scenario and configure it as follows (don't forget to publish and run the scenario): ![](https://3071851461-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M4Nnmtk9_gFGWOddsf6%2F-MQfVVSmOqg0UM65W_NT%2F-MQfYJ3is7HuQGMnvHmg%2Fscen.gif?alt=media\&token=38574e50-06f7-4b31-b01c-6f812ff4c60e) The bot will behave as follows: ![](https://3071851461-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M4Nnmtk9_gFGWOddsf6%2F-MQfZyB8LHI7EpR6dmxf%2F-MQf_ZOszMDh6rEbP2tZ%2Fsimple-dialog.gif?alt=media\&token=fbf36c37-f67d-4593-8e96-99c91ae7b663) Check out some [useful techniques for building Telegram bots with Directual](https://readme.directual.com/api-integrations/other-integrations/telegram/telegram-advanced-techniques)