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Telegram

The best messenger

What is Telegram

Telegram is a messenger. There is an opportunity to create sophisticated chat-bots on that messenger. Let's figure out how you can create the Telegram-bot on Directual!

Directual–Telegram basics

Step 1. Create a bot

In Telegram messenger we go to BotFather and type /newbot
Secret token is red. Here on the screenshot it is masked partially :)
BotFather gives to us an HPPT API secret token (red one).

Step 2. Connect your bot to the app

Go to Directual app, Integrations section → Telegram bots, Click the button +Add a bot and insert the secret token we've copied.

Step 3. Find Telegram structures in Directual

Go to Database section, Integrations/Telegram folder (it appears automatically). Here we see 5 data structures:
  • Incoming Telegram messages (system name TMessageIn). Stores all messages that users have sent to the bot.
  • Out coming 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, the webhook for receiving Telegram messages has been added and the new System scenario Parse incoming telegram messages has appeared (you shouldn't 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
Let's have a look at new objects which appeared in TMessageIn!
The clue field for text messages is text — it contains the message. Also there is information referring to images, files and locations.
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.

Step 5. Creating a simple scenario

Create a new scenario, which triggers new objects in TMessageIn structure. (See scenarios documentation):
Put Telegram step in scenario and configure it as follows (don't forget to publish and run the scenario):
The bot will act this way: