Tools for makers · Cloud and apps
Telegram bots
Create your own chat bot that the ESP32 runs. Send it commands and get answers and alerts in the Telegram app.
- 2 lessons
What it is for
Telegram lets anyone create a bot for free. You get a token from Telegram's BotFather, and the ESP32 uses it to read the messages you send and to answer them. It is a fun, natural way to control a project: just type /status or /light_on.
Bots can also send you alerts on their own, such as "it's getting warm" or "someone took a sweet".
Telegram is for ages 13 and up (16 in some countries), so younger makers should use a parent's or teacher's account.
Tips
- Keep your bot token secret, like a password.
- Check the sender's chat ID in your code, so only you can control the device.
- Poll for new messages every one or two seconds, not faster.
