Introduction
Telegram is a widespread messaging service for all kinds of platforms and devices (similar to WhatsApp).
While WhatsApp only supports sending end-to-end messages from one physical mobile phone number to another, Telegram allows the creation of custom "Bots".
Bots are special accounts that do not require a mobile phone number and can be used to send messages to your own mobile phone.
Telegram provides a public API which will be used by the NETx BMS Core Server to programmatically send messages.
Essentially, it works like this:
- Inside the Telegram app on your mobile phone, you create a custom bot, which can then be used to publish messages to
- The created bot has a unique "Token" and "Chat ID", which can be seen as a physical mobile phone number of a contact
- The NETx BMS Core Server can now send messages to your bot, which you will instantly receive on your mobile phone
Things to keep in mind
Just like with a mobile phone number, everyone knowing your secret "Token" and "Chat ID" is able to push messages to your mobile phone.
You are always able to deactivate and remove a bot, but just keep in mind to treat this information confidently.
Prerequisites
- A Telegram account is required
- Download the telegram app for your operating system on your mobile phone
- Follow the instructions to create an account or use your existing account, if you already have one
Create a custom Telegram bot
In this tutorial, the configuration of the custom bot is performed on iOS, but works similarly on other operating systems, such as Android.
Telegram uses a special account called "BotFather", which is used to create and manage custom bots on your mobile phone.
To create a custom bot, open the Telegram application and search for "BotFather".
