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To create a Telegram bot, register its identity with @BotFather, then connect software you write to Telegram’s Bot API to give it behavior. BotFather issues the bot’s API token; it does not build the working bot for you. Telegram’s official FAQ summarizes the distinction: “In order for a bot to work, set up a bot account with @BotFather, then connect it to your backend server via our API.”
1. Decide what your bot should do
Start with one specific behavior, such as replying to a command or sending an alert. A narrow first goal makes it easier to build and verify the connection between Telegram and your program before adding more features.
2. Register the bot with @BotFather
- Open Telegram and start a conversation with @BotFather.
- Send
/newbot, then follow the prompts to choose a display name and username. - Save the API token BotFather provides. It identifies and authenticates your bot when software calls the Bot API.
Treat the token like a password: do not post it publicly or commit it to a public code repository. If it is exposed, revoke it through @BotFather and update your application to use the replacement token. The registration process creates the bot identity and credential; it does not implement the behavior you chose.
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3. Choose a language and library
Telegram’s Bot API is accessed over HTTPS and returns JSON-encoded responses. You can construct those requests yourself, but Telegram’s tutorial recommends using a library or framework for a robust project.
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The official Bot API Library Examples page lists community-maintained options by language. Telegram warns: “These projects are not maintained by Telegram.” Check the library’s own documentation, release history, and maintenance status before choosing it. The Telegram tutorial demonstrates Java and points to equivalent examples for C#, Python, Go, and TypeScript; its walkthrough should not be treated as a current dependency-version recommendation.
4. Write and run the bot’s behavior
Configure your chosen library with the token, receive an update from Telegram, and program the response or action. For a first bot, implement only the behavior you selected—for example, a reply to one command—then message the bot and check that your backend receives the expected update and handles it.
Bot registration and bot operation are separate: the registered account gives your program an identity to use, while your backend supplies the logic. Keep the token out of source code that may be shared; use your library’s recommended secure configuration method.
5. Choose how the bot receives updates
Telegram supports two update-delivery methods. They cannot be used simultaneously for the same bot: getUpdates cannot be used while an outgoing webhook is configured, according to the Bots FAQ.
| Method | How it works | Practical consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Long polling | Your program repeatedly asks Telegram for updates. | Often a straightforward starting point when your application can keep running and request updates. |
| Webhook | Telegram delivers updates to an endpoint you configure. | Your endpoint must be reachable by Telegram; it suits deployments set up to receive incoming requests. |
These are implementation choices, not a measured speed ranking. For a first project, use whichever mode your library makes easiest to configure. Before switching modes, account for any outgoing webhook already configured for the bot.
6. Deploy it if it needs to stay available
A program running on your own computer can be useful for development, testing, and debugging. It will not provide continuous availability if the computer or process is turned off. Telegram’s tutorial describes packaging the code and using a VPS or equivalent service when a bot is expected to remain available and responsive.
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Choose deployment based on the runtime and operating system your code needs, the effort required to deploy and monitor it, backup needs, data location, and recurring cost. Telegram’s documentation establishes the hosting category, but does not compare providers or give current prices.
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If the bot must retain user lists, settings, messages, or other application state, plan for that storage in your own application. Telegram does not host an application database for your bot. Its tutorial recommends considering serialization practices, libraries, and databases suited to the language you chose; the right option depends on what information the bot needs to keep and how you will maintain it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I create a bot?
Use @BotFather’s /newbot workflow to create the bot identity and receive its token, then connect a backend program to Telegram’s Bot API. Registration alone does not create the bot’s behavior.
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