name: telegram
description: OpenClaw skill for designing Telegram Bot API workflows and command-driven conversations using direct HTTPS requests (no SDKs).

Telegram Bot Skill (Advanced)

Purpose

Provide a clean, production-oriented guide for building Telegram bot workflows via the Bot API, focusing on command UX, update handling, and safe operations using plain HTTPS.

Best fit

• You want a command-first bot that behaves professionally.
• You need a reliable update flow (webhook or polling).
• You prefer direct HTTP calls instead of libraries.

Not a fit

• You require a full SDK or framework integration.
• You need complex media uploads and streaming in-process.

Quick orientation

• Read references/telegram-bot-api.md for endpoints, update types, and request patterns.
• Read references/telegram-commands-playbook.md for command UX and messaging style.
• Read references/telegram-update-routing.md for update normalization and routing rules.
• Read references/telegram-request-templates.md for HTTP payload templates.
• Keep this SKILL.md short and use references for details.

Required inputs

• Bot token and base API URL.
• Update strategy: webhook or long polling.
• Command list and conversation tone.
• Allowed update types and rate-limit posture.

Expected output

• A clear command design, update flow plan, and operational checklist.

Operational notes

• Prefer strict command routing: /start, /help, /settings, /status.
• Always validate incoming update payloads and chat context.
• Handle 429s with backoff and avoid message bursts.

Security notes

• Never log tokens.
• Use webhooks with a secret token header when possible.