GeezerVison

This quickstart guide covers how to create a Slack app using the Slack CLI and the Bolt frameworks, in either Python or JavaScript.

By the end, you'll have a local environment configured with a running customized app to modify and make your own.

Prerequisites​

Before you begin building, grab the required tools by following the three steps below. If you don't have a Slack workspace already, we recommend also setting up a developer sandbox.

Now you've got everything you need to start developing on the Slack platform!

Creating a project​

The slack create Slack CLI command created a new Bolt project on your system. This contains the code that handles logic for your app. Navigate into that project:

$ cd first-slack-app

and open the project in an editor of your choice.

Running the app​

The starter app is ready to run from the start. By using the slack run command, and selecting "Create a new app", you'll install the app to the team you choose. The details of the app shown are found in the manifest.json file.

$ slack run
...
INFO:slack_bolt.App:⚡️ Bolt app is running!
...

With the app running, test it out with the following steps in the Slack workspace your app is running in:

1. Open a direct message with your app or invite the bot @first-slack-app (local) to a public channel.
2. Send "hello" to the current conversation and wait for a response.
3. Click the attached button labeled "Click Me" to post another reply.

After confirming the app responds, celebrate! But now it's time to add on.

Updating the app​

You may have a running Slack app, but the defaults included leave opportunities abound. Let's personalize this app by editing this code to respond with a kind farewell.

import random

@app.message("goodbye")
def message_goodbye(say):
    responses = ["Adios", "Au revoir", "Farewell"]
    parting = random.choice(responses)
    say(f"{parting}!")

app.message('goodbye', async ({ say }) => {
  const responses = ['Adios', 'Au revoir', 'Farewell'];
  const parting = responses[Math.floor(Math.random() * responses.length)];
  await say(`${parting}!`);
});

Once the file is updated, save the changes. You should notice the app restarting in your terminal.

Open Slack to perform these steps:

1. Return to the direct message or public channel with your bot.
2. Send "goodbye" to the conversation.
3. Receive a parting response from before and repeat "goodbye" to find another one.

Your app can be stopped by pressing CTRL+C in the terminal to end these chats.

Customizing app settings​

The created app will have some placeholder values and a small set of scopes to start, but we recommend exploring the customizations possible on app settings.

Open app settings for your app with the following command:

$ slack app settings

This will open the following page in a web browser:

On these pages you're free to make changes such as updating your app icon, configuring app features, and perhaps even distributing your app!

Next steps​

You can now continue customizing your app with various features to make it right for whatever job's at hand. Here are some ideas about what to explore next:

• Check out the Agent quickstart to get up and running with an agent.
• Browse our curated catalog of samples for more apps to use as a starting point for development.
• Try using the Slack MCP Plugin to aid in agent-assisted development.