Telegram Doubt Bot Steps

Summary

This tutorial walks viewers through the process of creating a functional Telegram bot prototype using free services and APIs, including Telegram's BotFather, Gemini API, and Postgres. The video highlights key steps such as setting up the Telegram bot, checking message types (e.g., text, photo), handling API keys, and integrating these components into a seamless workflow. It emphasizes trial-and-error learning, problem-solving, and how to debug issues using tools like ChatGPT and YouTube. The guide also covers saving conversations for follow-up questions and scaling the bot with a memory system using Postgres for a more dynamic experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Create a free 2-week trial account to build your bot prototype without spending money. Some trials might require a credit card, so check before proceeding.
• 😀 Set up a Telegram bot by using BotFather on Telegram to get your API key and configure your bot's username.
• 😀 You need to connect the Telegram bot to your workflow so that incoming messages can trigger actions within your bot system.
• 😀 When a message is received on Telegram, determine its type (text, photo, audio, etc.) using a code node to handle the data appropriately.
• 😀 Convert photos to base64 format to easily process and send them to the Gemini API for further processing.
• 😀 Obtain the Gemini API key from AI Studio and send requests, passing along system prompts and user inputs (like captions for photos).
• 😀 Handle long responses from Gemini (over 4096 characters) by converting the response into a PDF for Telegram, as Telegram limits the length of messages.
• 😀 Integrate a memory system using PostgreSQL (via Superbase) to store past interactions and enable context retention for follow-up questions.
• 😀 Utilize the last 10 interactions in your database to maintain the context for conversations, ensuring the bot responds with relevant answers.
• 😀 Troubleshoot and debug the system as you go along, using resources like ChatGPT, Grok, and other online tools to resolve issues and fine-tune your bot.

Q & A

What is the first step in creating the bot?

The first step is to create a Net account to access the free trial, which is valid for two weeks. This free trial allows you to start building the bot without spending any money.

Is a credit card required for the free trial account?

It's uncertain whether a credit card is required, but some services during the free trial might ask for one, although the speaker doesn't think it's mandatory.

How do you create a Telegram bot for the project?

To create a Telegram bot, go to the 'BotFather' on Telegram, select 'New Bot', and choose a name and username for the bot. The BotFather will then generate an API key that you can use to connect your bot to your workflow.

Why was WhatsApp not used for the bot instead of Telegram?

WhatsApp requires a registered business account to use production-level triggers, which is why the speaker chose Telegram as an alternative.

How can you differentiate between message types in Telegram?

You can create a workflow that checks the type of message received, such as whether it’s a photo, text, or voice message. This can be achieved using a switch node after determining the message type.

How do you handle photo messages in the bot?

For photo messages, you need to convert them into a base64 string. This can be done using a 'convert' node or 'extract from file' node, which processes the image and sends it to the next steps in the workflow.

How do you integrate the Gemini API into the bot?

You integrate the Gemini API by obtaining an API key from AI Studio, and then sending requests to Gemini. The bot sends both text and images to Gemini, which processes them and returns a response.

What do you do when the Gemini response exceeds Telegram's message length limit?

If the response exceeds Telegram's 4096-character limit, you can save the response as a PDF and send it through Telegram instead of a regular text message.

How do you store conversation history for follow-up questions?

Conversation history is stored in a PostgreSQL database using Superbase. This database saves the user's previous questions and bot responses, enabling the bot to maintain context for future interactions.

What role does PostgreSQL play in the bot’s functionality?

PostgreSQL acts as a memory storage system, saving past conversations in tables. The bot uses this memory to provide context for follow-up questions, ensuring the responses are coherent and relevant.

What should you do if an error occurs during the bot development process?

The process involves trial and error. If you encounter an error, you can debug using external tools like ChatGPT or search for solutions on YouTube and other platforms. Persistent errors may require debugging or revisiting code steps.