How can a Telegram bot obtain the file_id of an uploaded file?

Background:

The Telegram API documentation states that you can use a file_id string to re-send a photo already stored on Telegram’s servers. However, there is no clear guidance on how to retrieve the file_id after you’ve uploaded a file.

Question:

What steps or methods should be used to acquire the file_id from an uploaded file?

In my experience, the process involves analyzing the update messages sent back by Telegram when a file is uploaded. The uploaded file appears as part of the JSON structure, and checking the corresponding payload reveals the file_id among other metadata. This requires examining the response after the user sends an image or document. I have found that using debug logs to inspect the JSON payload frequently helps in identifying where the file_id is located. Being methodical in capturing and parsing the response ensures that you retrieve the correct file_id reliably.