After receiving a bot token, how do I construct a Telegram API request, e.g., https://api.telegram.org/botNEW_TOKEN/cmdSendMessage?target=12345&msg=Hello, and how can I obtain a contact’s chat ID?
I found that setting up the Telegram bot API properly involves reading through the official documentation and practical testing with tools like Postman or cURL to ensure that the URL format works as expected. In my experience, using the getUpdates endpoint can provide useful information about chat IDs when my bot receives messages. It also verifies that each API call is structured correctly. Using webhooks is another effective option instead of constant polling, and experimenting with different methods has helped me understand the best approach for various use cases.
In my experience, successfully calling the Telegram Bot API requires careful attention to detail. I discovered that constructing the URL isn’t enough; you also have to ensure that parameters are properly encoded and that you’re using the correct endpoints for your commands. For instance, working with getUpdates helped me automatically capture information like chat IDs during actual interactions. I found that a combination of rigorous logging and some trial and error, particularly when switching from polling to webhooks, greatly improved my workflow.