Anatomy of Google Chat apps - Basic interaction

Google Chat Apps: Interaction Elements

Introduction to Google Chat Apps

• Chanel, a Developer Advocate at Google, introduces the video series focused on creating Google Chat apps.

• The video discusses interaction elements that can be utilized in these apps, emphasizing the types of messages they can receive and respond to.

Direct Messages vs. Group Conversations

• Direct messages are 1-to-1 interactions between users and the Chat app, allowing personalized actions without needing to mention the app.

• In group conversations or spaces, users must @mention the app for it to respond, highlighting a different interaction model.

Configuring Your Chat App

• Developers can configure their Chat apps in Google Cloud Console to respond to both direct messages and group conversations.

• Events play a crucial role; user interactions trigger events sent from Google Chat to the app as JSON payloads.

Types of Events in Google Chat

• Four key events include:

• ADDED_TO_SPACE: Indicates when an app is added; typically triggers a welcome message.

• REMOVED_FROM_SPACE: Indicates removal; no response is expected since the app is no longer part of the space.

• MESSAGE: Represents user messages sent to the app; responses occur within the same thread.

• CARD_CLICKED: Triggered when a user interacts with an interactive card sent by the app.

Messaging Types and Formats

• There are two main message types an app can post:

• Text Messages: Contain plain text with limited formatting and appear inline like user-generated content.

• Card Messages: Allow for more complex interfaces using JSON structures with various UI elements.

Constructing Card Messages

• Cards consist of headers, sections (vertical layout), and widgets (single UI element type).

• Widgets can include text, icons, images, buttons, etc., enhancing interactivity within cards.

Understanding Google Chat App Development

Overview of Card Messages

• The formatting for card messages in Google Chat differs from traditional text messaging formats.

• Card messages are constructed using JSON, which is a lightweight data interchange format.

• A tool called the Card Builder is available to assist developers in creating these card messages more easily.

• An upcoming video will provide an in-depth look at how to use the Card Builder effectively.

• Viewers are encouraged to comment on which interaction elements they would like to learn more about regarding Google Chat apps.

Resources for Learning More

• For those interested in furthering their knowledge about Google Chat apps, the Google Chat for Developers documentation is recommended.