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Automations are all about workflows. Developers can create workflow-based apps using certain Slack SDKs and the Slack CLI. The Slack CLI helps you through the entire app creation process - from initialization to deployment.
You can create Slack-hosted workflows written in TypeScript using the Deno Slack SDK. If you'd rather self-host, then you can use the Python and JavaScript Bolt SDKs.
Workflows in your workflow apps can be used on their own, or you can make functions available as steps in Workflow Builder.
Workflow Builder is a no-code way to build workflows, right in Slack. Any user can combine a limited set of steps and triggers to quickly set up an automation.
The app management UI on api.slack.com/apps doesn’t support configuring workflow apps. Also, workflow apps are currently not eligible for listing in the Slack Marketplace.
Workflows are a combination of functions, executed in order.
There are a three types of functions:
Workflows are invoked via triggers. You can invoke workflows:
Workflows make use of specifically-designed features of the Slack platform such as datastores, a Slack-hosted way to store data.
While in development, you can keep your project mostly to yourself, or share it with a close collaborator. If your Slack admin requires approval of app installations, they’ll need to approve what you’re creating first.
➡️ If you're ready to develop your own workflow-based app with the Slack Deno SDK, begin with our quickstart.
✨ If you'd like to learn more before developing with the Slack Deno SDK, read our guides on TypeScript (a strongly typed evolution of Javascript) and Deno.
✨ If you'd rather build instead of develop check out Workflow Builder.
⤵️ If you want inspiration, explore our samples. Some are listed below.