Apps allow you to connect your Slack workspace with the tools, data sources and workflows that make your business run smoothly.

 

What is a Slack app?

Custom apps can either be internal integrations that you design and build for your workspace, or apps that you build and distribute for other teams to use in their workspaces. Regardless of where you plan to use your app, the foundation will be the same. Read on for an overview of possible use cases, where to get started and what you can build.

 

🔨 Building for your workspace

The best internal integrations for your workspace will depend on the tools and workflows that matter to your team. To get inspired, you might ask yourself the following questions:

• Are you constantly copying and pasting data into Slack from other internal tools? Building a custom app will help to concentrate work into one place.

• Do you switch between programs all day long to find the information that you’re looking for? A custom app that pulls data into your workspace will allow you to tie related data together and initiate complex cross-system workflows using Slack’s built-in search.

• Do any tools generate alerts or notifications that require the attention of a group of people? Send the alert to a Slack channel to notify the right people, all at once.

💡 Plan out your app using the Slack API guide.

 

🔧 Features and functionality

You can customise the way in which end-users interact with your app using our suite of building-blocks. Below, you’ll find some examples of the kinds of features and functionality you can build into your app.

Note: These Slack Platform tools are currently in open beta. As part of the beta, this functionality may evolve as we get feedback.

• Functions and workflows
  Functions are preset blocks of functionality that take certain actions and can be grouped together to create a workflow. 

• Triggers
  Create a trigger to customise how a workflow is initiated, where it’s available and who can use it.

• Slack CLI
  Use the Slack CLI (command line interface) to build the framework for a new app with a Typescript SDK, then easily deploy your app to Slack's infrastructure.

• App manifests
  An easier way to create, develop and distribute apps. Use an app manifest to quickly set up and manage your app.

• App deployment and data storage
  Deploy your app and store its data on Slack’s infrastructure to keep all of the components in one place and automatically comply with our security and compliance standards.

 

📍Get started

The Slack API website is home to all you need to know about building apps. You’ll find guidance on the different types of apps that can be built to integrate with Slack, as well as instructional documentation on the available features and functionality you can include.

When you’re ready to build, you can get started by following the steps below:

💡 To learn more about building Slack apps, visit our API docs.

 

👥 Add app collaborators

Managing an app shouldn’t be a solo endeavour. You can add teammates as collaborators on apps to give them permission to install and delete apps on your workspace, as well as manage the app's settings.

Note: App collaborators are not granted access to underlying app code or hosting platforms.

💡 Learn more about App Collaborators in the Slack API documentation.