06.using-cards

Using Cards

Bot Framework v4 using cards bot sample.

This bot has been created using Bot Framework, it shows how to create a bot that uses rich cards to enhance your bot design.

This sample is a Spring Boot app and uses the Azure CLI and azure-webapp Maven plugin to deploy to Azure.

Prerequisites

• Java 1.8+
• Install Maven
• An account on Azure if you want to deploy to Azure.

To try this sample

• From the root of this project folder:
  • Build the sample using mvn package
  • Run it by using java -jar .\target\bot-usingcards-sample.jar

Testing the bot using Bot Framework Emulator

Bot Framework Emulator is a desktop application that allows bot developers to test and debug their bots on localhost or running remotely through a tunnel.

• Install the latest Bot Framework Emulator from here

Connect to the bot using Bot Framework Emulator

• Launch Bot Framework Emulator
• File -> Open Bot
• Enter a Bot URL of http://localhost:3978/api/messages

Interacting with the bot

Most channels support rich content. In this sample we explore the different types of rich cards your bot may use. A key to good bot design is to send interactive media, such as Rich Cards. There are several different types of Rich Cards, which are as follows:

• Animation Card
• Audio Card
• Hero Card
• Receipt Card
• Sign In Card
• Thumbnail Card
• Video Card

When designing the user experience developers should consider adding visual elements such as Rich Cards.

Deploy the bot to Azure

To learn more about deploying a bot to Azure, see Deploy your bot to Azure for a complete list of deployment instructions.

Further reading

• Spring Boot
• Maven Plugin for Azure App Service
• Bot Basics
• Bot Framework Documentation
• Rich Cards
• Activity processing
• Azure Bot Service Introduction
• Azure Bot Service Documentation
• Azure CLI
• Azure Portal
• Azure for Java cloud developers
• Channels and Bot Connector Service