4 Telegram Mini Apps Essential Hooks Every Developer Should Know

In the fast-evolving world of messaging platforms, Telegram stands out with its innovative approach to integrating mini apps. As a developer, harnessing the full potential of these mini apps can significantly enhance user experience. Today, we'll explore four essential hooks provided by the Telegram Mini App SDK that every developer should be familiar with: useLaunchParams, useMiniApp, useThemeParams, and useViewport.

1. useLaunchParams: Starting Strong with Context

When your mini app is launched, understanding the context is crucial. The useLaunchParams hook provides all the necessary parameters, such as user information and authentication data, ensuring your app can personalize and secure the experience right from the start.

import { useLaunchParams } from '@twa.js/sdk-react';

const MyMiniAppComponent = () => {
  const launchParams = useLaunchParams();

  console.log(launchParams);

  return (
    <div>
      <h1>Welcome to My Mini App!</h1>
      <p>User ID: {launchParams.user.id}</p>
      <p>Auth Date: {launchParams.auth_date}</p>
    </div>
  );
};

export default MyMiniAppComponent;        

2. useMiniApp: Your Gateway to Telegram API

The useMiniApp hook connects you directly to Telegram's core functionalities. Whether you need to send messages, handle events, or open links, this hook is your bridge to seamless Telegram integration.

import { useMiniApp } from '@twa.js/sdk-react';

const MyComponent = () => {
  const miniApp = useMiniApp();

  const sendMessage = () => {
    miniApp.sendMessage('Hello from the Mini App!');
  };

  return (
    <div>
      <button onClick={sendMessage}>Send Message</button>
    </div>
  );
};

export default MyComponent;        

3. useThemeParams: Harmonizing with Telegram's Look and Feel

Consistency in user interface is key to user satisfaction. The useThemeParams hook provides access to the current theme settings, such as colors and backgrounds, allowing your mini app to blend seamlessly with Telegram's UI.

import { useThemeParams } from '@twa.js/sdk-react';

const ThemedComponent = () => {
  const themeParams = useThemeParams();

  const style = {
    backgroundColor: themeParams.bg_color,
    color: themeParams.text_color,
  };

  return (
    <div style={style}>
      <h1>Themed Mini App</h1>
      <p>This mini app adapts to the Telegram theme.</p>
    </div>
  );
};

export default ThemedComponent;        

4. useViewport: Adapting to Any Screen Size

In the age of mobile-first design, adaptability is crucial. The useViewport hook provides real-time information about the viewport dimensions, helping you create responsive designs that look great on any device.

import { useViewport } from '@twa.js/sdk-react';

const ResponsiveComponent = () => {
  const viewport = useViewport();

  const style = {
    height: viewport.height,
    width: viewport.width,
  };

  return (
    <div style={style}>
      <h1>Responsive Mini App</h1>
      <p>The viewport height is: {viewport.height}px</p>
      <p>The viewport width is: {viewport.width}px</p>
    </div>
  );
};

export default ResponsiveComponent;        

Harnessing these hooks—useLaunchParams, useMiniApp, useThemeParams, and useViewport—will empower you to create robust, user-friendly Telegram mini apps. By leveraging these tools, you ensure that your app is context-aware, API-connected, thematically consistent, and fully responsive, providing an optimal user experience.

Stay ahead in the world of mini apps by integrating these hooks into your development workflow.

Happy coding!