Learning Paths

This documentation is comprehensive, but not all sections are relevant to every role. Use these learning paths as a "fast track" to the sections that matter most to you.

We recommend all users start with Concepts & Fundamentals to understand the 24-hour window, message types, and platform rules.

Business User Path (Campaigns & Support)

This path is for non-technical users, marketers, and support managers who will use the 8x8 Connect portal to manage campaigns and agent-based support.

1. Start Here:

   • Concepts & Fundamentals: Understand the core rules of WhatsApp.

   • Getting Started with WhatsApp (Portal-first): Learn how to get your account set up using the 8x8 Connect portal.

2. Learn Portal Tools:

   • Message Types & Templates: Learn how to create and manage the templates you will use in your campaigns.

   • WhatsApp in 8x8 Connect: This is your primary guide to using the Campaigns tool, 8x8 Converse for agents, and the Automation Builder.

3. See it in Action:

   • Scenarios & Tutorials: Review these practical, step-by-step guides for appointment reminders, support bots, and marketing campaigns.

   • Vertical Playbooks: Find examples specific to your industry, such as Retail or Healthcare.

Developer Path (API & Automation)

This path is for software developers and integrators who will automate WhatsApp messaging by integrating the 8x8 Messaging App API into backend systems.

1. Understand the Core:

   • Concepts & Fundamentals: Understand the 24-hour window, template categories, and portfolio-based limits.

   • WhatsApp over 8x8 API: This is your primary technical guide. Pay close attention to:

     • Authentication

     • Business-initiated Conversations: Templates (Creating vs. Sending Templates)

     • User-initiated Conversations: Interactive Messages (Sending Interactive Messages)

     • Webhooks Reference (Receiving Webhooks and Event Handling)

2. Master Templates & Media:

   • Message Types & Templates: Understand template categories, use cases, and portal management.

   • Template Components Reference: Detailed technical specifications for all component constraints (character limits, button types, header formats, parameter rules).

   • Template Message API Library: Use this as your quick reference for the exact Create and Send JSON payloads for every template type (Auth, Media, Carousel, etc.).

   • Interactive Message API Library: Complete reference for all interactive message types with JSON examples.

3. Build & Troubleshoot:

   • Advanced Capabilities: Learn how to combine templates and interactive messages to build conversational journeys.

   • Operations, Monitoring & Troubleshooting: This is your guide for debugging. Use the API/webhook error code matrix to understand why a message failed.

   • Governance, Security & Compliance: Review the compliance and security (e.g., AIT prevention) rules.