Platform Newsletter - April 2024
Published April 04, 2024
It’s so nice to have you here! This isn’t just your typical announcement board – it’s a place where we can chat about all things tech, from productivity, product, engineering, and design, to career and more. And guess what? You’re part of it too!. Let’s share, let’s build, let’s connect!
In the spirit of Diversity Month, let’s zoom into the tech landscape with a personal lens. Diversity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the heart and soul of what makes the tech world tick. Think about it—every innovation, every breakthrough, it’s all powered by the unique perspectives and backgrounds of the people behind the screens. When we talk about diversity in tech, we’re not just talking about numbers and statistics; we’re talking about the stories, the experiences, and the voices that shape our digital world. Let’s make this month about honoring these stories, amplifying these voices, and building a tech community where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Because when we embrace diversity, we’re not just making better products; we’re building a better future—for all of us.
In line with our commitment to inclusivity and creating opportunities for everyone, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our highly anticipated Developer Program. But wait, there’s more! Keep reading to discover exciting new features, fresh avenues for connection, and invaluable insights on crafting tools to enhance both your and your teammates’ work lives, making them more pleasant and productive.

Building on Slack Just Got a Lot Easier
Introducing new tools for Developers and Admins aimed at empowering you to do your best work. Say goodbye to the fear of disrupting your organization's workflows, and embrace the opportunity to experiment, test, and craft truly innovative solutions within our enterprise grid sandboxes. Dive in today and discover how you can start using these tools completely for free!

Leveraging Private Files for Image Blocks with Slack's Block Kit
Yes, you read that correctly! Now, you have the power to display images using Block Kit blocks, even if they're not publicly accessible. This newfound capability grants you greater flexibility in crafting your interface while ensuring that private remains private. Learn more about this exciting development and kickstart its implementation in your Slack app today.

Build custom functions for Workflow Builder in Bolt
You may have caught wind of a fresh approach to building in the Slack platform, featuring custom functions as Workflow Builder steps. Initially developed with our Deno SDK, these functions are now also achievable with Bolt for Python and Bolt for Javascript, currently in Beta and set for full release this Spring. Get ahead, and learn how to implement them following this tutorial.
AI Spotlight
Ready to unlock the potential of integrating generative AI with Slack? Don’t miss out on this sample app! It’s your gateway to seamless interaction with OpenAI directly from your Slack channel. Whether you’re eager to experiment with the live demo or roll up your sleeves and personalize it by cloning the repo, this opportunity is yours for the taking!
Wait, there’s more!
- Have you had a chance to dive into the Developer Program yet? Maybe you’ve already tinkered with creating your custom function using the tutorial above, but now you’re left with some questions. Fear not! After a brief hiatus, the online community is back in action and buzzing with discussions. Head over to the Slack forums to ask your questions and share your expertise – anything Slack goes! Plus, once you’re in, you’ll discover countless ways to engage with Slack’s vibrant developer community. Trust me, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and showcase what you’re building!
- Want to uncover a little-known Slack secret? Let me guide you through how Slack manages its releases with ReleaseBot, automating what many developers fear most: releasing updates without breaking production. Discover how this simple yet powerful automation process is reshaping release management and easing the concerns of developers.
- Curious about the role of DevRel and what it entails? You’ve probably heard the term thrown around lately, but you might still be unsure. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Check out this interview with Bear Douglas for some insightful answers. Afterward, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any questions about DevRel that come your way in conversations.
- Are you making the most of the Slack CLI and SDKs? Don’t miss out on the latest updates! Explore the newest versions and discover incredible improvements, such as a revamped method for counting datastore items and the ability to query named datastores directly from a flag instead of an expression. The team has been hard at work, so the list is long. Stay in the loop by checking out our Changelog for all the latest developments.
Slack Trivia!
Let’s kick things off with a fun challenge! For those who’ve been with us for a while, this should be easy peasy.
Back when Slack first launched, do you remember what its logo looked like?
I’ll reveal the answer in the next newsletter. But if you’re bursting with excitement to share your guess, go ahead and submit it below! I can’t wait to see your submissions!
We’re always blown away by what our community creates—and we want to highlight you next! Whether it’s a handy tool, a step-by-step guide, or an insightful article, if you’re proud of it, we want to hear all about it.
📬 Send us a message at technewsletter@slack-corp.com and share what you’ve been working on.
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