Teams App Developer

MicrosoftOfficialPublished by Microsoft

Skill
Tool integration
Software development
MIT
Medium risk

From the author

Builds, tests, and deploys Microsoft 365 apps and agents for Teams and Copilot. Includes sub-skills for project creation, local testing, cloud deployment, troubleshooting, and Slack-to-Teams migration. USE FOR: Teams agent, bot, tab, message extension, Declarative Agents, Custom Engine Agents, local testing, Agents Playground, Azure resource provision, remote deployment, Slack to Teams migration, cross-platform bot development, Block Kit to Adaptive Cards conversion. DO NOT USE FOR: general web development, non-bot/non-Teams projects.

— the description by Microsoft

AutoGineer summary

Written by AutoGineer from the skill’s own files, not by the author

The teams-app-developer skill provides a structured framework for managing the lifecycle of Microsoft 365 agents and Teams applications. It leverages the ATK CLI to handle project scaffolding, local testing via the Agents Playground, cloud provisioning on Azure, and troubleshooting. The skill includes specialized guidance for migrating Slack bots to Teams, including converting Block Kit UI to Adaptive Cards, and provides access to an extensive library of micro-expert documentation for cross-platform development.

What it does

Scaffolds new Microsoft 365 agents and Teams applications from templates.
Facilitates local testing using the Agents Playground or Teams-specific environments.
Automates Azure resource provisioning and cloud deployment workflows.
Provides diagnostic procedures for common authentication and configuration errors.
Supports migration of Slack bots to the Teams platform.
Manages project configuration and environment variables for ATK-based projects.

When to use it

When starting a new Teams app, bot, or Declarative Agent project.
When you need to test an agent locally before deploying to the cloud.
When migrating existing Slack bots to the Microsoft Teams ecosystem.
When troubleshooting deployment or authentication issues in a Teams project.
When you need to provision Azure infrastructure for a Teams application.

Advantages

Streamlines the development lifecycle with standardized CLI commands.
Reduces development time by offering a local testing playground.
Provides expert-level guidance for complex cross-platform migrations.
Ensures consistent configuration management across development environments.
Includes robust error-handling protocols for common platform-specific pitfalls.

Usage examples

“Create a new Teams bot project using the default template.”: The agent will initialize a new project folder, configure the necessary YAML files, and guide you through the initial setup using the ATK CLI.
“How do I migrate my Slack bot to Microsoft Teams?”: The agent will initiate the slack-to-teams workflow, providing access to cross-platform bridging experts and guidance on converting UI components.
“My Teams bot is returning a 401 error, how do I fix it?”: The agent will trigger the troubleshooting workflow, checking your environment variables, tunnel status, and authentication configuration.

Install

Download the skill as a ZIP:
https://mp-staging.autogineer.com/agent-skills/microsoft/teams-app-developer/download

Unzip it into the cross-client skills folder of your project:

mkdir -p .agents/skills && unzip teams-app-developer.zip -d .agents/skills

Documentation by Microsoft

Microsoft 365 Agents Toolkit Skill

Build Microsoft 365 agents and Teams apps using the ATK CLI.

AI Behavior Guidelines

Testing Strategy: Recommend Agents Playground first (faster, no M365 needed). Use Teams workflow only if user explicitly requests it.
Environment Variables: NEVER hardcode secrets or make up placeholder values. Always ask users for real values.
Error Handling: Read error messages carefully. Check env/.env.local, .localConfigs, and atk auth list. Common pitfalls:
- AADSTS7000229 → aadApp/create missing generateServicePrincipal: true in YAML — add it and re-provision
- Missing TENANT_ID in .localConfigs → SDK uses wrong token authority → 401 from Bot Connector
- 401 persists after auth fix → devtunnel URL may be blacklisted — create a fresh tunnel
- See troubleshoot/troubleshoot.md for full diagnostic steps
Long-Running Commands — WAIT for completion:
- atk new, atk provision, atk deploy can take several minutes
- Always wait for completion before running the next step (timeout 120000ms+)
Local Service Startup — Hangs terminal (expected):
- npm run dev, npm start, python app.py, devtunnel host, etc. will hang — the process keeps running indefinitely
- ALWAYS run as a background process (isBackground=true) — NEVER use isBackground=false for these commands
- Do NOT wait for it to "finish" — verify startup by checking output for "listening on port" or tunnel URL
- If errors appear, read logs, diagnose, fix, restart
- Use a NEW terminal to launch Agents Playground or open Teams sideloading URL
Monitor App Logs: Periodically check background terminal output for runtime errors. If the app crashes, read the error, fix the root cause, and restart.
Telemetry Tagging: Before running any atk CLI commands, set the session environment variable so all CLI invocations are tagged as skill-initiated:
```
export ATK_CLI_SKILL=true
```
Run this once at the start of the session. All subsequent atk commands in the same terminal will inherit it.

ATK CLI Setup

atk --version  # Must be > 1.1.5-beta

If ATK is not found or version is too old:

npm i -g @microsoft/m365agentstoolkit-cli@beta

CLI Global Options

Option	Meaning	Recommendation
`-i`	Interactive mode	Always use `-i false` in automation to avoid hanging
`-f`	Project folder	Default to be current directory, used when specifying a custom folder. When scaffolding a new project, this is the parent folder where the project folder will be created under.
`-h`	Command help	Use `atk <command> -h` for quick syntax checks

Sub-Skills

Sub-Skill	When to Use	Reference
create-project	Scaffold new project from template, choose template, `atk new`	create-project/create-project.md
test-playground	Test locally with Agents Playground, `agentsplayground`, quick testing	test-playground/test-playground.md
test-teams	Run on Teams, devtunnel, sideload, Teams testing, test in Copilot	test-teams/test-teams.md
provision-deploy	Provision Azure resources, deploy to cloud, `atk provision`, `atk deploy`	provision-deploy/provision-deploy.md
troubleshoot	Fix errors, 401, port conflicts, YAML errors, stale bots	troubleshoot/troubleshoot.md
slack-to-teams	Migrate Slack bot to Teams, cross-platform bridging, Block Kit to Adaptive Cards	slack-to-teams/SKILL.md

MANDATORY: Before executing any workflow, read the corresponding sub-skill document.

Shared References

manifest-and-yaml.md — Project files, YAML config, env vars, .localConfigs flow
commands.md — ATK CLI commands: package, validate, share, collaborate
templates.md — Complete template catalog with language support
experts/ — 100+ micro-expert files: Teams SDK, Slack SDK, cross-platform bridging, deploy, AI models, security, language conversion
docs/ — Platform comparison guides: UI, messaging, identity, infrastructure, feature gaps

Workflow Chains

Match user intent to the smallest valid workflow.

User Intent	Workflow (read in order)
Build new app from scratch	create-project → test-playground
Test existing project locally	test-playground (recommended) or test-teams
Deploy to Azure	provision-deploy
Fix broken bot	troubleshoot → re-test
Migrate Slack bot to Teams	slack-to-teams

MANDATORY: Before executing any slack-to-teams workflow, read slack-to-teams/SKILL.md first. The sub-skill contains a routed expert system with 100+ micro-expert files for cross-platform bot development.

ATK Project Context Resolution

Resolve config values only when missing. If a value is already known in the session, reuse it.

Step 1: Detect ATK Project

If m365agentstoolkit*.yml exists in the current folder, treat it as an ATK project and parse configuration.

Step 2: Resolve Common Configuration

Resolve variables referenced in m365agentstoolkit*.yml. Common variables: AZURE_OPENAI_API_KEY AZURE_OPENAI_ENDPOINT AZURE_OPENAI_DEPLOYMENT_NAME

Step 3: Collect Missing Values

If required values are missing, ask the user for only the missing ones.

Refer to manifest-and-yaml.md for full config-file details.

Files

ATTRIBUTION.mdAdded by AutoGineer906 B
LICENSELicence file added by AutoGineer1.1 KiB
SKILL.md7.6 KiB
create-project/create-project.md8.1 KiB
docs/README.md2.8 KiB
docs/advanced-features.md7.0 KiB
docs/feature-gaps.md46.3 KiB
docs/files-and-links.md4.2 KiB
docs/identity-and-auth.md4.3 KiB
docs/infrastructure.md6.7 KiB
docs/interactive-responses.md4.4 KiB
docs/messaging-and-commands.md4.5 KiB
docs/middleware-and-handlers.md4.4 KiB
docs/ui-components.md6.9 KiB
docs/workflows.md14.4 KiB
experts/README.md8.6 KiB
experts/_expert-ts.md2.2 KiB
experts/analyzer.md14.0 KiB
experts/bridge/app-distribution-packaging-ts.md14.2 KiB
experts/bridge/channel-ops-graph-ts.md15.4 KiB
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experts/bridge/cross-platform-advisor-ts.md36.4 KiB
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experts/bridge/files-upload-download-ts.md17.2 KiB
experts/bridge/identity-oauth-bridge-ts.md19.8 KiB
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experts/bridge/infra-compute-ts.md14.6 KiB
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experts/bridge/infra-secrets-config-ts.md13.2 KiB
experts/bridge/infra-storage-ts.md14.3 KiB
experts/bridge/interactive-responses-ts.md19.6 KiB
experts/bridge/link-unfurl-preview-ts.md17.1 KiB
experts/bridge/middleware-handlers-ts.md15.4 KiB
experts/bridge/python-cross-platform.md9.3 KiB
experts/bridge/rate-limiting-resilience-ts.md17.6 KiB
experts/bridge/rest-only-integration-ts.md8.4 KiB
experts/bridge/scheduling-deferred-send-ts.md17.8 KiB
experts/bridge/shortcuts-extensions-ts.md17.5 KiB
experts/bridge/transport-socketmode-https-ts.md14.3 KiB
experts/bridge/ui-app-home-personal-tab-ts.md14.5 KiB
experts/bridge/ui-block-kit-adaptive-cards-ts.md21.5 KiB
experts/bridge/ui-legacy-attachments-cards-ts.md11.2 KiB
experts/bridge/ui-modals-dialogs-ts.md21.4 KiB
experts/bridge/workflow.composable-platform-ts.md13.7 KiB
experts/bridge/workflows-automation-ts.md14.3 KiB
experts/builder.md11.1 KiB
experts/convert/bulk-conversion-strategy-ts.md12.8 KiB
experts/convert/dependency-mapping-ts.md8.3 KiB
experts/convert/index.md3.5 KiB
experts/convert/java-to-ts-ts.md20.6 KiB
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experts/convert/ruby-to-ts-ts.md9.7 KiB
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experts/models/anthropic-ts.md7.8 KiB
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experts/slack/bolt-assistant-ts.md9.9 KiB
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experts/slack/runtime.ack-rules-ts.md9.8 KiB
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experts/slack/runtime.socket-mode-ts.md9.5 KiB
experts/slack/ui.block-kit-ts.md11.5 KiB
experts/slack/ui.modals-lifecycle-ts.md13.3 KiB
experts/slack/web-api-proactive-ts.md11.0 KiB
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experts/teams/a2a.client-basics-ts.md9.7 KiB
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experts/teams/ai.chatprompt-basics-ts.md8.1 KiB
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toolkit/lifecycle-cli.md17.6 KiB
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experts/slack/cli.getting-started.md

cli.getting-started

purpose

Slack CLI installation, authentication, project scaffolding, system diagnostics, and the .slack/ configuration directory.

rules

Install the Slack CLI from the official release. On macOS use Homebrew (brew install slack-cli), on Windows use the PowerShell installer, on Linux download the tarball from GitHub releases. Verify with slack version.
slack auth login authenticates via browser OAuth. Opens a browser to the Slack OAuth consent screen. After approval, the CLI stores tokens locally in ~/.slack/. You can authenticate with multiple workspaces.
slack auth list shows authenticated workspaces. Lists all logged-in accounts with workspace names and team IDs. The active workspace is marked. Use --team flag on any command to target a specific workspace.
slack create scaffolds a new project from a template. Alias for slack project create. Launches an interactive wizard to pick a template (blank, AI agent, sample app). Supports --template <url> for custom templates and Deno, Node.js, or Python runtimes.
slack project init initializes an existing directory. Links an existing codebase to the Slack platform by creating .slack/ config files. Use when you already have app code.
slack project samples lists available templates. Shows the full catalog of sample templates from the Slack sample repository. Use slack create <name> --template <url> to clone one.
slack doctor diagnoses system setup. Checks installed runtimes (Deno, Node, Python), CLI version, authentication status, and project configuration. Run this first when debugging setup issues.
The .slack/ directory holds project config. Created at the project root. Contains project.json (app IDs, team IDs, runtime info) and cli-config.json (SDK hooks). This directory is auto-generated — don't manually create it.
project.json maps environments to app IDs. Each workspace gets its own app registration. The CLI manages this mapping automatically when you run or deploy to different workspaces.
cli-config.json defines SDK hooks. Hooks are shell commands the CLI executes for lifecycle events: get-manifest, build, start, deploy, validate. The SDK scaffolding sets these up — you rarely edit them directly.
System-level config lives in ~/.slack/. Contains apps.json (auth tokens), global-config.json (user preferences like trust settings), and system-id (unique machine identifier for telemetry).
slack upgrade updates the CLI to the latest version. The CLI also checks for updates in the background on every run. Suppress with SLACK_SKIP_UPDATE=1 or --skip-update.
Global flags apply to all commands. Key flags: --token (pre-provide auth token), --team (target workspace), --app (target app ID), --no-color (disable colors), --debug (verbose logging), --force (bypass confirmations).

patterns

Pattern 1: First-time setup workflow

# Step 1: Install the CLI
# macOS:
brew install slack-cli
# Windows (PowerShell as admin):
# irm https://downloads.slack-edge.com/slack-cli/install-windows.ps1 | iex
# Linux:
# curl -fsSL https://downloads.slack-edge.com/slack-cli/install.sh | bash

# Step 2: Verify installation
slack version

# Step 3: Authenticate with your workspace
slack auth login
# → Opens browser → Approve OAuth → Done

# Step 4: Verify authentication
slack auth list
# Shows: workspace name, team ID, user

# Step 5: Check system health
slack doctor
# Verifies: CLI version, auth, runtimes (Deno/Node/Python)

Pattern 2: Create a new project

# Interactive wizard — pick template and runtime
slack create my-bot

# From a specific template URL
slack create my-bot --template https://github.com/slack-samples/deno-hello-world

# Create an AI agent app
slack project create agent my-agent

# Initialize existing code as a Slack project
cd existing-app/
slack project init

# List available sample templates
slack project samples

Pattern 3: Project directory structure after scaffolding

my-bot/
├── .slack/
│   ├── project.json        # App IDs, team IDs, runtime config
│   └── cli-config.json     # SDK hook definitions
├── manifest.ts              # App manifest (Deno) or slack.json (Node/Python)
├── functions/               # Custom function definitions
├── workflows/               # Workflow definitions
├── triggers/                # Trigger definitions
├── datastores/              # Datastore schemas
├── deno.jsonc / package.json / requirements.txt  # Runtime deps
└── README.md

// .slack/project.json — auto-managed by the CLI
{
  "app_id": "A0123456789",
  "team_id": "T0123456789",
  "runtime": "deno"
}

// .slack/cli-config.json — SDK hooks
{
  "hooks": {
    "get-manifest": "deno run -q --allow-read --allow-net jsr:@anthropic/slack-cli-hooks/mod.ts --manifest",
    "build": "deno run -q --allow-read --allow-net jsr:@anthropic/slack-cli-hooks/mod.ts --build",
    "start": "deno run -q --allow-read --allow-net jsr:@anthropic/slack-cli-hooks/mod.ts --start",
    "deploy": "deno run -q --allow-read --allow-net jsr:@anthropic/slack-cli-hooks/mod.ts --deploy"
  }
}

pitfalls

Skipping slack doctor when setup fails — It catches missing runtimes, stale auth, and config issues. Always run it first.
Manually creating .slack/ files — The CLI generates and manages these. Manual edits can corrupt the project state. Use CLI commands instead.
Forgetting --team with multiple workspaces — Without --team, the CLI uses the default workspace. When working with multiple, always specify the target.
Using slack login instead of slack auth login — login is an alias that works, but be aware the full command is auth login when reading docs.
Running slack create inside an existing project — Creates a nested project. Run it in the parent directory or use slack project init for existing code.
Stale auth tokens — Tokens expire. If commands fail with auth errors, run slack auth login again. Use slack auth list to check status.
Corporate proxy blocking OAuth flow — The browser-based login requires HTTPS access to slack.com. If blocked, use slack auth login --token xoxp-... with a manually obtained token.
CI/CD without browser access — Use ticket-based login: slack auth login --no-prompt --ticket <T> --challenge <C> for headless environments.

references

instructions

Do a web search for:

"Slack CLI install auth login quickstart 2025"
"slack create project template Deno Node Python"
"Slack CLI .slack project.json cli-config.json hooks"

Pair with:

cli.local-dev-deploy.md — local development and deployment after project creation
cli.manifest-triggers.md — manifest configuration for the scaffolded project
runtime.bolt-foundations-ts.md — Bolt SDK patterns used within CLI-managed projects
runtime.socket-mode-ts.md — Socket Mode setup for local development

research

Deep Research prompt:

"Write a micro expert on Slack CLI getting started (installation, authentication, project scaffolding). Cover CLI installation methods (Homebrew, PowerShell, tarball), slack auth login/logout/list, slack create and project create/init/samples, slack doctor diagnostics, .slack/ config directory (project.json, cli-config.json), SDK hooks system, global flags (--token, --team, --app, --debug), system-level config (~/.slack/), and slack upgrade. Include canonical patterns for: first-time setup workflow, project creation variants, scaffolded directory structure."

Requirements and compatibility

Works with: Claude Code, Claude apps, OpenAI Codex, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Gemini CLI, Kiro, OpenCode, Goose, Amp, Roo Code, JetBrains Junie, Factory Droid, Devin (ex-Windsurf), Mistral Vibe, OpenHands, Letta

“Works with” means the tool reads the open Agent Skills format; a skill written for one tool may use features others lack.

Needs: Needs an API key, Needs Python, Needs Node.js

Security

What our scanner noticed· Medium risk

Possible data-exfiltration endpoints
Instructions that use the network
Downloads piped into a shell

A static scan is not a guarantee. Skills are third-party content: review a skill before you let an agent use it.

Attribution and licence

Published by

Microsoft

Publisher

Microsoft (Official)

Source

microsoft/skills · .github/plugins/microsoft-365-agents-toolkit/skills/teams-app-developer · commit 0696600

Licence

MIT License (redistribution allowed)

LICENSE (added by AutoGineer from LICENSE)
ATTRIBUTION.md (written by AutoGineer)

Synced

2026-11-08

AutoGineer is not affiliated with or endorsed by Microsoft.

Download ZIP

The ZIP holds the skill’s files, its licence files and an ATTRIBUTION.md. Download teams-app-developer.zip