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
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SKILL.md7.6 KiB
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toolkit/publish.md

Publishing

purpose

Publishing workflow for M365 agents — from local sideloading through org catalog distribution to public Teams Store / Microsoft AppSource submission. Applies to Teams apps, declarative agents, message extensions, and Copilot connectors; the org-catalog and Store stages are the same for all of them.

rules

Three publishing stages: sideload → org catalog → Teams Store. Each stage expands the audience. Sideload is developer-only. Org catalog reaches your tenant. Teams Store is public to all Teams users.
Sideloading is for development and testing. Upload the app package directly in Teams (Apps → Manage your apps → Upload a custom app). No admin approval needed, but only you can see the app. Requires "Upload custom apps" policy to be enabled.
atk publish submits to the org catalog. The command packages the app and submits it to the Teams Admin Center. An admin must approve the submission before the app appears in the org's app catalog.
Admin approval happens in Teams Admin Center. After atk publish, admins review the submission at admin.teams.microsoft.com → Teams apps → Manage apps. They can approve, reject, or request changes.
atk validate catches manifest errors before publishing. Always validate before publishing. The command checks the manifest against the Teams schema, verifies required fields, and flags common issues. Fix all validation errors before submitting.
atk package creates the submission artifact. Generates a .zip bundle containing the resolved manifest.json and icon files. This is the file that gets uploaded to the org catalog or Partner Center.
Version bumping is required for updates. When publishing an update to an already-published app, increment the version field in manifest.json. The org catalog and Teams Store reject submissions with the same version as an existing entry.
atk update pushes changes to an existing Teams app. Updates the app registration without creating a new one. Use this after changing manifest properties, bot endpoints, or permissions.
Teams Store submission goes through Partner Center. To publish publicly, submit the app package at partner.microsoft.com. Microsoft reviews the app against validation policies (functionality, security, compliance). Review takes 1-2+ weeks.
Teams Store validation requirements are strict. The app must: work correctly in all declared scopes, handle errors gracefully, not crash or hang, follow Teams design guidelines, include privacy policy and terms of use URLs, and pass automated testing.
Pre-submission checklist. Before any publishing: validate manifest (atk validate), test in real Teams client (not just playground), verify all URLs are HTTPS and reachable, confirm icons meet size requirements (192x192 color, 32x32 outline), and ensure the app works in all declared scopes (personal, team, groupChat).
App update propagation varies by stage. Sideloaded updates are immediate. Org catalog updates require admin re-approval. Teams Store updates require Microsoft re-review.

patterns

Pattern 1: Publishing to org catalog

# Step 1: Validate the manifest
atk validate --manifest-file ./appPackage/manifest.json
# Fix any reported errors before continuing

# Step 2: Package the app
atk package --manifest-file ./appPackage/manifest.json \
  --output-package-file ./build/appPackage.zip

# Step 3: Publish to org catalog (submits for admin approval)
atk publish --env dev -i false

# Step 4: Notify your Teams admin to approve in Admin Center
# admin.teams.microsoft.com → Teams apps → Manage apps → search for your app

# Step 5: After approval, users find the app in Teams → Apps → Built for your org

Pattern 2: App update workflow

# Step 1: Bump the version in manifest.json
# Before: "version": "1.0.0"
# After:  "version": "1.1.0"

# Step 2: Validate the updated manifest
atk validate --manifest-file ./appPackage/manifest.json

# Step 3: Update the Teams app registration
atk update

# Step 4: Re-package with the new version
atk package --manifest-file ./appPackage/manifest.json \
  --output-package-file ./build/appPackage.zip

# Step 5: Re-publish (triggers admin re-approval for org catalog)
atk publish

Pattern 3: Manifest fields required for publishing

// appPackage/manifest.json — fields required for org catalog and Teams Store
{
  "$schema": "https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/json-schemas/teams/v1.26/MicrosoftTeams.schema.json",
  "manifestVersion": "1.26",
  "version": "1.0.0",  // Must increment for updates
  "id": "${{TEAMS_APP_ID}}",
  "developer": {
    "name": "Your Company",                          // Required
    "websiteUrl": "https://yourcompany.com",         // Required — HTTPS
    "privacyUrl": "https://yourcompany.com/privacy", // Required for Store
    "termsOfUseUrl": "https://yourcompany.com/terms" // Required for Store
  },
  "name": {
    "short": "My Bot",        // Max 30 chars
    "full": "My Bot for Teams" // Max 100 chars
  },
  "description": {
    "short": "A helpful Teams bot",                    // Max 80 chars, required
    "full": "Detailed description of what the bot does, its features, and how to use it. This appears in the Teams Store listing." // Max 4000 chars
  },
  "icons": {
    "color": "color.png",     // 192x192 px, full color
    "outline": "outline.png"  // 32x32 px, transparent + white only
  },
  "bots": [
    {
      "botId": "${{BOT_ID}}",
      "scopes": ["personal", "team", "groupChat"],
      "commandLists": [
        {
          "scopes": ["personal"],
          "commands": [
            { "title": "help", "description": "Show help information" },
            { "title": "start", "description": "Start a new conversation" }
          ]
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "permissions": ["identity", "messageTeamMembers"],
  "validDomains": ["${{BOT_DOMAIN}}"]
}

pitfalls

Publishing without validating first — atk validate catches schema errors, missing fields, and invalid URLs. Skipping it means surprises during admin review or Store rejection.
Same version number on update — The org catalog and Store reject duplicate versions. Always bump version in manifest.json before re-publishing.
Missing privacy/terms URLs — Required for Teams Store submission. Org catalog may accept without them, but add them early to avoid rework.
Icons wrong size or format — Color icon must be 192x192 PNG. Outline icon must be 32x32 PNG with only white and transparent pixels. Wrong sizes cause validation failure.
Not testing in all declared scopes — If manifest declares personal, team, and groupChat scopes, the app must work correctly in all three. Store review tests all declared scopes.
Forgetting admin approval step — atk publish only submits. The app isn't available until an admin approves it in the Teams Admin Center. Plan for this delay.
Testing only in playground before publishing — The playground doesn't cover SSO, message extensions, or Teams-specific behaviors. Always do a full sideload test in the real Teams client.
Partner Center submission without meeting all policies — Microsoft's validation checks functionality, security, performance, and compliance. Read the validation guidelines before submitting.

references

instructions

Do a web search for:

"Microsoft Teams app publishing org catalog admin approval 2025"
"atk publish validate package CLI commands"
"Teams Store submission Partner Center validation requirements"

Pair with:

../experts/teams/runtime.manifest-ts.md — manifest structure and schema requirements
lifecycle-cli.md — CLI commands for validate, package, publish
environments.md — environment-specific publishing (dev vs production)
../experts/deploy/azure-bot-deploy-ts.md — deploy must succeed before publishing

research

Deep Research prompt:

"Write a micro expert on Microsoft Teams app publishing workflow (TypeScript). Cover the three publishing stages (sideload, org catalog, Teams Store), atk publish / validate / package / update commands, admin approval flow in Teams Admin Center, Partner Center submission for Teams Store, validation requirements (manifest schema, icons, scopes, privacy/terms URLs), version bumping for updates, and the complete pre-submission checklist. Include canonical patterns for: org catalog publishing steps, app update workflow, manifest fields required for Store submission."

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