Slash Commands

Slash commands have existed since the Internet Relay Chat (IRC) days, but their usage primarily grew when popular modern apps like Slack and Discord started using them, allowing users access to additional features from the chat box.

What Are Slash Commands?

Slash commands are a messaging feature in an application that enables users to trigger common functions in an app. Users type a forward slash (/) followed by a specific command name.

They act as shortcuts, improving the user experience while saving time.

For example, you could type /help to access documentation or a specific guide, eliminating the need to navigate a website or in-app menus.

How Do Slash Commands Work? 

Users begin by typing a forward slash (/) in the message composer. This triggers a list of available commands from which they can choose the desired option.

Once they select or type the command, the app executes the corresponding action. 

Developers adding this functionality to their apps should use the following syntax to create effective commands in real-time applications.

Slash Command Syntax

• Trigger: This is the forward-slash (/) character that triggers the list of commands available in your messaging application.

• Command name (keyword): A command name is the keyword you select or enter to perform a specific task. The keyword reflects what happens after the command executes, such as /invite for a user invitation function.

• Parameters (optional): Parameters are optional arguments you can include for customization. For example, you can send messages by including target user(s) and message parameters in a /send_message command.

• Dropdown options: These are command names that appear once you type the forward slash character. Applications show built-in and frequently-used commands in their dropdown menu.

Common Slash Command Features

These commands typically have the following accessibility and usability features:

• Autosuggestion: This lists commands depending on what a user types. For example, a chat application might display ones like /call and /clear if they type a command starting with /c.

• User-friendly interface: Chat apps typically make it easy for users to identify and use slash commands. They may place the commands in different categories, enabling quick identification of the options users need. For example, at the top of a slash command menu, the developers may add a navbar with different categories, like media and text. 

• Shortcuts: This feature allows users to tap keys on their keyboard, triggering specific commands without typing in the message composer. 

• Integration with third-party services: Some platforms' commands may integrate with other apps or services. For example, users can type /chat to start a conversation on WhatsApp or Telegram.

Benefits of Using Slash Commands 

Implementing this feature comes with many benefits, including:

Improved Productivity

Slash commands reduce user input significantly. Users don't need to skim through menus to find a command. They also don't need to go through different steps to execute an action.

They can assign a task, send a direct message, or get help from the message composer with minimal input.

Consistency Across Apps

Most commands are similar across different chat applications. For example, developers use /help to direct users to user guides. Once the user becomes familiar with this syntax, they can easily adopt new software. 

Ability to Use Keyboard Shortcuts

Like conventional keyboard shortcuts, developers can map commands to specific keys, allowing users to access features with minimal typing. Take /save as an example, which can map to the S key. This is handy for power users who prioritize speed.

Automation

Slash commands condense multiple-step processes into a single action. Once triggered, they execute intermediate processes in the background. As such, the user doesn't have to perform the individual steps.

Similarly, they automate processes between integrated services and applications. A command in one application can trigger actions in other applications. For instance, the previously mentioned /save may allow users to save a document in a cloud storage like Dropbox.

Customization

Besides automation, they can facilitate customization in an application. You can create custom ones accessible only to specific users, like admins.

Furthermore, you can include customizable commands that users can modify to suit their preferences. For example, an admin can use /approve to approve a document, while a normal user may use it to request approval.

Slash Command Use Cases 

There are several use cases for these commands, including:

Customer Service

They enhance customer service by improving the accessibility of user guides and other customer-related information.

An agent doesn't need to navigate several screens to initiate an action. By typing the forward-slash (/) and choosing an action, they can issue a ticket or send an email seamlessly. 

Task Management

With this feature, users can create, delegate, and track tasks without leaving the current conversation. This saves time and streamlines business workflows.

Additionally, they can send documents or initiate conversations with different channels from a single message composer. For example, they can use /assign to assign a task to a team member.

Accessibility

Since this is a keyboard-based feature, it allows users who cannot use a mouse to access an app's features.

Some popular social messaging apps like Discord make these commands accessible in other ways, like allowing screen readers to interact with them.

Best Practices for Implementing Slash Commands

Consider implementing the following best practices in your app for a better user experience:

Keep Commands Simple and Consistent

Use simple and easy-to-remember names. /timeout is more memorable than /temporarilyrestrict.

Naming must be consistent, too. Don't use /help for some information and /assistance elsewhere.

You should also avoid using multiple parameters when able, since they may confuse new users. 

Commands should feel simple and natural, to the point where users can often intuit their functionality based on the name.

Provide Rich Documentation

Provide users with clear and easy-to-understand documentation detailing every aspect of your commands. Offer a deep explanation of parameters, variations, and limitations, along with examples to model usage and prevent frustration.

Implement Strict Security Measures

While this feature improves the user experience, it's prone to misuse if developers fail to implement strict security features. Two important areas to consider are validation and rate limiting.

Validation makes sure that user input meets specified requirements. This can be done through input validation and role-based permissions.

Input validation checks if the input matches the expected data type and preset limits. For example, the command will reject a text input if it expects a number or if a user tries to enter a number outside the limits of a specific integer type.

Your commands should also validate if a user has appropriate permissions to trigger certain actions, especially administrative or root functions. Random users should not be able to delete accounts or change server settings.

Provide consistent and clear error messages when validation fails. Include a brief explanation of the error, why the permission validation failed, and what the user should do.

Rate limiting limits the frequency at which a user can execute a command within a specified period. It protects your system resources against abuse, keeping your application accessible to all users.

You can also set rate limits on specific custom commands. In this case, resource-heavy image or video processing actions can have lower rate limits than light ones.

Test Your Commands

Test thoroughly to catch errors before deploying to production, including testing edge cases to identify hidden bugs that might not show up during normal testing. This ensures your commands accept the right user input, validate correctly, and execute as expected. 

Act on User Feedback

Encourage users to leave feedback after using this feature. It provides ample information that you can use to improve and refine it.

Frequently Asked Questions