redux-scraper/backlog/tasks/task-82 - Add-start-command-to-Telegram-bot-with-usage-instructions.md

id, title, status, assignee, created_date, updated_date, labels, dependencies

id	title	status	assignee	created_date	updated_date	labels	dependencies
task-82	Add /start command to Telegram bot with usage instructions	To Do		2025-07-31	2025-07-31	telegram bot commands ux help

Description

Implement a /start command handler in the Telegram bot that provides clear instructions to users on how to use the visual image search functionality

Acceptance Criteria

• Bot responds to /start command with helpful instructions
• Instructions explain how to send or forward images for search
• Instructions mention the >90% similarity threshold
• Response includes examples of supported image formats
• Response is user-friendly and well-formatted
• Command works for both new and existing users
• Bot continues to handle regular image messages normally
• Help text is concise but comprehensive

Implementation Plan

1. Add command detection logic to TelegramBotTask#handle_message to identify /start commands
2. Create a dedicated method handle_start_command to process /start requests
3. Design clear, user-friendly help text explaining bot functionality
4. Include information about supported image formats and similarity threshold
5. Add examples of how to send or forward images
6. Format response text with proper Markdown for readability
7. Test /start command works for new conversations and existing chats
8. Ensure /start command doesn't interfere with image processing workflow
9. Verify response is sent immediately without 'analyzing' delay
10. Update any existing documentation to mention the /start command