slack

# Slack

## Purpose

Provide Slack access for reading messages and posting notifications. Supports two access methods: MCP server (recommended) or direct API via bot token.

## Quick Reference

### Method 1: MCP Server (Recommended)

If a Slack MCP server is configured, use it directly - no setup required.

### Method 2: Bot Token + API

```bash
# Check if Slack env vars are configured
grep -E '^SLACK_(BOT_TOKEN|CHANNEL_ID)=' .env

# Fetch recent messages
source .env
curl -s -H "Authorization: Bearer $SLACK_BOT_TOKEN" \
  "https://slack.com/api/conversations.history?channel=$SLACK_CHANNEL_ID&limit=10" \
  | jq '.messages[] | {ts: .ts, text: .text}'
```

## Access Methods

### MCP Server (Recommended)

If a Slack MCP server is available, it handles authentication and provides tools like:
- `slack_list_channels` - List available channels
- `slack_read_messages` - Read messages from a channel
- `slack_post_message` - Post a message to a channel
- `slack_search` - Search messages

Check MCP server availability before falling back to direct API.

### Direct API via Bot Token

For projects without MCP, use Slack's REST API with a bot token.

#### Prerequisites

Add to `.env` file:

```bash
# Slack Bot Token (xoxb-...)
# Get from: Slack App > OAuth & Permissions > Bot User OAuth Token
SLACK_BOT_TOKEN=xoxb-your-token-here

# Default Channel ID
# Get from: Right-click channel > View channel details > Copy ID (at bottom)
SLACK_CHANNEL_ID=C0XXXXXXXX

# Optional: Additional channels
SLACK_ALERTS_CHANNEL_ID=C0XXXXXXXX
SLACK_NOTIFICATIONS_CHANNEL_ID=C0XXXXXXXX
```

#### Bot Token Scopes

The Slack bot needs these OAuth scopes:
- `channels:history` - Read messages from public channels
- `channels:read` - View basic channel info
- `chat:write` - Post messages
- `files:write` - Upload files (optional)

## Reading Messages

### Via MCP (if available)

```
Use slack_read_messages tool with channel parameter
```

### Via API

```bash
source .env

# Fetch recent messages
curl -s -H "Aut