channels overview

how channels work

every channel implements the Channel trait:

#[async_trait]
pub trait Channel: Send + Sync {
    async fn start(&self) -> Result<()>;
    async fn stop(&self) -> Result<()>;
    fn name(&self) -> &str;
}

all channels run simultaneously through the daemon's JoinSet. each channel receives messages, routes them through the agent, and sends responses back.

available channels

channel	transport	auth
CLI	stdin/stdout	none
Telegram	Bot API (long polling)	bot token
Discord	Gateway WebSocket	bot token
Slack	Events API	app + bot token
Matrix	homeserver sync	access token
iMessage	AppleScript bridge	macOS only
WhatsApp	Business API	API credentials
Webhook	HTTP POST	gateway pairing

security

each channel has an allowlist for authorized users/groups:

• empty list = deny all (safe default)
• "*" = allow all (explicit opt-in)
• specific IDs = exact match

implementing a custom channel

use baihu::channels::Channel;

struct MyChannel;

#[async_trait]
impl Channel for MyChannel {
    async fn start(&self) -> Result<()> {
        // connect and listen for messages
    }

    async fn stop(&self) -> Result<()> {
        // graceful disconnect
    }

    fn name(&self) -> &str {
        "my-channel"
    }
}