initialize

This page describes the initialize() function in zalo-bot-js, used to initialize internal transports and validate the bot token before the runtime starts processing updates.

This function is useful when you want explicit lifecycle control instead of letting the SDK initialize implicitly during polling.

Function signature

initialize(): Promise<void>

What this function does

When called, the SDK will:

1. initialize internal transports
2. call getMe() to validate the token
3. store initialized state to avoid repeated setup

When to use it

• fail early if the token is invalid
• initialize the bot before starting an HTTP server or worker
• separate app boot from update processing

Example

import "dotenv/config";
import { Bot } from "zalo-bot-js";

const bot = new Bot({ token: process.env.ZALO_BOT_TOKEN! });

async function main() {
  await bot.initialize();
  console.log("Bot is ready");
}

void main();

Relationship with getMe()

initialize() uses getMe() internally to validate the token. If getMe() fails, initialize() also fails.

Practical notes

• if you use startPolling(), the SDK will call initialize() for you
• if you manage the lifecycle explicitly, pair initialize() with shutdown

Next

• See shutdown to close transports when the app stops.
• See getMe to understand how token validation works.

Last updated: April 5, 2026