Alex2Node/examples/README.md
David 785944b2da readme: quick start, generated capability table, recipes, bridge contract, migration
The readme is rewritten for 2.0: what the library needs, install, the lamp
as quick start, concepts, the table of interfaces, recipes, the bridge
contract, errors, testing without Alexa, migration from 1.x and limits.
scripts/capability-table.js (npm run docs) writes the table from the
registry and the text of three example files into their code blocks;
"Through Alexa" names only the runs of 2026-09-28, made with 1.5.2.
test/readme.test.js fails on a stale table or file, runs
examples/testing/lamp.test.js (MemoryPublisher, no broker) and compiles the
other code blocks. package.json: description, keywords, CHANGELOG.md in files.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Fable 5.1 <noreply@anthropic.com>
2026-09-28 22:04:03 +00:00

51 lines
2.6 KiB
Markdown

# Examples
One file per recipe, on the 2.0 API. Each file is complete: it declares one device, answers its directives and
connects. The state of the device is an object in the file, which you replace with what drives your device.
| File | Device | Interfaces | Shows |
|---|---|---|---|
| [lamp.js](lamp.js) | lamp | PowerController, BrightnessController | handlers, `device.state()`, `ctx.respond()` |
| [color-lamp.js](color-lamp.js) | colour lamp | + ColorController, ColorTemperatureController | a state that depends on the mode of the device |
| [thermostat.js](thermostat.js) | thermostat | ThermostatController, TemperatureSensor | one setpoint, three modes, temperature scales |
| [blind.js](blind.js) | roller blind | RangeController | an instance, friendly names, semantics for open and close |
| [lock.js](lock.js) | lock | LockController | `ctx.defer()` for an answer that takes longer than 7 seconds |
| [sensor.js](sensor.js) | contact sensor | ContactSensor | `device.changeReport()` |
| [scene.js](scene.js) | scene | SceneController | ActivationStarted and DeactivationStarted |
| [doorbell.js](doorbell.js) | doorbell | DoorbellEventSource | `device.raise()` |
| [errors.js](errors.js) | fan | PowerController, RangeController | `AlexaErrors`, `ctx.error()` |
| [plug.mjs](plug.mjs) | plug | PowerController | the library as an ES module |
## Run one
The examples read the MQTT user name, the password and the root topic of your Alex2MQTT account from the
environment, and say which variable is missing:
```sh
ALEX2MQTT_USERNAME=... ALEX2MQTT_PASSWORD=... ALEX2MQTT_ROOT_TOPIC=... node examples/lamp.js
```
In a checkout of this repository `npm install` comes first: it builds `dist/`, which `require("alex2node")` resolves
to. Then discover the devices in the Alexa app.
`sensor.js` and `doorbell.js` wait for the Enter key: it opens and closes the door, and rings the bell.
`lock.js` takes `BOLT_SECONDS`, the time its bolt needs, 8 by default.
## Test a device without a broker
[testing/lamp.test.js](testing/lamp.test.js) tests a lamp with a `MemoryPublisher` and `bridge.receive()`. It needs
no credentials and connects nowhere:
```sh
node examples/testing/lamp.test.js
```
## What was tested
`test/examples.test.js` starts every file with `node`, against a broker on 127.0.0.1, discovers the device, sends
it directives and checks the answers. The examples were not run against an Alexa account. `doorbell.js` publishes
to `<root>/event`, and whether a press reaches Alexa depends on the Alex2MQTT service relaying that topic.
## 1.x
[legacy/](legacy) has the nine examples of 1.5.2, on the 1.x API.