Simplify Communication with NOVU: A Developer's Guide
Tags: womenintech, beginners, codenewbie, programming
Published: 2024-03-19 17:55:53

**Hello Artisan,**

Today's blog is about the open-source Notification infrastructure called **NOVU**.

In today's digital era, to make software projects successful, communication is key. There are several channels to communicate with users. 

However, handling multiple channels has critical tasks. While big giant companies make their in-house notification infrastructure, which is way too hard to maintain. To make it simple **NOVU** was built.

Imagine a platform that brings together all your notification channels into one easy-to-use system. That's the beauty of open-source Novu a notification infrastructure – it's changing the game for developers everywhere. 

It is a powerful tool, designed to provide simple components and APIs that manages Email, SMS, Direct, In-App, and Push notifications a breeze. Let's unravel how this innovative solution is streamlining developer workflows and making life easier for teams.

**This blog is divided into two parts.**
1. How to use the Novu Notification Dashboard to create a workflow.
2. Use of Novu in Laravel through the novu-laravel SDK

Let's dive into the first part and create a workflow.

**Register yourself through with this link [NOVU](https://web.novu.co/auth/login).**

1. After registration is done, you will be redirected to Novu dashboard. 

- On the left side you will see the `Workflow` option click on it.
- Now on the right side click on `Add a workflow` and create a `Blank Workflow`. 
- See the screenshot below for reference.
![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/43td8h919hvlycv152y0.png)

2.Give a name to your workflow and click on the `+` sign below the `Workflow trigger` or `drag and drop` required channel to the workflow. 

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/d2lpo1ehj2c9wfekayq3.png)

In our example, we are going to use `Email` and `SMS` channels. After selecting the channels we will provide the details and text used for email and SMS.

To add details click on the Email channel it will open an editor window where we can add `sender name`, `subject`, and `email body` and click on the `update` button to save the changes. 

The same steps need to be followed for the SMS channel.

We have added a `step variable` as `{{username}}` in the payload section. This variable contains the name of user to whom we are sending an Email and SMS.

To test, we need to trigger an event to do that click on the `Get Snippet` button and select the `Run a test` tab.

Now provide the mobile number, email address. In playload section add `username` and hit on `Run Trigger` button. 

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/q3zuri4oje6xmn33cqga.png)

It will send an email and SMS notification to the user whose information is provided.

That's it. We have easily created a single notification infrastructure with multiple (Email and SMS) channels in one go. 

You can find more information here [Novu Documentation](https://docs.novu.co/getting-started/introduction)

In the next blog post, we will implement and use it in laravel application. 

**Happy Reading!!**
**Happy Coding!!**
:unicorn: :heart: