How WhatsApp Business API Works: Official vs Unofficial

Did you know that integrating WhatsApp with N8N using an Unofficial WhatsApp API can transform your business automation?

WhatsApp's unofficial APIs are an interesting alternative for those looking for more flexibility and savings, without compromising legality. 

Although Meta does not directly link these APIs, they do, however, make it possible to create robust automations, send messages, configure chatbots, and integrate systems with WhatsApp in a practical and efficient way. In this article, you will learn how to:

• Create your account on the unofficial API;
  
• Configure the integration with N8N;
  
• Automatically send messages via WhatsApp;
  
• Trigger smart automations with chatbots and AI;
  
• Use webhooks to receive and process messages.
  

All this using accessible tools, such as ZAPI and N8N, to transform your communication on WhatsApp into an automated and efficient process! Enjoy reading! 

Unofficial WhatsApp API: What are they? 

Unofficial WhatsApp APIs are developed by companies with no direct connection to Meta (the company responsible for WhatsApp). This does not mean that they are illegal, but rather that third parties offer solutions to integrate WhatsApp with automated systems.

While the official API is directly linked to Meta and has strict usage rules, unofficial APIs offer more flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Many companies use them extensively to create automations, chatbots, and send bulk messages.

If you want to understand more about the differences between the Unofficial WhatsApp API and Official WhatsApp Business API, check out the full article on the NoCode Startup blog. 

Among the most popular Unofficial WhatsApp API options are: 

• Z-API: tool widely used for its simplicity and advanced features;
• MegaAPI: known for its stability and technical support;
• Evolution API: stands out for its easy integration with other systems.
  

Why use Unofficial APIs on N8N?

Using an Unofficial WhatsApp API in N8N allows you to create robust and customized integrations, ensuring flexibility and savings in customer communication. Using unofficial WhatsApp APIs in N8N, you gain:

• Flexibility: customize message sending, create automated flows and integrate with other systems; 
• Economy: use affordable alternatives without compromising functionality 
• Speed of implementation: unofficial APIs are easy to configure and have detailed documentation; 
• Full automation: send messages, automatic responses and create chatbots in a practical way.

In other words, with the Unofficial WhatsApp API, you can set up automated flows, send messages automatically, and even create smart chatbots.

Additionally, you can integrate these features with other tools to further expand their capabilities.

Next, you will understand how to configure your Z-API account and start integrating with N8N to optimize sending messages via WhatsApp.

How does the integration with the unofficial WhatsApp API work? Check out the step-by-step guide 

Integrate WhatsApp with N8N Using an Unofficial WhatsApp API is a simple and straightforward process. The main advantage of this method is flexibility, as it allows create custom automations for sending and receiving messages. 

This in addition to enabling the creation of chatbots and artificial intelligence (AI) agents. Let's understand how it works?

To perform the integration, we will use Z-API, one of the most popular unofficial APIs. ZAPI allows you to send messages and configure them automatically via WhatsApp. Here are the essential steps to configure it:

Step 1 – Registration on the Z-API API:

The first step is to register on the platform. To do this, follow the steps below:

• Go to the official Z-API website and click on the “Take a free trial” option. If you do not have an account yet, click on the link provided to start the registration process;
• Fill in the required fields with your information and, when finished, you will be directed to the Z-API control panel;
• In the Z-API dashboard, you will see a dashboard that displays your instances. Each instance corresponds to a linked WhatsApp number. To connect your number to the Z-API dashboard, click on the instance you want to use;
• On the instance screen, you will find a QR Code. To connect your number, open WhatsApp on your device, go to settings, click on “Connected Devices” and then “Add a device”. 
• Point the camera at the QR Code displayed on the Z-API, in the same way you do to use WhatsApp Web;
• Once the number is successfully linked, the Z-API dashboard will indicate that the instance is “Connected”. 

Now you are ready to start integrate WhatsApp with N8N and use the features of the unofficial API.

Step 2 – Configuring the API on N8N

So the next step is configure API on N8N for the integration with WhatsApp to work correctly. To do this, follow the steps below:

• Access your N8N account and click on the option to create a new workflow;
• Add a manual trigger by clicking the add button and selecting “manual trigger” from the list of options;
  Within the workflow, add a node of type “HTTP Request” to make the WhatsApp API call;
• Set the method to “POST” and enter the URL provided by Z-API, which contains the endpoint to send messages (e.g., “api.z-api.io/instances/{your-instance}/sendText“);
• In the “Headers” field, add the authentication information, including the client token and the account security token, as indicated in the Z-API documentation; 
• In the “Body” field, enter the mandatory parameters, such as the recipient’s number and the message to be sent.
• After configuring the necessary fields, click “Run” to test sending the message. N8N will display a success confirmation.

Once you successfully send the message, the N8N interface will display the response, confirming that the integration is working correctly.

Step 3 – Testing Message Sending:

Now that you have configured the API in N8N, it is time to test sending the message to ensure that the integration is working correctly. Follow the steps below:

• In N8N, click on the “Run” option to run the workflow you just configured;
• Check the N8N interface to see if the message “Node executed successfully” appears. This indicates that the flow was executed correctly;
  Now, open WhatsApp on the device you linked to the Z-API and check if the message sent through the workflow reached the recipient;
• If the message was not sent, therefore, review the API settings in N8N, especially the URL, Headers and Body fields;
• If the message arrived correctly, congratulations! The integration between WhatsApp and N8N using the unofficial API was successful.

Step 4 – Automating Message Receiving:

So far your integration is working correctly, the next step is to automate the receipt of messages in N8N: 

• In N8N, open the workflow you created earlier or, if you prefer, create a new workflow.
• Add a trigger node of type “Webhook” to receive messages automatically;
• Set the webhook method to “POST” and choose a name for the path, such as “webhook-api-whatsapp”;
• Copy the webhook address that will be generated automatically;
• In the Z-API dashboard, access the linked instance and go to the Webhook settings;
• Paste the copied webhook address into the field indicated for receiving messages;
• Save your changes and return to N8N to verify that the webhook is active and ready to receive messages.

Then, whenever a new message is received on the linked WhatsApp, N8N will automatically capture it. In addition, you can configure additional actions, such as automatic replies or processing of the received data.

Conclusion

Integrating WhatsApp with N8N using an Unofficial WhatsApp API like Z-API is a practical and efficient solution to automate processes and improve communication with your customers. 

By following the step-by-step instructions in this article, you are ready to transform your business's communication management with advanced and accessible resources.

So, how about starting now, becoming an automation expert with N8N? Take advantage now and access the NoCode Startup N8N course. A free 100% course that will teach you how to create incredible integrations and automate processes efficiently!

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from experts and enhance your automation skills. 

AI Coding technology, also known as AI Code or Vibe Coding, is changing the way we code and develop software. Furthermore, this new approach uses artificial intelligence to simplify the coding process. But how does it do this?

In this content, you will understand what AI Coding is and the possibilities it offers.

Also, learn about the best Vibe Coding tools available. They will allow you to start exploring this innovation and create your own solutions with ease. Happy reading!

What is Vibe Coding?

AI Coding, or Vibe Coding, transforms software development. It enables people without advanced skills to create applications, websites, or automations using only simple natural language descriptions.

The term “Vibe Coding” was coined by Andrej Karpathy, one of the founders of OpenAI. It refers to the process of using large language models, such as those in generative AI, to generate application code almost autonomously. This happens from simple commands or descriptions.

The core idea of automation is that the programmer simply “describes the vibe” of what they want, and AI translates that intent into working code. In other words, Vibe Coding offers a more intuitive way to develop applications.

To do this, it uses MVVM (Model-View-View-Model) models, which facilitate interaction with artificial intelligence. As a result, it is possible to generate and adapt the code according to the user's needs.

Why is Vibe Coding the ideal programming for non-developers? 

Vibe Coding is revolutionizing the startups by providing a more accessible and agile approach to software development. 

The main attraction of Vibe Coding for non-developers is its ease of use. 

Since it uses AI to generate code from simple natural language descriptions as I mentioned earlier, anyone, regardless of their technical background, can create anything from applications to complex automations. 

In other words, the need to understand complicated programming languages is practically eliminated.

Furthermore, Vibe Coding's accessibility allows professionals from areas such as marketing, design or operations, who would not normally have access to the world of programming, can create their own technological solutions intuitively and without technical barriers. 

This allows companies and startups to innovate more quickly and cost-effectively. These changes make Vibe Coding an excellent opportunity for those who want to get involved in technological development, even without formal programming training. 

In this way, with the help of the best Vibe Coding tools, this revolution can become even more accessible and efficient. But what are they? We will see below.

What can you create with Vibe Conding? Explore the possibilities

Vibe Coding offers a wide range of creative possibilities, allowing professionals, even no programming experience, develop various applications and technological solutions. The main possible creations include:

• Web and mobile applications: with Vibe Coding, it is possible create custom applications for web or mobile devices, meeting specific needs without the complexity of traditional development;
• Automations and bots: artificial intelligence makes it easier to create bots and automations that can perform repetitive tasks, such as responding to emails or processing data, increasing operational efficiency;
• Productivity tools: users can develop tools that help with personal organization or project management, adapted to their routines and preferences;
• Recommendation systems: the creation of systems that suggest products, services or content based on user behavior becomes accessible, improving the user experience on digital platforms; 
• Prototypes and MVPs (Minimum Viable Products): Entrepreneurs can quickly turn ideas into functional prototypes or MVPs, facilitating market testing and concept validation.​

Just imagine a designer who wants to create a customized platform to schedule meetings efficiently, without having in-depth programming knowledge. 

Using Vibe Coding, you can simply describe the functionality of the system, and the AI tool generates the code to create a scheduling platform.

In just a few steps, you have a practical and functional solution, ready to use.

These possibilities highlight the potential of Vibe Coding to democratize software development, allowing anyone to materialize their technological ideas quickly and efficiently.

7 Best Vibe Coding Tools for Beginner Developers

Now that you know the power of Vibe Coding, it’s time to explore some of the best Vibe Coding tools available for beginners. 

These tools are designed to make it easier to create technological solutions, even without advanced programming knowledge. We will present the most popular and affordable options for beginner developers:

Cursor

Cursor’s main advantage is its simplicity. It allows anyone to create bots or complex solutions by simply describing the “vibe” of what they want. The AI generates the necessary code, making development accessible to professionals from a variety of fields.

Cursor is a Vibe Coding tool that uses AI to turn simple descriptions into functional code. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, it makes it easy to create automations and apps without the need for advanced coding experience.

Furthermore, the tool is highly flexible, adapting to different needs and allowing for everything from simple automations to complex integrations. Its ease of use ensures a quick learning curve for beginners. Its ease of use ensures a quick learning curve for beginners.

V0 by Vercel

V0 by Vercel makes it easy to create prototypes and web applications using artificial intelligence. With an intuitive visual interface, it generates code from simple descriptions, allowing anyone to create solutions without having to code by hand.

The main advantage of V0 by Vercel is speed as it accelerates product development and launch by offering easy integration with other APIs to create fast and efficient solutions.

On the other hand, V0 by Vercel is highly flexible as it allows you to create simple websites up to complex applications, making it ideal for both beginners and professionals looking for efficiency.

Lovable

Lovable is a Vibe Coding tool that simplifies the creation of software solutions, allowing anyone to create applications with the help of artificial intelligence.

Using simple descriptions, the tool automatically generates the code needed for various features, making development accessible without prior experience.

The main advantage of Lovable is its ease of use. With a user-friendly interface and drag-and-drop functionality, any user can create fast and efficient solutions without the complexity of traditional coding.

Replit

Replit is a Vibe Coding tool that allows you to create and run code directly in the browser, with support for multiple programming languages. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to create software projects and prototypes with the help of AI, without requiring in-depth programming knowledge.

Replit’s main advantage is its ease of use. It allows anyone to start coding and testing ideas instantly, offering an online platform that eliminates the need for complex environment setup.

It's also worth noting that Replit is highly collaborative as it allows teams to work together in real time, making it ideal for group projects, hackathons or learning to program.

Windsurf

Windsurf is a Vibe Coding tool that uses artificial intelligence to create quick and practical solutions, without requiring advanced programming skills.

Its simple interface makes it easy to develop applications and automations, allowing anyone to create solutions just by describing what they want.

The main advantage of Windsurf is its efficiency. It allows you to quickly create applications and automations without having to learn complex languages. Integration with various APIs makes it easy to add powerful functionality without any extra effort.

Bolt.new

Bolt.new is a Vibe Coding tool that allows you to quickly create automations and applications with the support of artificial intelligence. Its simple and straightforward interface makes development easy, allowing anyone, even without experience, to build functional solutions.

The main advantage of Bolt.new is its speed. It allows you to create applications and automations in minutes, using simple descriptions. It stands out for its easy integration with other platforms, allowing you to customize your solutions without the need for coding.

Additionally, Bolt.new offers flexibility, whether for simple automations or more complex flows. The tool can be adjusted as needed, making it ideal for beginners and professionals looking for efficiency in development.

DreamFlow – New FlutterFlow AI

DreamFlow – New FlutterFlow AI, makes it easy to create mobile and web applications with artificial intelligence. Its simple visual interface allows you to create quick and functional solutions without having to code manually.

Its main advantage is speed, as it allows you to create applications quickly, with easy integration with APIs, without the need for advanced programming.

Not to mention that DreamFlow is also super flexible and customizable, offering features to create everything from simple applications to more complex solutions, catering to both beginners and professionals.

In addition to those we mentioned, tools such as FlutterFlow, Bubble, web and make up can be considered by those who want to develop more complex solutions, such as web and mobile applications or automation. 

Consequently, these no-code platforms allow beginner developers to build digital products without writing traditional code, bringing them even closer to the concept of Vibe Coding.

Conclusion

You can already see that Vibe Coding is transforming software development by democratizing the creation of technological solutions, making them accessible to everyone, even those without advanced programming skills. 

At this point, all we can do is test it on the portals we mentioned, monitor the improvement of this technique in tools we already use and observe how it can evolve. 

Now, if you want to learn more about how to use these no-code tools and improve your development skills, sign up on the YouTube channel and access the NoCode StartUp website.

Discover exclusive resources that can boost your journey into the world of no-code development!