Learning to Build Alexa Skills

Learn how to build custom voice commands for Alexa devices using the Alexa Skills Kit and Node.js.

Introduction

• Building Alexa Skills
• What you should know

1. Alexa Basics

• What is Alexa?
• Why is Alexa important?

2. Setup

• Create your Amazon account
• Installing Node.js and the IDE

3. Understanding Custom Skills

• Understanding the different Alexa skill models
• Components of a custom Alexa skill

4. Building a Custom Skill

• Description of the calculator skill
• Deconstructing the skill

5. Configuring the Skill

• Create the Alexa skill in the developer console
• Creating the addition functionality
• Creating the subtraction functionality
• Using the JSON Editor

6. Building the Handler Skill

• Set up the project
• Review LaunchRequestHandler
• Review additional standard handlers
• Code the add handler
• Create the subtract handler
• Create a Lambda function for the skill

7. Testing the Skill

• Test in the Alexa Developer Console
• Test on Echosim.io
• Test on an Echo device

8. Expanding the Skill

• Challenge: Multiplication and division
• Solution: Multiplication and division
• Challenge: Complete skill handler
• Solution: Complete skill handler
• Testing multiplication and division

9. Submitting for Certification

• Checklist for certification

Conclusion

• Next steps