# Getting started with the Messaging API
To start building a bot using the Messaging API, you must first create a channel on the LINE Developers console.
What's a channel?
A channel is a communication path for using the functions provided by the LINE Platform in the services developed by the provider. To use the LINE Platform, create a channel and associate your service with the channel. Channels must have a name, description, and icon image. When a channel is created, a unique channel ID is issued to identify the channel.
# Creating a channel
# Step 1: Log in to the console
Log in to the LINE Developers console with the email address and password of your LINE account or a QR Code displayed on the login screen.
Note: If you do not have a LINE account, download LINE and create your LINE account.
# Step 2: Register as a developer (only on first login)
Enter your name and email address to create a developer account on the LINE Developers console.
# Step 3: Create a new provider
Enter a name for the provider. The provider is the entity that offers your app. For example, you can use your own name or the name of your company.
# Step 4: Create a channel
Enter the required information for your channel. "LINE" or a similar string cannot be included in the channel name.
# Step 5: Confirm
Confirm that your channel was created.
Tip: LINE Official Account Manager also displays the LINE Official Account that corresponds to this channel. You can start to configure the LINE Official Account.
# Next steps
You have now created a channel for your bot. Next, configure your channel to build your own bot or to deploy a sample bot.