Alexa HTTPS endpoint - don't get any request

0
votes

I was successfully set the Alexa Build steps(checklist) on Alexa Developer Console.

enter image description here

As endpoint I want to use my own remote server(nodeJS, not AWS lambda), I found the next example and trying to use it now: https://github.com/Glogo/alexa-skill-sample-nodejs-express

By using POSTMAN I can send a JSON with intent to my nodeJS server and successfully get a response.

But once I try to test the flow through Alexa Test Simulator (Test tab in Alexa Developer Console) I don't get any response... On the server side, I can't see any request that comes from Alexa.

enter image description here

I wonder, what is the problem in this case? Maybe I didn't understand how it should work... I expect to receive a JSON request from Alexa and to output a response.

It's important to mention that I didn't set any properties "Distribution" and "Certification" tabs. As I understand, for testing it's not necessary.

2
node.jsalexaalexa-skills-kitalexa-app
What is your connection to the alexa service? How is localhost reachable to the alexa service? are you utilizing something like ngrok to provide availability for the service to interact with you? – Chuck LaPress
I have a remote server on DigitalOcean which is accessible to HTTP requests (tested with POSTMAN), so it's not a localhost server. I don't use any tunnel/proxy service because there is no reason to do that. Of course, I set the HTTPS as Alexa requires. – Axel186
From the screenshot of test simulator, you didn't invoke/launch your skill. Once you launch your skill, request JSON will be generated. Then check whether your nodejs server can handle that request. – johndoe
@CicilThomas, Thank you for your response! I think you right, it feels like the setup process isn't finished yet. Unfortunately, I can't understand what is missing there, I get no errors or any "guide notifications" from Alexa... Can you please explain how should I "launch" the skill? I covered all the "Build" process - entered my custom "Intents" and built the model successfully. I was sure this is enough to start using the service. – Axel186
Just like how you invoke a skill through an Echo device, use "open <skill invocation name>" – johndoe

2 Answers

2
votes

From the screenshot of test simulator, you didn't invoke/launch your skill. Once you launch your skill, a request JSON will be generated by which you can check whether your nodejs server can handle that request.

You can invoke your skill from Test Simulator by:

open, <skill invocation name>

This will trigger a LaunchRequest

You can directly trigger an intent of your skill by,

ask <skill invocation name> <a sample intent utterance>

This will trigger an IntentRequest with the mapped intent

For different invocation phrases, check this.

0
votes

You first need to open your skill, because the simulator won't open it for you. You can do this by typing/saying 

open/start/launch <invocation name>

To trigger one of your intent use 

ask/tell <invocation name> <a sample utterance for your intent>