# Processing of “start” (UTM) parameters

## What is the “start” Parameter?

The start parameter is the only way to pass data to a bot upon its launch. To use it, you need to add the string `?start={your data}` to the regular bot link. Such links are called Deep Links. 

With it, you can create a referral program or add parameters to track the source of users. You can read more about tracking in our [blog](https://graspil.com/en/post/utm_for_telegram_bot).

<details>

<summary>How do I get this data in the bot?</summary>

Example of a bot link: `https://t.me/Graspil_bot?start=docs`

The value that the bot will receive: `docs`

When the user launches the bot, you receive an [Update](https://core.telegram.org/bots/api#update) like [Message](https://core.telegram.org/bots/api#message). It has a `text` parameter that is equal to `/start`, in the case of deep link, the `text` parameter will be equal to `/start docs`

{% code overflow="wrap" lineNumbers="true" %}

```json
{
   update_id":10000,
   "message":{
     "date":1441645532,
     "chat":{
        "last_name":"Test Lastname",
        "id":1111111,
        "first_name":"Test",
        "username":"Test"
     },
     "message_id":1365,
     "from":{
        "last_name":"Test Lastname",
        "id":1111111,
        "first_name":"Test",
        "username":"Test"
     },
     "text":"/start docs" // <---- data sent to start
   }
}
```

{% endcode %}

</details>

{% hint style="info" %}
There is a 64-character limit on the length of the string in the start parameter.
{% endhint %}

### How does Graspil process the “start” Parameter?

Graspil uses this parameter to [track the source of users](https://graspil.com/en/post/utm_for_telegram_bot). Telegram does not support additional parameters, so we have added the ability to configure the logic for processing this parameter.

Since only one string can be passed in the “start” parameter, we have added rules that allow this string to be divided into different parameters.&#x20;

For example, if you need to pass the source of the link and the type of source (such as email), you can use a string like `start=source-news1_medium-email` and set the necessary settings for its processing.

In Graspil, all such parameters are converted into `parameter=value` pairs, or in other words, into a table, which can then be used to build reports and filter data.

| Param  | Value |
| ------ | ----- |
| source | news1 |
| medium | email |

{% hint style="info" %}
You can read about how to set up the processing of the start parameter in the [next section.](/en/app/start-utm/configuring-start.md)
{% endhint %}


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.graspil.com/en/app/start-utm.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.