A Beginner's Guide to Using an API for SMS [For developers]
👋 Welcome to the wonderful world of SMS APIs, where software development flexibility combines with text messaging power. The thought of incorporating an SMS API into your project might seem a little intimidating to a beginning developer. But don't worry; we're here to walk you through it and demonstrate how simple it can be.
An SMS API is the ideal choice if you want to automate customer notifications, send group texts, or simply incorporate text messaging into your app. And in this manual, we'll cover everything you need to know to get going, from comprehending the fundamentals of APIs to putting your first SMS API into practise.
So grab a cup of tea (or coffee ☕️; we don't discriminate) and down your developer hat, and let's get started!
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Firstly, an introduction to SMS API's
A software interface known as an SMS API, or short message service application programming interface, enables programmers to access an SMS gateway's functionality. In essence, it's a way for your application to utilise code to send and receive text messages.
Your application can communicate with an SMS gateway, a service that enables the sending and receiving of text messages, using an SMS API. This means that you can automate the process of sending text messages rather than doing it by hand using the API.
Consider the scenario where you are developing an e-commerce platform and want to notify customers via text message when their order is shipped. When an order is marked as dispatched, you can quickly write code that will send a text message to the customer's phone using an SMS API.
Another instance is when a customer service chatbot must ask the customer for confirmation after receiving a question. You can programme the chatbot to send the message automatically by using an SMS API.
For businesses and developers, the ability to automate text messaging opens up a world of possibilities, including the ability to send automated notifications and start text message-based actions.
In conclusion, SMS APIs allows your application to automate the sending and receiving of text messages by connecting to an SMS gateway.
Overview of the benefits of using an SMS API
There are many advantages to using an SMS API for your project or business. Here are a few examples:
- Automation: The ability to automate text messaging is one of the main advantages of using an SMS API. With no need for manual intervention, you can configure your application to send text messages automatically. This can speed things up, cut down on errors, and boost effectiveness all around.
- Increased reach: Text messaging is a great tool for mass communication because SMS APIs let you send messages to a lot of recipients at once. Sending notifications, reminders, or promotional messages to your customers can be especially helpful with this.
- Personalization: Using an SMS API, it is simple to add details to text messages, such as the recipient's name or order information. The customer experience can be enhanced, and engagement can rise as a result.
- Cost-effective: When compared to other marketing strategies, SMS is a very affordable way to communicate with customers. You can send text messages in bulk using an SMS API to cut costs even more.
- Flexibility: By integrating text messaging into your current workflow and systems with an SMS API, you can easily add new functionality and enhance the user experience as a whole.
- Security: SMS messaging is a safe method of getting in touch with customers, and SMS APIs frequently have security features built in to guard against fraud and abuse.
In conclusion, an SMS API can enhance automation, broaden reach, personalise communication, be economical, and offer a safe way to interact with clients. These advantages can all contribute to enhancing customer engagement, boosting sales, and streamlining business processes.
Brief explanation of the guide's structure
This manual is set up to offer a thorough introduction to utilising an SMS API for new users. Each part, which covers a different element of SMS APIs, is broken into a number of subsections.
We'll describe what an SMS API is in the first part and give a summary of the advantages of utilising one. As a result, you'll have a better understanding of the importance of SMS APIs and the framework for the remainder of the manual.
Understanding API fundamentals is the main goal of the next section. Here, we'll define APIs and describe their operation. In order for you to comprehend the context of SMS APIs, we will also discuss the many kinds of APIs that are readily available.
We'll go into more detail on SMS APIs in particular in the third section. Here, we'll discuss what they are, how they vary from other kinds of APIs, and some of their most widespread applications.
The fourth part will assist you in selecting the best SMS API provider for your requirements. We'll look at the many SMS API providers that are out there and offer standards for rating them all. To assist you in making a wise choice, we'll also compare some of the most well-known SMS API providers.
The fifth part will walk you through the SMS API implementation process and provide step-by-step instructions for incorporating an SMS API into your project. Additionally, we'll discuss installation best practises and address typical problems.
The important points of the guide will be summed up and other resources for further study will be provided in the conclusion section.
Even for people who are unfamiliar with SMS APIs and basic programming, the tutorial is intended to be simple to follow and comprehend. By the time you finish reading this manual, you will have a thorough grasp of SMS APIs and be well prepared to incorporate one into your own project.
Understanding the Basics of APIs
Application Programming Interface is referred to as API. An API is, to put it simply, a set of guidelines and procedures that permit various software programmes to communicate with one another. It provides a channel for information sharing and communication between various systems.
Your application can access the functionality of another system using an API, which functions as a door or a gate. For instance, a ride-hailing app like Uber uses the Google Maps API to display your location and the anticipated time of arrival for nearby cars. The app simply makes use of the features that the Google Maps API offers; it is not required to develop its own map service.
APIs can be open or closed, i.e., some are open to everyone's access and use while others are closed to all but authorised users. While closed or internal APIs are only used within an organisation, open APIs are also referred to as external APIs.
APIs can be further subdivided into various categories, these are:
- Web APIs: which enable online communication between applications
- Applications can interact with databases using database APIs.
- Applications can communicate with the operating system through operating system APIs.
- A set of pre-built functions for a particular programming language are provided by library APIs.
In conclusion, an API is a set of guidelines and protocols that permit various software programmes to communicate with one another. There are different types of APIs based on their functionality, and they can be open or closed.
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Explanation of how APIs work
Different software programmes can communicate with one another using standardised protocols and guidelines thanks to APIs. The API serves as a conduit between the two systems, offering a set of guidelines that the client, the first system, can use to communicate with the server, the second system (the server).
The client typically sends a request to the server to start the process of using an API. The most common format for this request is an HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) request, which is the industry-standard protocol for online communication. The request details the actions the client wants to take, such as data retrieval or action execution.
The request is processed by the server after it receives it, and a response is then sent back. A confirmation that the action has been finished or the information the client requested is included in the response.
For the client and server to easily understand the data being exchanged, the request and response are typically in a standardised format, such as JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) or XML.
To guarantee that only parties with permission can access the API, various types of authentication and authorization techniques can be used. To authenticate and authorise users, APIs might, for instance, make use of an API key, token-based authentication, or OAuth (Open Authorization).
In conclusion, APIs function by enabling interoperability between software programmes using a standardised set of rules and protocols. The API may employ various types of authentication and authorization methods to ensure security after the client sends a request to the server, which the server then processes and sends back in response.
Types of APIs
Based on the functionality they offer, different categories of APIs can be created. Among the most popular kinds of APIs are:
- Web APIs: The most popular kind of APIs are web APIs, which let programmes communicate with one another online. They can be used to carry out other tasks, such as posting data to websites or retrieving data from websites. The Twitter API and the Google Maps API are two instances of web APIs.
- Operating System APIs: These APIs enable communication between programmes and the operating system. Access to system resources like memory, storage, and network interfaces is made possible by them. The Windows API and the POSIX API are a couple of examples of operating system APIs.
- Library APIs: A set of pre-built functions for a particular programming language are offered by library APIs. They can be used to carry out routine tasks like image processing, data encryption, and string manipulation. The Python standard library and the Java SDK are two instances of library APIs.
- Database APIs: These enable communication between applications and databases. They can be used to search databases, add, edit, or remove records, among other things. The MongoDB Java driver and the MySQL Connector API are two examples of database APIs.
- Hardware APIs: Applications can communicate with hardware components like sensors, cameras, and printers thanks to hardware APIs. The Arduino API and the Raspberry Pi API are two instances of hardware APIs.
- Remote APIs: Applications can communicate with remote systems, such as cloud services, using remote APIs, which expose their functionality to the client. The Amazon S3 API and the AWS Lambda API are two examples of remote APIs.
It's important to comprehend the various types of API that are available and how they can be used to best suit your needs because each type of API has its own specific set of protocols, data formats, and security requirements.
Understanding SMS APIs
Short Message Service Application Programming Interfaces, or SMS APIs, are a particular kind of API that give access to an SMS gateway's functionality to developers. A service that makes it possible to send and receive text messages is known as an SMS gateway. Your application can interact with an SMS gateway and automate the sending and receiving of text messages by using an SMS API.
SMS APIs function by giving your application a set of guidelines and protocols that enable communication with an SMS gateway. Numerous programming languages, including Java, Python, C#, and others, can be used for this.
SMS APIs can be used for a number of things, including:
- Notifying clients automatically of order confirmations and shipping updates
- Sending large numbers of text messages for purposes like advertising or event reminders
- Including text messaging functionality in your application, such as a customer service chatbot that texts back to confirm receipt of an inquiry
- By sending a special code to a user's phone to verify their identity, two-factor authentication
SMS APIs are unique from other kinds of APIs in that they were created specifically for text messaging and as a result have requirements and protocols for sending and receiving text messages. Additionally, they have specific guidelines for how to handle text message character limits and phone numbers, which serve as mobile devices' unique identifiers.
In conclusion, SMS APIs are a particular kind of API that give developers access to an SMS gateway's functionality, automating the sending and receiving of text messages. They can be used for a variety of things and have particular protocols and requirements for sending and receiving text messages.
Description of SMS APIs
Text messaging functionality can be added to applications by programmers using SMS APIs, or Short Message Service Application Programming Interfaces. Instead of manually sending and receiving text messages, you can do so with their help.
An SMS API functions by giving your application a set of guidelines, or endpoints, that it can use to communicate with an SMS gateway. These endpoints can be used to send and receive text messages, as well as to manage contacts and check the status of messages.
Your application makes a request to the SMS API endpoint when sending a text message, including the recipient's phone number and the message's content. Once the SMS API has forwarded the request to the SMS gateway, the recipient's mobile phone will receive the text message.
When a text message is received, the SMS gateway sends it on to the SMS API, which then passes it along to your application for additional processing.
Typically, SMS APIs offer a wide range of features and functionalities, including:
- SMS text messaging
- sending and receiving SMS
- confirming a message's delivery status
- dealing with contacts
- sending messages on a future date
- processing lengthy messages
- Managing global phone numbers
- handling various encoding methods
As they enable you to automate text messaging and integrate it into your current systems and workflows, SMS APIs are a potent tool for businesses and developers. You can raise sales, improve customer engagement, and streamline operations by using an SMS API.
In conclusion, SMS APIs are a way for programmers to incorporate text messaging capabilities into their applications. They offer a collection of endpoints that enable communication with an SMS gateway, can be used to send and receive text messages, check the status of messages, and manage contacts, among other features and functionalities.
How SMS APIs differ from other types of APIs
Short Message Service Application Programming Interfaces, or SMS APIs, are distinct from other kinds of APIs in a few significant ways. Here are a few illustrations:
- SMS APIs are made specifically for texting: SMS APIs are made to deal with the demands of texting, like handling phone numbers and character restrictions. These specific requirements might not apply to APIs of other types.
- SMS APIs have specific protocols for handling text messages, including character limits and encoding. These protocols might not be the same as those employed by other kinds of APIs.
- Phone numbers are frequently needed by SMS APIs because they serve as a unique identifier for mobile devices. It's possible that different API types don't need this particular kind of identifier.
- SMS APIs could be subject to different security requirements than other API types, such as message encryption or two-factor authentication, to protect sensitive data.
- SMS APIs may have various access levels, such as open or closed, and may also have access at different security levels. While closed APIs are restricted and can only be used by authorised parties, open APIs can be accessed by anyone.
In conclusion, SMS APIs differ from other types of APIs in that they are created specifically for text messaging, have specific protocols, frequently require phone numbers, might have different security requirements, and might have different access levels.
Common use cases for SMS APIs
SMS APIs have many applications because they enable companies and developers to automate text messaging and incorporate it into their current workflows and systems. Here are a few instances of typical SMS API use cases:
- Order confirmations, shipping status updates, and appointment reminders are just a few examples of the automated notifications that can be sent to customers using SMS APIs. By doing this, the customer experience can be enhanced and manual intervention can be minimised.
- SMS APIs can be used to send bulk texts, including surveys, reminders for events, and advertising campaigns. This may be a practical means of reaching a sizable audience.
- Two-factor authentication: By sending a special code to a user's phone to verify their identity, SMS APIs can be used to implement two-factor authentication.
- Customer service: Text messaging can be integrated into customer service chatbots using SMS APIs, enabling customers to get help via text message.
- On-demand services: SMS APIs can be used to instantly update customers on the status of their orders for on-demand services like ride-hailing or food delivery apps.
- Monitoring and alerting: SMS APIs can be used to notify monitoring systems of alerts and notifications in order to keep tabs on the status of devices or systems.
In conclusion, SMS APIs can be used to automate alerting and monitoring, two-factor authentication, mass text messaging, customer service, and on-demand services. These use cases can assist companies and developers in enhancing customer engagement, streamlining processes, and boosting revenue.
When sending text messages globally, you'll want to use the E.164 format. At Snapi SMS we require this format when sending text messages as described in our API docs.
This format is essential to ensuring your text message gets through to the recipient as intended.
Choosing an SMS API Provider
There are a number of things to take into account when selecting an SMS API provider. Here are some crucial things to remember:
- Check the SMS API provider's availability in the nations where you intend to send text messages. You should look for a provider with a global reach if you need to send messages internationally.
- Reliability: Seek out a provider with a solid track record of dependability and uptime. The service provider ought to have a history of punctual and error-free text message delivery.
- Security: Because SMS messages may include sensitive information, confirm that the provider has strong security protocols in place, such as message encryption and two-factor authentication.
- Features: Take into account the features you require, such as the ability to handle long messages, international phone numbers, and various encoding schemes.
- Pricing: Examine the pricing schedules of various SMS API providers to ensure that they are within your means. Pay-as-you-go plans are offered by some providers, while monthly or yearly subscription plans are offered by others.
- Look for a provider that provides good technical support, including documentation, instructions, and customer service. This will make it simpler to implement the solution and resolve any problems you might run into.
- Scalability: Take into account whether the provider can expand to meet your business's needs as it expands. To accommodate higher volumes of SMS messages, some providers offer volume discounts or allow for custom plans.
- Integration: Take into account the provider's ability to offer simple integration with your existing systems and how it fits into your current tech stack.
In conclusion, take into account aspects like coverage, dependability, security, features, pricing, technical support, scalability, and integration when selecting an SMS API provider. Finding the right provider to meet your company's needs requires careful consideration of various options and comparison of each one's offerings.
Explanation of different SMS API providers
There are many SMS API providers available, each offering different features, pricing plans, and coverage. Here are a few examples of popular SMS API providers:
- Twilio: Twilio is a well-known SMS API provider that offers a wide range of features, including global coverage, message scheduling, message analytics, and two-factor authentication. They offer a pay-as-you-go pricing plan and provide a robust set of developer tools and resources.
- Nexmo: Nexmo is another popular SMS API provider that offers global coverage, message scheduling, message analytics, and two-factor authentication. They offer a pay-as-you-go pricing plan and provide a wide range of developer tools and resources.
- Plivo: Plivo is a SMS API provider that offers global coverage, message scheduling, message analytics, and two-factor authentication. They offer a pay-as-you-go pricing plan and provide a wide range of developer tools and resources.
- Clickatell: Clickatell is a SMS API provider that offers global coverage, message scheduling, message analytics, and two-factor authentication. They offer a pay-as-you-go pricing plan and provide a wide range of developer tools and resources.
- MessageBird: MessageBird is a SMS API provider that offers global coverage, message scheduling, message analytics, and two-factor authentication. They offer a pay-as-you-go pricing plan and provide a wide range of developer tools and resources.
These are just a few examples of popular SMS API providers. There are many others available, and each provider has its own strengths and weaknesses. It is important to evaluate different providers and compare their offerings to find the best fit for your business needs.
In summary, there are many SMS API providers available in the market, such as Twilio, Nexmo, Plivo, Clickatell, and MessageBird. Each provider offers different features, pricing plans, and coverage. It's important to evaluate different providers and compare their offerings to find the best fit for your business needs.
Consider choosing Snapi SMS as your provider
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Criteria to consider when choosing an SMS API provider
There are a number of factors to take into account when choosing an SMS API provider in order to make the best decision possible. Here are some essential factors to remember:
- Check the provider's availability in the nations where you intend to send text messages to see if they have coverage there. A provider with a global reach is ideal if you need to send messages across borders.
- Finding a provider with a solid track record of dependability and uptime is important. A history of punctual and error-free text message delivery from the provider is required.
- API Security: Since SMS messages can include sensitive information, check to see if the provider has strong security measures in place, like message encryption and two-factor authentication.
- Consider the features you need, such as the ability to handle long messages, international phone numbers, and various encoding schemes. Features: Take into account the features you need.
- Pricing: Evaluate the pricing structures offered by various SMS API providers to ensure that they are within your price range. Pay-as-you-go plans are available from some providers, while monthly or yearly subscription plans are also available.
- Technical support: Seek a supplier that provides quality technical support, including documentation, instructions, and customer service. Implementing this will be simpler, and any problems you run into will be easier to solve.
- Consider the provider's ability to scale up to meet your growing business needs. In order to accommodate higher SMS message volumes, some providers offer volume discounts or allow for custom plans.
Check out the integration docs
Integration: Take into account the provider's ease of system integration and how it fits into your existing tech stack.
Comparison of popular SMS API providers
There are numerous SMS API vendors out there, and they all have different features, pricing structures, and geographic coverage. Here is a comparison of a few well-known SMS API vendors:
- Twilio: Twilio is a well-known SMS API provider that provides a variety of features, such as two-factor authentication, scheduling messages, and global coverage. They provide a comprehensive selection of developer tools and resources in addition to a pay-as-you-go pricing structure. Twilio is a trusted and popular SMS messaging solution that is well-liked by developers due to its extensive documentation and developer-friendly features.
- exmo: Nexmo is a well-known SMS API supplier that provides two-factor authentication, message scheduling, and global coverage. They provide a variety of developer tools and resources along with a pay-as-you-go pricing structure. Given that it supports more than 200 nations, Nexmo is a good option for companies that need to send SMS messages internationally.
- Plivo: Plivo is an SMS API provider that provides two-factor authentication, message scheduling, global coverage, and message analytics. They provide a variety of developer tools and resources along with a pay-as-you-go pricing structure. Plivo is a good option for companies with high volume SMS messaging requirements because of its flexibility and scalability.
- Clickatell: Clickatell is an SMS API provider that provides two-factor authentication, message scheduling, global coverage, and message analytics. They provide a variety of developer tools and resources along with a pay-as-you-go pricing structure. Given that it supports more than 220 nations, Clickatell is a good option for companies that need to send SMS messages internationally.
- MessageBird: MessageBird is an SMS API provider that provides two-factor authentication, scheduling for messages, analytics for messages, and global coverage. They provide a variety of developer tools and resources along with a pay-as-you-go pricing structure. For companies that need to manage high volumes of SMS messaging, MessageBird is a good option thanks to its user-friendly interface and effective SMS message management tools.
Consider also using us, Snapi SMS as your SMS API provider. At Snapi SMS we provide an easy to use SMS API to start sending text messages globally to different regions for one fixed cost. Simply top-up, and start sending. Create your free account today to get started.
In conclusion, every SMS API provider has advantages and disadvantages of their own. Twilio is a dependable and well-liked alternative, while Clickatell covers more than 220 countries, Nexmo more than 200, Plivo is renowned for its adaptability and scalability, and MessageBird provides a user-friendly interface and effective tools for managing SMS messages. The best fit for your company's needs can be found by comparing and contrasting the various providers' services.
Implementing an SMS API
Although implementing an SMS API can be simple, it does require some technical expertise. An outline of the general steps needed to implement an SMS API is provided below:
- Choose a provider of an SMS API: To find the best fit for your company's needs, compare the offerings of various SMS API providers.
- Once you've decided on an SMS API provider, create an account with them to get your API key or credentials.
- Examine the supporting materials: To learn more about the specific endpoints, protocols, and specifications for sending and receiving text messages, read the documentation offered by the SMS API provider.
- Adding the SMS API to your programme: Add the SMS API to your programme by using the API key or credentials. Numerous programming languages, including Java, Python, C#, and others, can be used to accomplish this.
- Test the integration: To make sure the integration is operating properly, send a test message.
- Implement error handling to catch any mistakes that might happen during the integration process.
- Monitor usage: Keep an eye on how the SMS API is being used to make sure it is functioning as it should and that you are adhering to the usage restrictions.
- Upgrade to a higher plan if necessary to scale up your SMS API usage if you need to send more messages than your current plan permits.
In conclusion, putting an SMS API into use entails picking a provider, creating an account, reading the documentation, incorporating the SMS API into your application, testing the integration, putting error handling in place, monitoring usage, and scaling up if necessary. To ensure a smooth implementation process, it's crucial to have some technical knowledge and adhere to the provider's documentation.
Step-by-step guide to integrating an SMS API into your project [for beginners]
Following a step-by-step manual can make integrating an SMS API into your project simple. Here is an illustration of a detailed tutorial for adding an SMS API to your project:
- Choose a provider of an SMS API: To find the best fit for your company's needs, compare the offerings of various SMS API providers.
- Once you've decided on an SMS API provider, create an account with them to get your API key or credentials.
- Examine the supporting materials: To learn more about the specific endpoints, protocols, and specifications for sending and receiving text messages, read the documentation offered by the SMS API provider.
- Install the SDK: Download and instal the SDK if it is available from the provider. With the help of a selection of pre-built functions, SDKs are libraries that make it simple to send and receive text messages.
- Install the library: Install the library into your project if you're using an SDK. Import the library you'll be using to send HTTP requests to the SMS API if you're not using an SDK.
- Create a text message sending feature: Make a text message-sending function. This function will require the message and the recipient's phone number as inputs.
- Test your message: To make sure the function is operating properly, send a test message.
- Add error handling to catch any mistakes that might happen during the integration process.
- Implement receiving text messages: Implement receiving text messages by configuring webhooks or using long polling to keep an eye out for new messages.
Best practices for implementation
Although implementing an SMS API can be a simple procedure, best practises should be followed to guarantee a seamless and effective integration. When implementing an SMS API, keep the following recommendations in mind:
- Recognize your needs before integrating an SMS API. Recognize your needs before integrating an SMS API. Think about the number of messages you'll send, the nations you'll send them to, and the features you'll require.
- Select the appropriate supplier: Pick a provider of SMS APIs that meets your needs and your budget. Verify that the provider has the features you require as well as good coverage, dependability, and security.
- Read the instructions: To learn more about the specific endpoints, protocols, and specifications for sending and receiving text messages, read the documentation offered by the SMS API provider.
- Test the integration: To make sure the integration is operating properly, send a test message.
- Implement error handling to catch any mistakes that might happen during the integration process.
- Monitor usage: Keep an eye on how the SMS API is being used to make sure it is functioning as it should and that you are adhering to the usage restrictions.
- When implementing an SMS API, keep security in mind because text messages can contain sensitive information. Verify the provider's implementation of strong security measures like message encryption and two-factor authentication.
- When implementing an SMS API, take scalability into account. Select a provider that can scale to meet your needs if you anticipate having a high volume of SMS messaging requirements.
- To ensure smooth operation and to benefit from new features and advancements, regularly update and maintain your SMS API implementation.
Troubleshooting common issues
You might run into a few common problems when implementing an SMS API. Here are some tips for troubleshooting these problems:
- Check that you have entered the correct API key or credentials if you are having trouble sending or receiving text messages. Be sure to use the appropriate API key or credentials for the appropriate environment (e.g. production or sandbox).
- Verify that the phone numbers you are sending messages to are in the proper format before sending them. Without any spaces or other special characters, the phone number should be in international format with the country code included.
- Insufficient funds: If you receive a "insufficient funds" message when attempting to send a text message, check your account balance to make sure you have enough credit.
- If your message isn't getting through, make sure the recipient's phone is on and within network coverage, and that the recipient's phone number is formatted correctly. Check if there are any outages or problems with the SMS API provider that might affect the delivery of messages.
- Error messages: If you experience problems sending or receiving text messages, check the error message to see if it offers any insight into the problem. Check the provider's documentation or ask for help from customer support if the error message is not clear.
- Latency: Latency or delay in sending or receiving messages may be caused by network problems or high traffic on the servers of the SMS API provider. To find out if there is a known problem that could be the reason for the delay, get in touch with the provider's customer support.
- Insufficient funds, message delivery failure, error messages, latency, and incorrect phone number format are a few of the common problems encountered when implementing an SMS API. You can swiftly fix these problems and restore the proper operation of your SMS API by heeding the troubleshooting advice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, utilizing an API for SMS can seem daunting at first, but with a little bit of knowledge and some practice, even the most novice of developers can master the art of sending text messages with ease. And who knows, you may even find it to be a real 'text-ually' fulfilling experience. So go forth and send those messages, and remember, with great power comes great responsibility (and hopefully no typos).