# Send a message

 Note:
Before you can get started, you need to do the following:

- 
- [Python](https://www.python.org/) and a familiarity with how to create a new file.


Using the Conversation API, you can send messages to any channel you have configured. This tutorial shows you how to set up and send a message in a Python application.

Steps:
1. [Set up](#set-up-your-python-application) your Python application
2. [Send](#send-your-first-message) your first message


## Set up your Python application

Note:
This tutorial uses basic authentication for testing purposes. We recommend OAuth 2.0 authentication in a production environment. Read more about [authentication methods](/docs/conversation/api-reference/#authentication).

1. Create a new file named `send-message.py` and paste the provided "send-message.py" code found on this page into the file. This code sends a [text message](/docs/conversation/message-types/text-message/).


2. Assign your values to the following parameters:
ParameterYour valueappIdFind your app ID on your Sinch [dashboard](https://dashboard.sinch.com/convapi/apps).accessKeyFind your access key on your Sinch [dashboard](https://dashboard.sinch.com/settings/access-keys).accessSecret
     Find your access secret on your Sinch [dashboard](https://dashboard.sinch.com/settings/access-keys).Note:Access secrets are only available during initial key creation.projectIdFind your project ID on your Sinch [dashboard](https://dashboard.sinch.com/settings/project-management).channelThe channel you want to use to send the message. Available channels are configured for the app on your Sinch [dashboard](https://dashboard.sinch.com/settings/access-keys). This guide assumes you've started with an SMS channel, but you can use any channel configured for your app:
     SMSMESSENGERMMSRCSWHATSAPPVIBERVIBERBMINSTAGRAMTELEGRAMKAKAOTALKAPPLEBCLINEWECHATidentityThe ID of the contact to which you want to send the message.
3. Save the file.


## Send your first message

Now you can execute the code and send your test message. Open a command prompt or terminal to the location where your Python file is saved and run the following command:


```shell
python send-message.py
```

You should receive a message in your configured messaging platform.

## Next steps

Now that you know how to send a message, next learn how to [handle an incoming message](/docs/conversation/getting-started/python/incoming-message).

## Additional resources

Read the links below to learn more:

- [Learn more about different message types](/docs/conversation/message-types)
- [Learn more about channels](/docs/conversation/channel-support)
- [API specification](/docs/conversation/api-reference/)