Academy → Using HermesOfficial documentation · clear explanation

Google Chat

Google Chat

Developer16 minutes3 questions2026-08-09
The idea in one minute

Start with meaning, then move to detail.

This lesson explains Google Chat as part of Hermes internals and extension points. You will learn what it does, when it matters, and the smallest safe test that proves it works.

If you are new

If you are new, do not memorize names. Focus on three questions: what problem does this solve, what access does it need, and how can you verify the result?

For hands-on use

For practice, inspect the first example, identify its effects, run it on test data, and compare the result with the source claim.

For specialists

For advanced readers, inspect Overview, Step 1: Create or pick a GCP project, Step 2: Enable two APIs, then verify failure modes and version compatibility.

What do you need first?

Know Python, Git, and basic project structure before changing code.

What will you know?

A clear outcome before you read.

  • Understand Google Chat without assumed prior knowledge.
  • Separate the source description from what still needs testing in your environment.
  • Read the first command and identify its inputs and outputs before copying it.
Official page description

Set up Hermes Agent as a Google Chat bot using Cloud Pub/Sub

Topic map

What does the source say, and in what order?

  1. 01
    Overview

    Start here to understand the core idea or structure.

  2. 02
    Step 1: Create or pick a GCP project

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  3. 03
    Step 2: Enable two APIs

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  4. 04
    Step 3: Create a Service Account

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  5. 05
    Step 4: Create the Pub/Sub topic and subscription

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  6. 06
    Step 5: IAM binding on the topic (critical)

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  7. 07
    Step 6: IAM binding on the subscription

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  8. 08
    Step 7: Configure the Chat app

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  9. 09
    Step 8: Install the bot in a test space

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  10. 10
    Step 9: Configure Hermes

    Finish here to verify the result and special cases.

Examples from the official page

Copy only after you understand the effect.

# Required GOOGLE_CHAT_PROJECT_ID=my-chat-bot-123 GOOGLE_CHAT_SUBSCRIPTION_NAME=projects/my-chat-bot-123/subscriptions/hermes-chat-events-sub GOOGLE_CHAT_SERVICE_ACCOUNT_JSON=/home/you/.hermes/google-chat-sa.json # Authorization — paste the emails of people allowed to talk to the bot GOOGLE_CHAT_ALLOWED_USERS=you@yourdomain.com,coworker@yourdomain.com # Optional GOOGLE_CHAT_HOME_CHANNEL=spaces/AAAA... # default delivery destination for cron jobs GOOGLE_CHAT_MAX_MESSAGES=1 # Pub/Sub FlowControl; 1 serializes commands per session GOOGLE_CHAT_MAX_BYTES=16777216
python -m plugins.platforms.google_chat.oauth --install-deps
hermes gateway
Try it now

Read the first command and identify its inputs and outputs before copying it.

Match every command to your installed Hermes version, review the files and accounts it can reach, and use non-sensitive data for the first test. If this explanation differs from the source, the official source wins.

Knowledge check

Three decisions before completion.

1. What is the source of truth when “Google Chat” changes?
2. What is the best way to apply this lesson?
3. What should happen before a step can modify files or an external account?