---
Title: "What Is a Chatbot? Definition, Types and Examples"
Url: "https://computer.io/glossary/chatbot"
Topic: "Chatbots"
Description: "A chatbot is a computer program that simulates conversation with people through text or voice. Learn the types (rule-based, AI), examples and how chatbots work."
---

# What is a chatbot?

A chatbot is a computer program that simulates conversation with people through text or voice, answering questions or completing simple tasks. Rule-based chatbots follow scripts and buttons, while AI chatbots use natural language processing and large language models to understand free-form messages and generate replies.

## Types

| Type | How it works | Example |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Rule-based | Decision trees, keywords | "Press 1 for billing" in chat |
| AI chatbot | Language models | Answers rephrased questions |
| AI agent | AI plus tools | Processes a return |

## Example of a chatbot

A customer types "Where is my order?" The chatbot asks for the order number, looks it up and replies with the delivery date.

## Primary function

To give fast answers to common questions and route the rest to people.

## FAQ

### What is a chatbot in 10 words?

A program that chats with people to answer questions automatically.

### What is the primary function of a chatbot?

To answer questions and handle simple tasks through conversation, at any time.

### Are chatbots and bots the same?

A chatbot is a bot that converses. "Bot" can also mean any automated program.

## Related terms

- [AI chatbot](https://computer.io/glossary/ai-chatbot)
- [Conversational AI](https://computer.io/glossary/conversational-ai)
- [AI agent](https://computer.io/glossary/ai-agent)
- [Is a chatbot AI?](https://computer.io/answers/is-a-chatbot-ai)

## How Computer helps

- [Customer agent](https://devrev.ai/solutions/customer-agent)

## Compare

- [Devrev vs intercom](https://devrev.ai/compare/devrev-vs-intercom)

## Further reading

- [What is a chatbot](https://devrev.ai/blog/what-is-a-chatbot)
- [How do chatbots work](https://devrev.ai/blog/how-do-chatbots-work)
- [Chatbot examples](https://devrev.ai/blog/chatbot-examples)