AI Chatbot Development (DialogFlow, GPTs) full Syllabus
Module 1: What is an AI Chatbot?
Let’s begin by understanding what chatbots are. A chatbot is a software application that can talk with humans, either through text or voice. These bots are now widely used in industries like customer service, education, healthcare, and e-commerce.
1.1 Basic Definition
There are two main types of chatbots:
- Rule-based Chatbots: These follow fixed question-answer scripts. They work only when the user types exactly what the bot is programmed to understand.
- AI-based Chatbots: These use AI and NLP (Natural Language Processing) to understand a wide range of messages and give human-like responses. They’re smarter and more flexible.
1.2 Evolution of Chatbots
Chatbots started with simple logic (like ELIZA in the 1960s), but over time, with the rise of AI and NLP, we now have advanced models like GPT-4 that can understand context, remember past messages, and reply like a real human.
1.3 Real-World Use Cases
Some common examples of chatbot use:
- Customer support (like on Amazon or Zomato)
- Medical bots that ask symptoms and suggest advice
- Educational bots that guide students or solve doubts
- Online shopping bots that suggest products
- HR bots that help employees with FAQs and leave requests
1.4 Main Components of a Chatbot
To build a working chatbot, these are the basic elements:
- NLP Engine: Understands user messages (DialogFlow, GPT, etc.)
- Intent: The goal of what the user wants (like booking, checking, asking)
- Entity: Specific information to extract (like date, time, location)
- Context: Helps maintain conversation flow and memory
- Response: Generates the bot’s answer
- Backend/API: Connects the chatbot to real systems or databases
Module 2: Types of Chatbots
2.1 Rule-Based vs AI-Based Chatbots
- Rule-based chatbots are useful for basic, predictable tasks.
- AI-based bots are better for smart, real conversations.
Rule-based bots are easier to make but less flexible. AI bots need more power but give a much better experience.
2.2 Text vs Voice Chatbots
- Text-based bots: Used in websites, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, etc.
- Voice-based bots: Used in Google Assistant, Alexa, IVR phone systems, etc.
2.3 One-Turn vs Multi-Turn Conversations
- One-turn: One question, one answer. Example: “What are your working hours?”
- Multi-turn: Conversation with memory. Example: Ordering pizza (asks size, toppings, address, etc., step by step)
Module 3: Introduction to DialogFlow (by Google)
3.1 What is DialogFlow?
DialogFlow is a tool by Google that lets you create smart chatbots using NLP. You can build both text and voice bots with it. It works well for apps like Google Assistant, Facebook Messenger, websites, and more.
3.2 Key Features of DialogFlow
- Agent: Your complete chatbot project
- Intents: The different goals or user messages your bot can understand
- Entities: Data to extract from messages (like names, dates)
- Context: Helps your bot remember what happened earlier in the chat
- Fulfillment: Connects your chatbot to backend servers for real-time data (via webhooks)
DialogFlow allows you to design your chatbot visually. Coding is optional, but possible for advanced features.
Module 4: GPT-based Chatbots (Like ChatGPT)
4.1 What is GPT?
GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) is an advanced AI language model created by OpenAI. It is capable of understanding and generating human-like conversations in real time. ChatGPT is a popular example of this.
4.2 DialogFlow vs GPT – Simple Comparison
| Feature | DialogFlow | GPT-based Chatbot |
|---|---|---|
| Conversation style | Structured & logic-based | Free-flowing & dynamic |
| Use cases | Booking, forms, commands | Open-ended conversations |
| Coding needed | Some coding for advanced features | Usually API integration |
