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What is Chatbot?

Updated May 2026

A chatbot is a program that holds a back-and-forth conversation. Old chatbots used scripts; modern ones use AI.

The word 'chatbot' covers a wide range: 1990s rule-based bots, 2010s keyword-trigger bots (ManyChat, Chatfuel), and 2020s+ AI-powered conversational agents.

For business use in 2026, 'chatbot' usually means an AI agent capable of open conversation, tool calling, and lead capture — not the keyword-trigger version.

Frequently asked questions

Is a chatbot the same as an AI agent?

Modern ones are. Older keyword-based chatbots are not — they can't take open-ended language and can't make decisions. The terms are converging as the older shape becomes rare.

Related terms

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