Build a Simple Rule-Based Chatbot in Python

Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Want to create your first chatbot without advanced AI skills? A rule-based chatbot in Python is the perfect place to start! This beginner-friendly guide helps you build a basic chatbot using simple script logic—no machine learning or third-party frameworks required. Whether you’re learning Python or exploring conversational bots, just follow these steps to code and customize your own chatbot.

What Is a Rule-Based Chatbot?

A rule-based chatbot answers user messages with predefined replies using “if-then” rules—no machine learning, no complex training.

Great for:

• Answering FAQs on websites
• Demonstrating chatbot basics in class projects
• Handling repetitive questions automatically

What You Need

• Python (any version 3.x)
• A text editor (VS Code, Notepad++, etc.) or an online Python environment
• No prior AI or machine learning experience!

Step 1: Set Up Your Python Environment

• Install Python:
  If you don't have Python, download and install it from the official website.
• Verify Installation:
  Open your terminal or command prompt and run:
  • python --version

Step 2: Create Your Chatbot Script

1. Open your text editor and make a new file called rule_based_chatbot.py.
2. Copy and paste this code:

print("Hello! I'm your simple chatbot. (Type 'quit' to exit)")
while True:
    user_input = input("You: ").lower()
    if user_input in ['hello', 'hi', 'hey']:
        print("Chatbot: Hello! How can I help you today?")
    elif 'time' in user_input:
        from datetime import datetime
        print("Chatbot: The current time is", datetime.now().strftime("%H:%M"))
    elif 'name' in user_input:
        print("Chatbot: I am a Python chatbot. What's your name?")
    elif user_input == 'quit':
        print("Chatbot: Goodbye!")
        break
    else:
        print("Chatbot: Sorry, I don't understand. Try asking something else!")

Step 3: Run Your Chatbot

1. Save your file.
2. Open terminal and navigate to the file location.
3. Run this command:
   python rule_based_chatbot.py
4. Chat with your bot! Try questions like:

• • • hello
    • what is your name?
    • can you tell me the time?

You’ll see the bot respond based on your input.

How Does It Work?

• The chatbot uses a while loop to keep chatting until you type "quit."
• Each user message is checked for keywords using simple if...elif...else conditions.
• The bot gives a canned response, shows the time, or asks for your name, depending on input.

Customizing Your Chatbot

You can easily add more rules! For example:

elif 'weather' in user_input:
    print("Chatbot: I can't check the weather yet but try asking about the time!")