Bot Building Basics

In this lecture, we will get started with a brief introduction to Bots. The knowledge from this section will prove foundational knowledge on Bots.  This knowledge will form the basis on for our frame of reference as we proceed with the rest of the course.

We will go over the definition of a bot for the purposes of this course.  We also go into the more common types of bot on the internet.

We go over some examples of bots as well as their applications.  We not only talk about bots which are "good" bots, but also, the "bad" bots and how they too are used.

This lecture covers the different channels or ways of communicating and interacting with bots.

This is a quick review of the Getting Started with Bots section.

1. What is Bot Framework?
2. Who should use you the Bot Framework?
3. What Channels are supported by the Bot Framework?
4. Types of Bots which can be created with the Bot Framework

All of these questions will be answered in this section. This is also the section where we will begin building our bots.

The Microsoft’s Bot Framework is an inclusive offering that is used in building, as well as deploying quality bots for their users while enjoying their desired conversational practices. In this section we discuss the different parts of the Microsoft Bot Framework and briefly go over their functions and how to use them.

This is a step-by-step hands on lecture for setting up a Microsoft Trial account.

In this section we will go over how to access the Microsoft QnA Maker.  You will need a Microsoft Account to follow along in this section.  If you do not have a Microsoft Azure account (trial or paid) then you should complete the Creating a Microsoft Azure Account lecture first.

In this lecture we go over the steps for Creating a QnA Knowledge Base for our bot.

1. Using a URL
2. Uploading a File
3. Creating Pairs Online

In this section we will continue working with the QnA Maker Knowledge Base by discussing:

1. Updating the Knowledge Base
2. Editorial Updates
3. Updating Sources
4. Bulk Updating

This section covers working with the QnA Maker Knowledge Base. specifically, we will train the Knowledge Base. We will discuss what training the Knowledge Base means and the different ways we can perform training on the Knowledge Base.

This section covers publishing the QnA Maker Knowledge Base to the Microsoft Developer Portal of the Bot Framework.

This is a short review of the Bot Framework.

Up to now we have created, tested, and published the bot.  However, It is only available to us.  We have to make it available to the outside world in order for it to be truly functional bot.  This section will go over the different channels which are available as well as show how to connect the bots to the Skype, and Text Messaging channels. 

Note: We will use Twilio for the Text Messaging channel.  A Twilio account will be needed.  If you don't have one already the Configuring an SMS Channel lecture will show how to sign up for a trial Twilio account.

This lecture covers registering your bot using the Azure console.  We also will show how we can configure the auto created Skype channel so the bot can be accessed through Microsoft Skype.

This lecture will cover how to set up a Twilio trial account as well as how to associate (or connect) your bot to a SMS Text Messaging capable phone number.

This lecture will give you some ideas on possible bots you can create in the future.

This section will go over a few examples of bots as well as provide you with information where you can get additional information on making more complex bots.

This is a short wrap up video of the entire course.  If you have any additional questions about either the course or any bots you may create in future please leave a message in the Discussion Area.