Programming the Microsoft Bot Framework A Multiplatform Approach to Building Chatbots

This is the only comprehensive, authoritative guide to building Conversational User Interfaces (CUI, a.k.a. bots, chatbots, or chatterbots) with the Microsoft Bot Framework. Reflecting the next radical revolution in human-computer interaction, it will help you leverage advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing to empower new and existing applications with stunningly intuitive conversational interfaces.

Long-time Microsoft MVP Joe Mayo begins with high-level explanations of what Microsoft Bot Framework is, what you can do with it, and why it matters so much. Next, he presents the foundational knowledge you need to start creating real bots and CUIs. Step by step, you'll learn how to build message dialogs, manage conversations, interact with framework APIs, and incorporate powerful natural language processing with Microsoft's advanced Language Understanding Intelligent Service (LUIS). Mayo also offers detailed guidance on deploying your customized bots to key platforms such as Slack, Skype, and Facebook Messenger.

Throughout, Mayo's practical examples combine code with clear explanations of when and why you would perform each task. From start to finish, Programming the Microsoft Bot Framework is relentlessly practical, helping you translate the advanced "magic" of intelligent bots into real solutions right now.

Joe Mayo, a multi-year Microsoft MVP, is an author and independent software consultant specializing in Microsoft technologies. He has written seven books and many magazine articles, and taught numerous online and in-person courses. Mayo’s experience spans a wide spectrum of desktop, cloud, and device technologies. He created the LINQ-to-Twitter open source project, and has worked with
C# and .NET since 2000.

Part I: Getting Started
1. Exploring Bot Framework Architecture
2. Setting up a Project
3. Conversation Essentials
4. Testing Your Bot

Part II: Bot Builder
5. Building Dialogs
6. Using FormFlow
7. Customizing FormFlow
8. Communicating with LUIS
9. Managing Advanced Conversation

Part III: Channels and Publication
10. Including GUIs
11. Registering and Publishing a Bot
12. Configuring Channels
13. Creating Email, SMS, and Web Chat Bots

Part IV: APIs and Integrations
14. Coding the Direct Line API
15. Using the Bot Connector API
16. Building on Different Platforms
17. Integrating Additional Services

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