# Multi-Channel Chatbot

A chatbot is a type of software that can help users by automating conversations and interacting with them through messaging platforms.

Users can interact with the chatbot using two ways -

1. Structured pre-defined steps - In this, the creator can define the steps, flows, UI, and actions that a user can access. The user has to choose specific paths to reach what they are looking for.
2. Free-flowing conversation - In this, the creator can define an answer to a list of probable questions. Using machine learning, the system will further make more such combinations of questions to which a particular answer can be applied. This is more like a real conversation with users but here also the boundary is what answers have been already defined by the creator. 

Chatbots can be utilized for -

1. Discovery - Creator can enable the discovery of content, programs, apps, etc. for its users.
2. Query resolution - User's queries can be resolved related to anything for which a help section is required. 
3. Updates and Announcements - Creator can put personalize updates and announcements for its users to consume
4. Contexual engagement - Creator can allow users to engage with the platform better with contexual popup of chatbot in scenarios such as while user leaving the page, to explain content better on a page, etc.

The above capabilities of Multi-Channel Chatbot are derived from components of Sunbird UCI. You can find details by clicking on the link [here](https://vinukumar-vss-organization.gitbook.io/sunbird-ed/learn/product-and-developers-guide/multi-channel-chatbot)