To delete a Rule select a Rule from the Rule tree and click "Delete Rule". The selected Rule will be deleted.
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4
How To's
From start to finish you'll have fun learning!
This Section is designed to get you up and running with the Verbot Scripting Interface.
you through creating your first Verbot® Rule, from there you're on your way to making fantastic KnowledgeBases of your own design!
Creating Child Rules
Learn how to create Child Rules, that allow the Verbot to follow a hierarchy based conversation. Using Virtual Child Rules
Learn how to link Rules to other Rules using Virtual Child Rules. Creating Synonyms
To aid you with creating Inputs with minimal repetition. Verbot® Synonym files can be created and added to any KnowledgeBase you create. This section will step you through making a synonym file. Using Synonyms
The Creating Synonyms walked you through creating a powerful synonym file, This section will show you how to harness the power by stepping you through using synonyms within your Inputs.
Variables
Learn how to retain, and recall user based input with Variables. Variables with Alternate Text
Learn how to display text when a Variable has not yet been set. Internal Variables
Learn about built in Verbot Variables like displaying the time and date. MS Agent Tags
Find out how to make your Verbot® smile, move about, and more! Verbot Tags
Verbot Tags add functionality such as Read, Send, and Run. Special _Inputs
Verbot® 4.0 has a few special inputs used for start up, and when the Verbot is left idle for an extended period of time.
Running Applications
Now that you know Verbots® can smile and move around. Give them something to do! This section
guides you through opening applications and urls. Loading, Testing, and Talking
Now that you have a custom KnowledgeBase, find out how to load it and test it. How to Compile a KnowledgeBase
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Expand or Compile
Once you have a KnowledgeBase Template with associated CSV file ready to go, it's time to Compile it, Expand it, or you can do both. The following section describes the difference between Expanding and Compiling.
4.1
Creating your First Rule
Creating Rules in Verbot® 4.0 is quick and easy.
Rules hold the knowledge of your Verbot®. A Rule is made up of Inputs and Outputs. An Input is used
to match to what the user types. Once an Input finds a match the Output (or Response) is presented to the user.
To create a Rule you must first give it a name. Start by typing in the Rule Name input box. We'll use"Hello World" for this example.
Once you've typed "Hello World," click the "New Rule" button or simply press "Enter" to create a Primary Rule.
Your screen should look like the following:
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You'll notice that "Hello World" appears in the pop-up window and is highlighted. As a convenience, the Editor assumes your Rule name will be your first input. However for this example we want the Rule to fire on the input of "Hello" or "Hi". Change the text from "Hello World" to "Hello". And click "Ok" or press the "Enter" key.
Now that you've added "Hello," you may want to also add the Input "Hi". To add another Input, click the "Add" button within the "Inputs Group" and repeat the process as you did with "Hello". You can add as many inputs as desired.
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Enter "Hello World" within the top field and click the "Ok" button or press the "Enter" key. The Output has been added. You've now created your first Rule.
At this point it's a good idea to save your KnowledgeBase. Click "File" --> "Save" on the menu. After you've saved your KnowledgeBase you can test your Rule two different ways. You can: 1. Load the Verbot Player then load your KnowledgeBase or
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before.
A primary rule can have as many Child Rules as you want. You may even choose to assign Child Rules to other Child Rules and can even have a conversation follow a hierarchy structure.
Example 1: All I want from you is a straight answer!
In the following example, you'll learn how to have the Verbot ask a question and receive one of three possible Inputs from the User.
We'll start by creating a _startup Rule. A _startup is a special Input that the Verbot looks to fire when it is first loads.
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As you can see above the _startup Rule now has three Child Rules. Here is what each Rule contains so far:
_startup Input: _startup
Output: Hi! Would you like to take a quick quiz? anything else
Okay let's test it. Click on "Tools" --> "Test KnowledgeBase"
The _startup Rule will fire and display: "Hi! Would you like to take a quick quiz?"
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The problem we would have if you answered the Verbot with "yes" or "no" after the "anything else" Rule has fired - is that there are no Child Rules for the "anything else" Rule. This is where Virtual Child Rules come in.
Close the Verbot Script Tester window. Click on the Rule "anything else" to select them and then click on the "Virtual Child" button. The Rule Activation List window will pop up.
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Once you've selected all three Rules click on "Ok". To test the Script open the "Verbot Script Tester" ("Tools" --> "Test KnowledgeBase") and test the KnowledgeBase again.
Type in the Input "maybe".
As before your Input of "maybe" fires the "anything else" Rule with the Output: "I'm sorry. I really need a "Yes" or "No" Answer."
The Verbot will keep firing the "anything else" Rule until the Input of one of the Virtual Child Rules is received ("no" or "yes").