The words we explain¶

Now and then you may meet a word that sounds technical. This page says what each one means, in plain words. The rest of the guide does not use them.

Words you may meet¶

Another name for a bot: a helper that answers people and does tasks for them.

A way for one computer program to ask another for something. You do not need one to make a bot.

A long secret code that lets one of your own programs use your account. Keep it secret, like a password.

The program that writes the text of your bot's answers. Your bot uses it to put its replies into words.

The words a person types to a bot, or the instructions a bot is given before it starts.

A rule that stops a bot from doing something it must not do.

Something our test found: a way your bot could do what your rules do not allow, with how to close it.