Botonic lets JavaScript and React developers build conversational apps using React components, routes, and actions. To get started, scaffold a project with the Botonic CLI, run it locally, then connect incoming messages to action components that return replies. Add plugins or natural-language understanding (NLU) as your bot grows, and verify current channel and deployment requirements for the platform you intend to use.
What Botonic does
Botonic’s documentation describes it as a full-stack JavaScript framework built on React for chatbots and conversational apps across web, mobile, and messaging platforms. Its model aims to abstract channel-specific messaging APIs while allowing richer interfaces on the web. That abstraction does not mean every feature or deployment path works identically on every platform.
The core programming model separates matching an incoming message from handling it: a route selects an action, and the action runs JavaScript and returns supported message components. This lets developers use familiar React components while implementing conversational behavior.
Create and run a Botonic project
The quick start documents this CLI workflow. It lists Node.js 10 or later as a requirement, but treat that as the guide’s stated requirement, not a guarantee that it matches the current compatibility of every package. Check the versions you plan to install.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
-
Install the CLI globally:
npm install -g @botonic/cli. -
Scaffold a blank project:
botonic new myBot blank. -
Move into the project directory:
cd myBot. -
Start the development server:
botonic serve. The quick start says the local app is available athttp://localhost:8080/. On Windows, it documentsnpm run startas an alternative.Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
These commands and the initial blank-project behavior are described in Botonic’s installation and quick-start guide. Before adding routes and actions, a new blank bot falls back to a not-understood route.
Connect a route to an action
A route matches incoming text or a payload and dispatches the message to an action. The action implements the behavior: it can run JavaScript, such as fetching API data, and return components that the target channel supports. The examples in the quick-start guide use components such as Text and Reply.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
import React from 'react'
import { Text, Reply } from '@botonic/react'
export default function Greeting() {
return (
<>
<Text>Hi! How can I help?</Text>
<Reply payload="hours">Opening hours</Reply>
</>
)
}This illustrative action returns a greeting and a guided choice. In a route, a text regular expression such as /hi/i can match a greeting and point to the action. The route decides which behavior handles an input; the action performs that behavior and creates the response. Exact file names and exports depend on the scaffolded project, so follow its generated structure.
For a small experiment, it may be convenient to keep an example close to the route definition. As the bot grows, the guide’s project structure separates action files into an actions folder; use that documented folder convention rather than letting route configuration become a place for all application logic.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Add guided choices and broader intent recognition
A Reply can present a choice that returns a payload. A child route can match that payload and dispatch to a follow-up action. For small, predictable flows, regular expressions and explicit payloads may be enough: text matching handles phrases, while payloads identify choices the bot itself presented.
When users may phrase the same request in many ways, Botonic’s project guide describes extending the bot with NLU. The documented workflow includes intent utterance files, NLU plugin configuration, and a training command. Exact package names and provider setup can vary by version, so use the instructions for the package and provider versions in your project rather than assuming an old example remains current. The project guide covers the NLU extension.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchBest Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Configure plugins for integrations
Plugins provide a way to add integrations such as analytics, content management systems (CMS), or NLU. The plugin guide’s pattern is to define a plugins.js file, register each plugin with an ID, resolver, and options, then export the configured plugins from the application entry point. An action can access configured plugins through its request context. See Botonic’s plugin guide for the configuration structure.
Plugin configuration is only one part of an integration. Check the chosen provider’s current API, credentials, costs, and availability separately; Botonic’s general plugin model does not establish those provider-specific details.
Choose a channel and prepare to deploy
Botonic documents a customizable Webchat SDK and components intended to work across messaging channels. Its documentation and repository describe web, mobile, and messaging use cases, but they do not establish a current, complete channel-by-channel support matrix. Before building around a particular platform, confirm its current connector support, account prerequisites, and any channel-specific limits in the relevant Botonic and provider documentation.
The quick start points toward deployment and channel connection, and the project repository includes a botonic deploy step. Those references do not establish that every destination is available in every current environment. Confirm that the intended deployment target and its setup instructions match your Botonic version before treating the bot as ready to publish.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →What to verify before adopting Botonic
The cited documentation establishes the framework’s React-oriented programming model, CLI workflow, route/action approach, and plugin concept. It does not establish a current maintenance cadence, support policy, or universal channel availability. Check the project’s current releases and the relevant provider documentation when those factors affect your decision.
