Internet bots are computer programs that perform easy,
repetitive tasks. Bots are often used in business, since they can take care of
monotonous jobs quicker than an actual person could. Some bots can work on one
computer while being controlled by another remote computer.
While there are seemingly endless languages for programming
scripts and many types of bots to choose from, there are a few basics to follow
when planning your bot and writing the script.
Get ready for creating your
first BOT SCRIPT:
STEP 1
·
Choose the type of bot to create.
·
Bots can do such tasks as send out an
auto-answer instant messages, search the Internet for keywords, compile
research notes, or send out bulk emails.
STEP 2
·
Select the type of programming script that will
be used to write the bot.
·
Just about any programming language can be used
to create a bot, so it’s best to choose one that’s already familiar.
·
Examples of programming languages are C, TCL,
Perl and Python.
STEP 3
·
Look up the different script commands available
for the programming language of choice.
STEP 4
·
Read bot scripts written in the programming
language to see how other computer programmers have written their own bot
scripts.
STEP 5
·
Write the script to respond to “On” commands.
·
This means that the bot will react in a certain
way to certain events.
·
For example, an instant message bot can write
back to a “Hello” message from a client with, “Please hold for the next
available service representative” or “Type in your troubleshooting question.”
SAMPLE BOT SCRIPT (Test
highest and lowest)
TIPS & Warnings
Start slowly. Instead of trying to create a bot
that has several different functions right away, start with one function and
test it. Add new functions as you get more familiar with script writing.
·
An alternative option to writing a script is to
use a public-domain script that was written by another computer programmer, and
add to it or alter it to customize it for your specific purposes. There are
several websites that offer these scripts.
·
While bots can be time-savers in business, they
can also slow down a computer. Running a bot is like having an additional user
working from the same computer.
·
When copying a bot from an Internet source,
beware of malicious software. Some bots are used to jam up computer networks
and open up “backdoors,” or holes in the computer’s security system. This is
how some hackers or viruses infect your computer. These types of bots can also
be used to scalp tickets or increase the prices of online auctions, and using a
bot for these reasons is illegal and subject to penalty.
