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{{short description|Computer interface that emulates a conversation with a human}}
A '''conversational user interface''' (CUI) is a [[user interface]] for computers that emulates a conversation with a real human. Historically, computers have relied on [[text-based user interface]]s and [[graphical user interface]]s (GUIs) (such as the user pressing a "back" button) to translate the user's desired action into commands the computer understands. While an effective mechanism of completing computing actions, there is a learning curve for the user associated with GUI.<ref>{{cite web |title=Conversational Interfaces: Where Are We Today? Where Are We Heading? |website=Smashing Magazine |url=https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2016/07/conversational-interfaces-where-are-we-today-where-are-we-heading/ |ref={{SfnRef|Smashing Magazine}} |access-date=2018-05-23}}</ref> Instead, CUIs provide opportunity for the user to communicate with the computer in their natural language rather than in a syntax specific commands. <ref>{{cite web |last=Brownlee |first=John |title=Conversational Interfaces, Explained |website=Co.Design |date=2016-04-04 |url=https://www.fastcodesign.com/3058546/conversational-interfaces-explained |access-date=2018-05-23}}</ref>
To do this, conversational interfaces use [[natural language processing]] (NLP) to allow computers to understand, analyze, and create meaning from human language. Unlike word processors, NLP considers the structure of human language (i.e., words make phrases; phrases make sentences which convey the idea or intent the [[user (computing)|user]] is trying to invoke). The ambiguous nature of human language makes it difficult for a machine to always correctly interpret the user's requests, which is why we have seen a shift toward [[natural-language understanding]] (NLU).<ref>{{cite web |last=Pan |first=Jiaqi |title=Conversational Interfaces: The Future of Chatbots – Chatbots Magazine |website=Chatbots Magazine |date=2017-08-25 |url=https://chatbotsmagazine.com/conversational-interfaces-the-future-of-chatbots-18975a91fe5a |access-date=2018-05-23}}</ref>
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