A bot is a software application designed to perform automated tasks over the Internet or a network. It runs according to specific instructions and can imitate or replace human behavior, often handling repetitive tasks much faster and more efficiently than a human can. Bots operate continuously and independently, performing functions such as interacting with websites, chatting with users, or scanning and analyzing content. There are many types of bots, including:
- Good bots: These help with useful tasks such as web crawling for search engines, customer service chatbots, or shopping assistants.
- Bad bots: These can perform harmful or malicious activities like hacking, spamming, or launching attacks on websites.
Bots are widely used for various purposes, both beneficial and malicious. They follow predetermined rules or use advanced methods like machine learning to mimic human conversations. The term "bot" is short for "robot," emphasizing their role as automated agents executing tasks without human intervention. Overall, bots are essential tools in computing and internet operations, capable of performing tasks at scales and speeds unmatched by humans. However, their impact depends on how they are programmed and used.
