Botkit

Botkit is a foundational open-source framework for building conversational applications, chatbots, and automated messaging agents. Now a part of the Microsoft Bot Framework ecosystem, Botkit provides a high-level developer-centric abstraction layer for Node.js, simplifying the complexities of multi-platform API interactions. In the 2026 market, it stands as the premier choice for developers who require granular control over bot logic and data privacy without the overhead of proprietary SaaS constraints. The framework's architecture is built on a modular middleware system, allowing for seamless integration of NLP engines (like Rasa or Azure AI), database adapters for state management, and custom event handlers. Botkit specializes in 'Conversation' management, enabling developers to script complex, multi-turn dialogues that maintain context across sessions. It natively supports a wide array of adapters including Slack, Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, and Twilio. By operating as a library rather than a platform, Botkit empowers enterprises to self-host their conversational AI infrastructure, ensuring data sovereignty while leveraging the robust capabilities of the broader Microsoft Bot Builder SDK.