Introduction

This guide walks you through creating a basic conversational chatbot using HyperFlow’s visual flow-graph editor. You’ll learn how to connect nodes, understand data flow, and create an interactive AI assistant that maintains conversation context.

Watch a video

It is highly recommended that you watch the introductory video on building flow-graphs, it will help familiarize you with the HyperFlow user interface and show you the basic ways of creating, editing and running HyperFlow AI apps.

Understanding Flow-Graphs

HyperFlow uses a visual programming approach where you connect “nodes” (functional blocks) with “edges” (connections) to create AI workflows. There are two types of connections:

• Purple lines (Process Flow): Define the execution order through “entries” and “exits”, and allow loops
• Blue lines (Data Flow): Transfer data between node “inputs” and “outputs”

Important concept: Nodes connected only by data-flow lines and not connected in the process flow are “pure data” nodes that run automatically when their data is needed, simplifying your flow-graph wiring.

The Basic Chatbot Pattern

A simple conversational chatbot requires just three nodes:

1. User Input Node (Green)

Purpose: Captures user messages and file uploads

Location: Chat node group

What it does: Creates an input interface where users type questions or upload files

Key settings:

• Mode: Choose between text-only, file upload, or both
• Placeholder text: Guide users with hints like “Ask me anything…”
• Prompt buttons: Add quick-start options with suggested common questions

2. Instructions Node (Yellow)

Purpose: Defines your chatbot’s personality and behavior