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APPLIES TO: SDK v4
This article describes how to build your first bot with the Bot Framework SDK for C#, Java, JavaScript or Python, and how to test your bot with the Bot Framework Emulator.
Creating your first bot doesn't require an Azure subscription or an Azure AI Bot Service resource. This quickstart focuses on creating your first bot locally. If you'd like to learn how to create a bot in Azure, seeCreate an Azure Bot resource.
Note
To build agents with your choice of AI services, orchestration, and knowledge, consider using the Microsoft 365 Agents SDK. The Agents SDK has support for C#, JavaScript or Python. You can learn more about the Agents SDK ataka.ms/agents. If you're looking for a SaaS-based agent platform, considerMicrosoft Copilot Studio. If you have an existing bot built with the Bot Framework SDK, you can update your bot to the Agents SDK. You can review the core changes and updates atBot Framework SDK to Agents SDK migration guidance. Support tickets for the Bot Framework SDK will no longer be serviced as of December 31, 2025.
The current bot samples use .NET Core 3.1 templates.
To add the bot templates to Visual Studio, download and install theBot Framework v4 SDK Templates for Visual Studio VSIX file.
Note
You can install the templates from within Visual Studio.
For information about deploying .NET bots to Azure, see how toProvision and publish a bot.
In Visual Studio, create a new bot project and use theEcho Bot (Bot Framework v4 - .NET Core 3.1) template. To see only bot templates, choose theAI Bots project type.
Thanks to the template, your project contains all the necessary code to create the bot in this quickstart. You don't need any more code to test your bot.
In Visual Studio:
default.htm
page.At this point, your bot is running locally on port 3978.
Start the Bot Framework Emulator.
SelectOpen Bot on the Emulator'sWelcome tab.
Enter your bot's URL, which is your local host and port, with/api/messages
added to the path. The address is usually:http://localhost:3978/api/messages
.
Then selectConnect.
Send a message to your bot, and the bot will respond back.