Develop a simple chatbot that implements the decision tree previously discussed to determine if an object is recyclable using:

modular architecture
appropriate libraries
well named variables
Lists
control structures

1 answer

Certainly! Below is a simple Python chatbot that implements a decision tree to determine if an object is recyclable. This example uses a modular architecture and incorporates libraries, well-named variables, lists, and control structures.

Let's build the chatbot step-by-step:

Step 1: Outline the Decision Tree

For the sake of this example, we'll simplify the decision tree to check for common recyclable materials. Here are the five questions that the chatbot will ask:

  1. Is the item made of plastic, metal, glass, or paper?
  2. If it's plastic, is it a container, a bag, or other?
  3. If it's metal, is it a can or foil?
  4. If it's glass, is it a bottle or jar?
  5. If it's paper, is it newspaper or cardboard?

Step 2: Create the Module Structure

Here’s a simple Python script that encapsulates this functionality:

def main():
    welcome_message()
    object_type = get_object_type()
    recyclable = determine_recyclability(object_type)
    display_result(recyclable)

def welcome_message():
    print("Welcome to the Recycling Chatbot!")
    print("I will help you determine if an item is recyclable.")

def get_object_type():
    object_types = ['plastic', 'metal', 'glass', 'paper']
    while True:
        object_type = input(f"Is the item made of {', '.join(object_types)}? ").lower()
        if object_type in object_types:
            return object_type
        else:
            print("Please enter a valid type: plastic, metal, glass, or paper.")

def determine_recyclability(object_type):
    if object_type == 'plastic':
        return handle_plastic()
    elif object_type == 'metal':
        return handle_metal()
    elif object_type == 'glass':
        return handle_glass()
    elif object_type == 'paper':
        return handle_paper()

def handle_plastic():
    plastic_types = ['container', 'bag', 'other']
    plastic_type = input("Is it a container, bag, or other? ").lower()
    
    if plastic_type == 'container':
        return "Yes, that plastic container is recyclable!"
    elif plastic_type == 'bag':
        return "No, plastic bags are typically not recyclable."
    else:
        return "It depends on the local recycling policies; check with your local service."

def handle_metal():
    metal_types = ['can', 'foil']
    metal_type = input("Is it a can or foil? ").lower()
    
    if metal_type == 'can':
        return "Yes, metal cans are recyclable!"
    elif metal_type == 'foil':
        return "Yes, aluminum foil is also recyclable!"
    else:
        return "That type may not be recyclable; check local guidelines."

def handle_glass():
    glass_types = ['bottle', 'jar']
    glass_type = input("Is it a bottle or jar? ").lower()
    
    if glass_type == 'bottle':
        return "Yes, glass bottles are recyclable!"
    elif glass_type == 'jar':
        return "Yes, glass jars are recyclable!"
    else:
        return "Check with local guidelines for other glass types."

def handle_paper():
    paper_types = ['newspaper', 'cardboard']
    paper_type = input("Is it newspaper or cardboard? ").lower()
    
    if paper_type == 'newspaper':
        return "Yes, newspapers are recyclable!"
    elif paper_type == 'cardboard':
        return "Yes, cardboard is recyclable!"
    else:
        return "That may not be recyclable; verify with local policies."

def display_result(recyclable_answer):
    print(recyclable_answer)
    print("Thank you for using the Recycling Chatbot!")

if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()

Explanation of the Code:

  • Modular Architecture: Each function handles a specific part of the flow (greeting the user, getting input, determining recyclability, etc.).
  • Control Structures: The use of if-else structures allows checking responses and routing based on user input.
  • Lists: Lists are used to hold object types and check user responses.
  • Well-Named Variables: Variable names reflect their purpose, making the code easy to understand.

Running the Chatbot

To run this chatbot, copy the code into a Python environment and execute it. The user will be prompted through a series of questions to determine if their item is recyclable based on the decision tree outlined above.