Creating Loops

Learn how to implement dynamic loops to collect repeated information from users in your chatbot.

Creating Loops

Video tutorial available in the Zapbot dashboard

In this guide, we demonstrate how to implement a dynamic loop to collect guest names for a restaurant reservation chatbot.

Overview

We walk through setting up the chatbot to request the number of guests, and then, using JavaScript, create a list based on this number.

How It Works

  1. Ask for count: Request the number of guests from the user
  2. Create a list: Use the 'Shift' set variable value to iterate through this list
  3. Collect information: Store each guest's name through the loop

Implementation

Despite the lack of a specific loop block in the platform, you can create loop-like behavior through custom code using the Set Variable block.

Key Concepts

  • Use JavaScript in the Set Variable block to manage iteration
  • The 'Shift' operation removes and returns the first element of an array
  • Connect blocks to create the looping behavior
  • Use conditions to check when the loop should end

Example: Guest Name Collection

  1. Ask "How many guests will be attending?"
  2. Store the number in a variable
  3. Create an array with that many empty slots
  4. Loop through each slot, asking for a guest name
  5. Store all names in a results array