A chatbot framework is a software platform that provides tools and libraries to develop, deploy, and manage chatbots. These frameworks simplify the process of creating conversational agents by offering pre-built components, such as natural language processing (NLP) capabilities, user interface elements, and integration options with messaging platforms like Facebook Messenger or Slack. Popular chatbot frameworks include Dialogflow, Microsoft Bot Framework, and Rasa. Each framework has its own strengths, such as ease of use, flexibility, or advanced features, allowing developers to choose one that best fits their project needs. By using these frameworks, developers can focus on building engaging conversations rather than starting from scratch.