Chatbot::eliza implements the classic eliza algorithm. the original eliza program was written by joseph weizenbaum and described in the communications of the acm in 1966. eliza is a mock rogerian psychotherapist. it prompts for user input, and uses a simple transformation algorithm to change user input into a follow-up question. the program is designed to give the appearance of understanding.

this program is a faithful implementation of the program described by weizenbaum. it uses a simplified script language (devised by charles hayden). the content of the script is the same as weizenbaum's.