What’s the best approach to implement AI-based chatbot integration in a React web app?

[Yash Smith]

I want to integrate an AI-powered chatbot into a React-based website. Should I use WebSocket, REST APIs, or GraphQL for handling chat responses? Any recommendations for frameworks or tools?

[KennFromEesel]

If you want real-time streaming, I’d go with WebSockets. For simpler back-and-forth, REST is the easiest and most stable option. GraphQL only makes sense if your stack already relies on it.

I think you can pair a React chat UI with a small Node/Express backend to keep API keys safe and handle the AI calls cleanly. I work at eesel AI, and this setup consistently works well for me when integrating chat features.

[James Wood]

To add an AI chatbot in a React app:

Use an AI API like OpenAI or Dialogflow.

Set up a backend (e.g., Express) to handle API calls securely.

Build the chat UI in React using useState for messages and input.

Send/receive messages via Axios or Fetch from your backend.

Keep API keys safe—never expose them in React.

You don’t need to write raw HTML—just use React components and JSX