How to set up a chatbot?

[sock1992]

I want to get my chatbot up and running asap, so i can start playing around with it/creating simple dialogue systems etc. I want to have something which can build on overtime and in the end have a sophisticated conversational AI. On another forum they suggested that I use the virtual assistant: Bot Framework Solutions Documentation
however this requires me to have a Azure CosmoDb account which is only free for 30 days. I'll be working on this project for 3-4 months.

What other alternatives are there?

Should I consider using any of the following? or are they used for basic bot creations?

Echo Bot (Bot framework v4 - .Net core 3.1)
Core bot (bot framework v4 - .Net core 3.1)

Any feedback would be appreciated, Thanks.

 

[Skydiver]

I vaguely recall MS had free Azure accounts for students. I don't feel clear headed enough right now to remember all the details. Try searching for it.