Microsoft’s NLWeb project is a new tool that makes websites feel like a conversation, simplifying the creation of natural language interfaces for websites. This open project makes it seamless to turn any site into an AI-powered app by letting website owners add a feature where users can ask questions in plain language and get clear answers, as if chatting with an AI assistant or Copilot.

NLWeb, short for Natural Language Web, helps websites understand and respond to questions naturally. It uses data already on your site like Schema.org or RSS feeds and combines it with LLM-powered tool to give helpful, context-aware replies. For example, a restaurant site could answer menu questions and toss in details like nearby locations.

As a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server, NLWeb lets websites share content with other smart systems if desired. It works on all major operating systems and lets developers choose their preferred tools and databases.

Why It’s Useful for Website Owners

NLWeb makes it easy to add a conversational touch to your site, much like HTML made building websites simple years ago. Visitors can ask questions naturally, making their experience smoother and more engaging. It also sets up your site to connect with other smart systems, creating new ways to reach people.

R.V. Guha, a Microsoft Corporate Vice President and Technical Fellow who created web standards like RSS and Schema.org, leads NLWeb. A growing team from Microsoft and the open-source community is helping build and improve it.

Who’s Using It?

Early testers include Chicago Public Media, Shopify, Tripadvisor, and others like Eventbrite and Hearst. These partners are helping ensure NLWeb works well for all kinds of websites, from news to shopping.

To get started visit the https://github.com/microsoft/NLWeb it contains all you need.