Clippy actually ran on two systems: Bayesian and rule-based

bansalg_ · x · 2026-08-20

A demo of Lumiere, the prototype that inspired Clippy. The shipped Clippy had two minds: a Bayesian inference component that ran only during user searches, and a legacy rule-based system (from Tip Wizard) responsible for the infamous active suggestions.

Related event: Microsoft scientist recalls Clippy's Bayesian prototype and engineering compromises(2 posts)→

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