Update app.py

app.py

@@ -62,8 +62,10 @@ rag_chain = (
     | StrOutputParser()
 )
 
-# Function to handle chatbot interaction
 def rag_chain_response(messages):
+    if not messages:  # If messages list is empty
+        return [("System", "Hi! How can I assist you today?")]  # Provide a default greeting
+    
     # Extract the last user message
     user_message = messages[-1][0]
     
@@ -74,11 +76,11 @@ def rag_chain_response(messages):
     messages.append((user_message, response))
     return messages
 
-# Define the Gradio app
+
 with gr.Blocks(theme="rawrsor1/Everforest") as app:
+    gr.Markdown("## Welcome to Annie's Chatbot - Your Friendly Guide to Birmingham!")
     
-    
-    chatbot = gr.Chatbot([], elem_id="RADAR", bubble_full_width=False)
+    chatbot = gr.Chatbot([("System", "Hi! How can I assist you today?")], elem_id="RADAR", bubble_full_width=False)
     question_input = gr.Textbox(label="Ask a Question", placeholder="Type your question here...")
     submit_btn = gr.Button("Submit")
     
@@ -90,4 +92,4 @@ with gr.Blocks(theme="rawrsor1/Everforest") as app:
     )
 
 # Launch the Gradio app
-app.launch(show_error=True)
+app.launch(show_error=True)