How to Deploy a discord.js Bot to a Hosting Server

How to Deploy a discord.js Bot

You have finished coding your bot locally and it works perfectly. Now you want it online 24/7. Here is how to deploy it using the VisiHost Pterodactyl panel.

Step 1: Prepare Your Files

1. Do NOT upload node_modules. The server installs its own dependencies.
2. Ensure you have a package.json listing all required packages.
3. Use environment variables for your bot token. Create a .env file and use the dotenv package.

Zip your bot folder excluding node_modules.

Step 2: Upload to the Panel

1. Log in to the VisiHost Pterodactyl Panel.
2. Select your Discord bot server.
3. Navigate to Files.
4. Click Upload and select your zip file.
5. Click the three dots next to the zip and select Unarchive.

Step 3: Configure Startup

1. Go to the Startup tab.
2. Set Startup File to your main file (e.g. index.js or bot.js).
3. Ensure the Node.js version is compatible. discord.js v14 requires Node.js 16.11.0 or higher.

Step 4: Start

1. Go to the Console tab.
2. Click Start.
3. The server runs npm install automatically, then executes your startup file.

Troubleshooting

Module Not Found: Add the missing module to your package.json and click Start again.

Wrong Node Version: Update the Node.js version in your Pterodactyl environment settings.

Conclusion

Deploying a discord.js bot is straightforward with Pterodactyl. Check out VisiHost Discord Bot Hosting plans starting at Rs 10 per month.