> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.breezehost.xyz/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Getting Started

> Deploy your Discord bot on Breeze Hosting for the first time.

# Getting Started with Bot Hosting

This guide walks you through deploying your Discord bot on Breeze Hosting from start to finish.

## Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

* A **Breeze Hosting account** — [create one here](https://dash.breezehost.xyz) if you haven't already
* A **bot hosting plan** purchased from the dashboard
* Your **bot's source code** ready on your local machine
* A **Discord bot token** from the [Discord Developer Portal](https://discord.com/developers/applications)

## Step-by-Step Setup

<Steps>
  <Step title="Log into the Pterodactyl Panel">
    Go to [panel.breezehost.xyz](https://panel.breezehost.xyz) and log in with the credentials from your welcome email. You'll see your server listed on the dashboard.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Your Server">
    Click on your server to open the management view. You'll see the **Console**, **Files**, **Databases**, **Schedules**, and **Settings** tabs.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload Your Bot Files">
    Go to the **Files** tab and upload your bot's code. Make sure your main entry file (e.g., `bot.py`, `index.js`, or `main.py`) is at the **root level** — not inside a subfolder.

    You can also upload a `.zip` archive and unarchive it directly in the panel. See [Uploading Files](/bot-hosting/uploading-files) for more details.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Your Startup Command">
    Go to **Settings > Startup** and verify the startup command matches your entry file:

    * **Python**: `python bot.py` or `python main.py`
    * **JavaScript**: `node index.js` or `node bot.js`

    Make sure this matches the actual filename of your main file.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Your Bot Token">
    You have two options for providing your bot token:

    **Option A — Environment variable (recommended):**
    Go to **Settings > Startup** and add your token as a startup variable if your egg supports it.

    **Option B — Config file:**
    Create a `config.json` or `.env` file in your server's root directory and add your token there. Make sure your code reads from this file.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install Dependencies">
    If your bot uses external packages, the panel will handle dependency installation automatically on startup for most eggs:

    * **Python**: Include a `requirements.txt` file in your root directory
    * **JavaScript**: Include a `package.json` file in your root directory

    The server will install dependencies when it starts.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start Your Bot">
    Go back to the **Console** tab and click **Start**. Watch the console output to confirm your bot connects to Discord successfully.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Verifying Your Bot Is Online

Once started, you should see output in the console like:

* **discord.py**: `Logged in as YourBot#1234`
* **discord.js**: `Ready! Logged in as YourBot#1234`

Check Discord to confirm your bot shows as online and responds to commands.

<Warning>
  If your bot crashes immediately or shows errors in the console, check the [Common Errors](/bot-hosting/common-errors) guide for solutions.
</Warning>

## Tips for a Smooth Deploy

* **Keep your main file at the root** — don't nest it inside folders like `src/` or `bot/`. See [File Structure](/bot-hosting/file-structure) for why this matters.
* **Test locally first** — make sure your bot runs on your own machine before uploading
* **Don't upload `node_modules`** (JS) or virtual environments (Python) — let the server install dependencies from your `package.json` or `requirements.txt`
* **Use environment variables** for your bot token instead of hardcoding it

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="File Structure" icon="folder-tree" href="/bot-hosting/file-structure">
    Learn the correct way to organize your bot files
  </Card>

  <Card title="Common Errors" icon="triangle-exclamation" href="/bot-hosting/common-errors">
    Troubleshoot startup issues and crashes
  </Card>
</CardGroup>