> This page location: Neon Functions > Example apps > Discord bot
> Full Neon documentation index: https://neon.com/docs/llms.txt

> Summary: Host a Discord interactions bot on Neon Functions. Receive slash commands over HTTP at a public function URL, verify Discord's Ed25519 request signatures, and store data in Postgres on the same branch.

# How to host a Discord bot on Neon Functions

Receive slash commands at a public function URL with no Gateway connection

Discord can deliver slash commands over HTTP. There's no Gateway connection and no discord.js client. Discord POSTs each interaction to the Interactions Endpoint URL on your app. This guide uses a [Neon Function](https://neon.com/docs/compute/functions/overview) as that URL.

The template verifies Discord's request signatures and answers the `PING`/`PONG` handshake. Discord's [Interactions Overview](https://discord.com/developers/docs/interactions/overview) is optional background if you want the crypto details.

**Note: Not for Gateway bots**

Neon Functions are not the right primitive for a Discord Gateway bot yet. Gateway bots need a long-lived, stateful process with session resume, presence and sharding. This guide is HTTP only: Discord POSTs slash commands to your function URL.

## Prerequisites

- A Neon project in AWS US East (Ohio) (`aws-us-east-2`), AWS US East (N. Virginia) (`aws-us-east-1`), AWS Europe (Frankfurt) (`aws-eu-central-1`), or AWS Asia Pacific (Singapore) (`aws-ap-southeast-1`). Support is expanding toward [all regions](https://neon.com/docs/introduction/regions). See [Get started with Neon Functions](https://neon.com/docs/compute/functions/get-started).
- The latest [Neon CLI](https://neon.com/docs/cli), installed and authenticated. Upgrade with `npm install -g neon@latest`, then see [CLI login](https://neon.com/docs/cli/login).
- Node.js 24 (`node -v`). Deployed functions run on `nodejs24`, so 24 locally is the closest match. Node.js 20+ works.
- A Discord account.
- A Discord server you own. Create one if you need to. You often can't add a bot to someone else's server.

This guide uses npm commands, matching the template.

## Create a Discord application

Open the [Discord Developer Portal](https://discord.com/developers/applications) and click **New Application**. Give it a name (for example `Neon HTTP bot`), accept the Developer Terms, then click **Create**.

![Discord Developer Portal New Application modal](https://neon.com/docs/compute/functions/discord-new-application.png)

On **General Information**, copy the **Application ID** and **Public Key**. Stash them somewhere local. They go into `.env.local` after you scaffold the project.

![Discord General Information showing Application ID and Public Key](https://neon.com/docs/compute/functions/discord-general-information.png)

Open the **Bot** tab and click **Reset Token**. Copy the token. Discord shows it once. Resetting invalidates any previous token, so if this app already had one, update `.env.local` after you create it.

![Discord Bot tab showing the Reset Token button](https://neon.com/docs/compute/functions/discord-bot-token.png)

**Warning:** Treat the bot token like a password. Anyone who has it can act as your bot. Never commit it or paste it into screenshots, tickets or chat.

The public key is what the function uses to verify that a POST really came from Discord. The application ID and bot token are what `npm run register:commands` uses to declare slash commands. `/help` uses the token at request time for command mentions.

### Invite the bot to a test server

Create a Discord server you own if you don't already have one.

This walkthrough uses **OAuth2** → **URL Generator**, not the **Installation** tab.

Under **Scopes**, check `bot` and `applications.commands`.

![Discord OAuth2 URL Generator with bot and applications.commands scopes](https://neon.com/docs/compute/functions/discord-oauth-scopes.png)

Under **Bot Permissions**, check **Send Messages** and **Use Slash Commands**.

![Discord OAuth2 URL Generator with Send Messages and Use Slash Commands](https://neon.com/docs/compute/functions/discord-oauth-url-generator.png)

The screenshots are cropped to the checkboxes. Copy the generated URL at the bottom of **URL Generator**, below **Bot Permissions**. Open it, pick your test server, click **Continue**, then **Authorize**.

Slash commands show up after you [register them](https://neon.com/docs/compute/functions/discord-bot#register-slash-commands).

## Scaffold the project

`neon bootstrap` copies the HTTP example into an empty directory and prompts you to install dependencies and set up the project. Accept the prompts. Pass `--no-link` to skip linking for now; you'll [link](https://neon.com/docs/cli/link) in the next step, after creating `.env.local`, so Neon writes its variables straight into that file. The template id is `discord-bot-http`:

```bash
neon bootstrap my-discord-bot --template discord-bot-http --no-link
cd my-discord-bot
```

See [`neon bootstrap`](https://neon.com/docs/cli/bootstrap) for flags. Later commands in this guide assume you're in that directory.

To start from the source instead, copy [bots/discord-bot-http](https://github.com/neondatabase/examples/tree/main/bots/discord-bot-http) from the [examples](https://github.com/neondatabase/examples) repo, `cd` into it, then install dependencies and `neon link`.

`neon.ts` declares the `discord` function, the Discord env vars and a local `dev` port:

```ts filename="neon.ts"
import { defineConfig } from "@neon/config/v1";

export default defineConfig({
  functions: {
    discord: {
      name: "Discord interactions",
      source: "./functions/discord.ts",
      env: {
        DISCORD_PUBLIC_KEY: process.env.DISCORD_PUBLIC_KEY!,
        DISCORD_APPLICATION_ID: process.env.DISCORD_APPLICATION_ID!,
        DISCORD_BOT_TOKEN: process.env.DISCORD_BOT_TOKEN!,
        ...(process.env.DISCORD_GUILD_ID ? { DISCORD_GUILD_ID: process.env.DISCORD_GUILD_ID } : {}),
      },
      dev: {
        port: 8787,
      },
    },
  },
});
```

The key `discord` is the function slug. It's permanent after the first deploy and appears in CLI commands and the invocation URL. See the [neon.ts reference](https://neon.com/docs/reference/neon-ts).

This walkthrough is deploy-only. Discord needs a public HTTPS URL, so we don't use `npm run dev` here. The scaffold still sets `dev.port` to `8787` to match the template.

## Add Discord secrets

Template scripts read `.env.local` (for example `neon deploy --env .env.local` and `node --env-file=.env.local`), the same convention as Next.js and `vercel env pull`. Bootstrap scaffolds a `.env.example` but no `.env.local` yet. Install dependencies, copy the example, then link. `neon link` loads `neon.ts` to pull the branch's variables, so the packages must be installed first:

```bash
npm install
cp .env.example .env.local
neon link
```

Linking merges `DATABASE_URL`, `DATABASE_URL_UNPOOLED`, `NEON_BRANCH`, and `NEON_FUNCTION_DISCORD_BASE_URL` (your function's public URL, ready before you deploy) into `.env.local`, leaving the Discord keys untouched. Uncomment and fill the three required `DISCORD_*` keys:

```env filename=".env.local"
# Required. Add real values before deploying; a missing key throws at deploy, an empty one uploads "".
# DISCORD_PUBLIC_KEY=
# DISCORD_APPLICATION_ID=
# DISCORD_BOT_TOKEN=

# Optional: your test server's ID for fast guild commands; blank registers global commands.
DISCORD_GUILD_ID=

# Written into `.env.local` by `neon link`.
NEON_BRANCH=
DATABASE_URL=
DATABASE_URL_UNPOOLED=
NEON_FUNCTION_DISCORD_BASE_URL=
```

For this guide, also set `DISCORD_GUILD_ID` to your test server. In Discord, turn on Developer Mode (User Settings → App Settings → Advanced), right-click the server name in the sidebar and click **Copy Server ID**. A guild is a Discord server.

Leave the pulled `NEON_*` and `DATABASE_URL*` values as written. See [Environment variables](https://neon.com/docs/compute/functions/environment-variables).

If you omit `DISCORD_GUILD_ID`, the register script creates global commands, which can take up to an hour to show up. Skip that until you want a production-wide install.

## Deploy the function

`npm run deploy` runs `neon deploy --env .env.local`, which evaluates `neon.ts` with your Discord secrets in `process.env`:

```bash
npm run deploy
```

The CLI applies the `neon.ts` policy, bundles the function and waits until that apply finishes. You'll see `Applied changes` and a **Function URLs** list. If the command fails, check [function logs](https://neon.com/docs/compute/functions/logs). Flags are in [Deploy and manage functions](https://neon.com/docs/compute/functions/deploy).

Deployed env is a snapshot of `.env.local` at apply time. Run `npm run deploy` again after any change to `.env.local`.

## Apply the database schema

```bash
npm run db:push
```

`neon link` wrote `DATABASE_URL` into `.env.local`, so you can apply the schema any time after linking. `/ping` works without the tables; `/name` and `/profile` need them.

## Set the Interactions Endpoint URL

Your interactions endpoint is `NEON_FUNCTION_DISCORD_BASE_URL` (from `.env.local`) with `/api/interactions` appended:

```text
https://br-cool-darkness-123456-discord.compute.us-east-2.aws.neon.tech/api/interactions
```

Your URL will differ. Use the exact `NEON_FUNCTION_DISCORD_BASE_URL` value from `.env.local`, with `/api/interactions` appended; the host is specific to your branch.

In the Developer Portal, open **General Information**. Paste that URL into **Interactions Endpoint URL** and save.

Discord immediately POSTs a `PING` (`type: 1`). The handler verifies the signature and returns a `PONG`. If that handshake succeeds, Discord saves the URL (the Developer Portal shows a green success message).

If save fails, retry once. Confirm the public key in `.env.local` matches General Information, you redeployed after editing `.env.local` and the path ends with `/api/interactions`. Then open or curl the function URL (`NEON_FUNCTION_DISCORD_BASE_URL`, or that URL plus `/api/interactions`). GET returns JSON with these keys:

```json
{
  "ok": true,
  "service": "discord-interactions",
  "interactionsPath": "/api/interactions",
  "interactionsUrl": "https://br-cool-darkness-123456-discord.compute.us-east-2.aws.neon.tech/api/interactions"
}
```

`ok: true` proves the isolate is up, and `interactionsUrl` echoes the public endpoint you paste into Discord, so it should match the URL you saved. GET does not use the public key, so a wrong key or a stale deploy still fails Discord's `PING`. Check [function logs](https://neon.com/docs/compute/functions/logs); signature failures show up there. Fix `.env.local` and redeploy. The first PING can miss a cold start.

## Register slash commands

Discord doesn't read commands from your handler. Register them once with the Discord API:

```bash
npm run register:commands
```

That compiles `scripts/registerCommands.ts` and calls Discord's HTTP API with your bot token. It runs locally. It isn't part of the Neon Function. On success it prints the registered command list as JSON.

The hosted function still needs `DISCORD_BOT_TOKEN`, `DISCORD_APPLICATION_ID` and `DISCORD_PUBLIC_KEY` in the deployed env. `/help` uses the token at request time for command mentions. The public key is for request verification.

If it throws, check that `.env.local` exists and the token is set (Discord returns `401 Unauthorized` for a bad token). If the bot isn't in the target server, Discord returns `403 Missing Access`; invite it first (see [Invite the bot to a test server](https://neon.com/docs/compute/functions/discord-bot#invite-the-bot-to-a-test-server)). A wrong `DISCORD_GUILD_ID` returns `404 Unknown Guild`.

With `DISCORD_GUILD_ID` set, the script registers guild commands on that server.

The template registers `/ping`, `/info`, `/help`, `/buttons`, `/name` and `/profile`. Each command has an optional `ephemeral` boolean in Discord's `/` picker when you invoke it. Set it so only you see the reply. It isn't an env var or a code edit.

Restart the Discord client after registering so the `/` picker picks up the new commands.

## Try /ping

In your test server, type `/` and pick **ping** from Discord's command picker, then send it. The bot should reply with a Pong embed and an estimated interaction latency.

HTTP-only bots stay **offline** in the member list. That's expected. They still handle slash commands.

You must send Discord an initial response within about 3 seconds, or Discord invalidates the interaction token. This template answers in the request.

If nothing appears, or Discord says "The application did not respond":

- The bot is in the server with the `applications.commands` scope.
- Discord saved the Interactions Endpoint URL after a successful PING/PONG.
- `npm run deploy` finished (redeploy after any `.env.local` change).
- `npm run register:commands` printed JSON (then you restarted Discord).
- `DISCORD_GUILD_ID` is this server.
- Check [function logs](https://neon.com/docs/compute/functions/logs) for a failed PING or a slow cold start. Try `/ping` again once the branch is warm.

## How it works

`functions/discord.ts` default-exports `async function handler(request: Request)` and returns a `Response`. GET returns `{ ok, service, interactionsPath, interactionsUrl }`. POST reads the raw body, verifies the Discord signature, then dispatches on interaction type.

**Important: Verify the raw body**

Call `request.text()` and verify **before** `JSON.parse`. Discord signs `timestamp + body` as the exact bytes it sent. Parsing JSON first can change whitespace and fail verification. See [Interactions Overview](https://discord.com/developers/docs/interactions/overview).

The POST path reads the raw body and verifies the signature before parsing:

```ts filename="functions/discord.ts"
  const body = await request.text();
  const env = getDiscordEnv();
  const isVerified = verifyDiscordRequest({
    body,
    publicKey: env.DISCORD_PUBLIC_KEY,
    signature: request.headers.get("x-signature-ed25519"),
    timestamp: request.headers.get("x-signature-timestamp"),
  });

  if (!isVerified) {
    return jsonResponse({ error: "invalid request signature" }, { status: 401 });
  }

  let payloadBody: unknown;

  try {
    payloadBody = JSON.parse(body);
  } catch {
    return jsonResponse({ error: "invalid json" }, { status: 400 });
  }
```

<details>

<summary>View full code: </summary>

```typescript
import { InteractionResponseType, InteractionType } from "discord-api-types/v10";
import { DISCORD_EPHEMERAL_OPTION_NAME, DISCORD_INTERACTIONS_PATH } from "../src/constants/discord.js";
import { getDiscordEnv } from "../src/env.js";
import { discordInteractionSchema } from "../src/schemas/discord.js";
import { commandHandlers, trackApplicationCommandRun } from "../src/utils/discordCommands.js";
import { getBooleanCommandOption } from "../src/utils/discordOptions.js";
import { createErrorResponseData } from "../src/utils/discordResponses.js";
import { createButtonTestClickResponseData, parseButtonTestCustomId } from "../src/utils/generalComponents.js";
import { jsonResponse } from "../src/utils/jsonResponse.js";
import { verifyDiscordRequest } from "../src/utils/verifyDiscordRequest.js";

export default async function handler(request: Request): Promise<Response> {
  const url = new URL(request.url);

  switch (request.method) {
    case "GET":
      return jsonResponse({
        ok: true,
        service: "discord-interactions",
        interactionsPath: DISCORD_INTERACTIONS_PATH,
        interactionsUrl: `${url.origin}${DISCORD_INTERACTIONS_PATH}`,
      });
    case "POST":
      break;
    default:
      return jsonResponse({ error: "method not allowed" }, { status: 405 });
  }

  const body = await request.text();
  const env = getDiscordEnv();
  const isVerified = verifyDiscordRequest({
    body,
    publicKey: env.DISCORD_PUBLIC_KEY,
    signature: request.headers.get("x-signature-ed25519"),
    timestamp: request.headers.get("x-signature-timestamp"),
  });

  if (!isVerified) {
    return jsonResponse({ error: "invalid request signature" }, { status: 401 });
  }

  let payloadBody: unknown;

  try {
    payloadBody = JSON.parse(body);
  } catch {
    return jsonResponse({ error: "invalid json" }, { status: 400 });
  }

  const parsedPayload = discordInteractionSchema.safeParse(payloadBody);

  if (!parsedPayload.success) {
    return jsonResponse({ error: "invalid interaction payload" }, { status: 400 });
  }

  const payload = parsedPayload.data;
  const options = payload.data?.options ?? [];
  const ephemeral = getBooleanCommandOption(options, DISCORD_EPHEMERAL_OPTION_NAME);

  switch (payload.type) {
    case InteractionType.Ping:
      return jsonResponse({ type: InteractionResponseType.Pong });
    case InteractionType.ApplicationCommand: {
      if (!payload.data?.name) {
        break;
      }

      const commandHandler = commandHandlers[payload.data.name];

      if (commandHandler) {
        void trackApplicationCommandRun(payload);

        return jsonResponse({
          type: InteractionResponseType.ChannelMessageWithSource,
          data: await commandHandler({ payload, request, url, ephemeral, options }),
        });
      }

      break;
    }
    case InteractionType.MessageComponent: {
      if (!payload.data?.custom_id) {
        break;
      }

      const buttonTestAction = parseButtonTestCustomId(payload.data.custom_id);

      if (buttonTestAction) {
        return jsonResponse({
          type: InteractionResponseType.UpdateMessage,
          data: createButtonTestClickResponseData(buttonTestAction),
        });
      }

      return jsonResponse({
        type: InteractionResponseType.ChannelMessageWithSource,
        data: createErrorResponseData("That button is not handled by this bot."),
      });
    }
  }

  return jsonResponse({
    type: InteractionResponseType.ChannelMessageWithSource,
    data: createErrorResponseData("Unknown command. Try `/help`."),
  });
}

```

</details>

View it on [GitHub](https://github.com/neondatabase/examples/blob/main/bots/discord-bot-http/functions/discord.ts).

## Commands

- `/ping`: Pong embed with estimated interaction latency.
- `/info` and `/help`: [Components v2](https://discord.com/developers/docs/components/overview) panels (Discord's newer message layout) with runtime details and slash-command mentions.
- `/buttons`: Components v2 buttons (primary, secondary, success and danger).
- `/name` and `/profile`: Postgres via Drizzle (`profiles` and `command_usage` tables). If the database misses a 2.5-second deadline, the bot replies "Warming up"; run the command again once the branch is warm.

## Related templates

- [Community guide: Discord bot on Neon Functions](https://neon.com/guides/discord-bot-on-neon-functions): adds LLM chat and image generation, built from scratch.
- [Telegram HTTP bot](https://github.com/neondatabase/examples/tree/main/bots/telegram-bot-http)
- [WhatsApp HTTP bot](https://github.com/neondatabase/examples/tree/main/bots/whatsapp-bot-http)

## Example

Create a copy of the example with the Neon CLI:

```bash
neon bootstrap my-discord-bot --template discord-bot-http
cd my-discord-bot
```

You can find the example in [`bots/discord-bot-http`](https://github.com/neondatabase/examples/tree/main/bots/discord-bot-http).

---

## Related docs (Example apps)

- [Telegram bot](https://neon.com/docs/compute/functions/telegram-bot)
- [WhatsApp bot](https://neon.com/docs/compute/functions/whatsapp-bot)

---

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