Free Python Discord Bot Hosting Guide
Deploy a Python Discord bot using dependencies, environment variables and a correct startup file.
Python Discord bots need the same deployment fundamentals as other applications: compatible runtime, installed packages, secure credentials and a startup command pointing to the correct application file.
Prepare requirements.txt
A requirements file allows the server to install the Python packages used by the project.
discord.py
python-dotenvInstall Python packages
Install dependencies using the Python environment provided by the host.
pip install -r requirements.txtConfigure the bot token
Keep the Discord token outside public code. Environment variables are a common way to provide credentials to a hosted application.
Choose the startup file
If the entry file is bot.py, a common startup command is python bot.py. Use the actual file name used by your project.
python bot.pyRead Python tracebacks
When the application crashes, the traceback normally identifies the file, line and exception involved. Start diagnosis from the final exception message.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Python say ModuleNotFoundError?
The required package is normally missing from the environment or the import name is incorrect.
Do I need requirements.txt?
It is strongly useful because it documents the packages required to reproduce the environment.
Can Python bots use .env?
Yes, although the hosting platform secrets or environment variable system can be preferable when available.