Creating a Discord bot shutdown command with JavaScript and Discord.js

Other Questions Discord bot
1

Hey everyone! I’m working on a Discord bot using JavaScript and Discord.js. I want to add a feature that allows me to shut down the bot using a command. Does anyone know how to implement this?

I’ve tried looking through the Discord.js docs, but I’m not sure which method to use. Should I use process.exit()? Or is there a better way to gracefully shut down the bot?

Here’s a basic example of what I have so far:

const Discord = require('discord.js');
const client = new Discord.Client();

client.on('message', message => {
  if (message.content === '!shutdown') {
    // What code should go here to shut down the bot?
  }
});

client.login('your-token-here');

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

2

Having implemented shutdown commands in my own Discord bots, I can offer some advice. While client.destroy() is a good option, you might want to consider using process.exit() after cleaning up. This ensures all resources are properly released.

Here’s an approach I’ve found effective:

if (message.content === '!shutdown' && message.author.id === 'YOUR_ID') {
  await message.channel.send('Shutting down...');
  await client.destroy();
  process.exit(0);
}

This method sends a confirmation message, closes the Discord connection, and then terminates the process. It’s clean and efficient. Just remember to handle any ongoing tasks or database connections before exiting. Also, implement proper authorization to prevent unauthorized shutdowns.

3

yo, i’ve messed with discord bots before. instead of process.exit(), try using client.destroy() then process.exit(0). it’s smoother.

here’s a quick example:

if (msg.content === '!shutdown' && msg.author.id === ur_id) {
  await msg.channel.send('peace out');
  await client.destroy();
  process.exit(0);
}

just make sure u replace ‘ur_id’ with your actual discord id. stay safe!

4

As someone who’s worked extensively with Discord bots, I can share some insights on implementing a shutdown command. While process.exit() would work, it’s not the most graceful way to shut down your bot.

Instead, I’d recommend using the client.destroy() method. This properly closes the connection to Discord and terminates all processes cleanly. Here’s how you could modify your code:

client.on('message', message => {
  if (message.content === '!shutdown' && message.author.id === 'YOUR_USER_ID') {
    message.channel.send('Shutting down...').then(() => {
      client.destroy();
    });
  }
});

Make sure to replace ‘YOUR_USER_ID’ with your actual Discord user ID. This ensures only you can use the shutdown command.

Also, consider adding a confirmation step or restricting the command to specific channels or roles for added security. Remember to handle any database connections or ongoing processes before shutting down.