How to Set Up User Installed Apps for Your Discord.js v4 Bot

Introduction

Setting up user installed apps for your Discord.js v4 bot can greatly enhance its functionality and usability in various scenarios. With the ability to create commands that are accessible as a user anywhere on Discord, your bot can operate seamlessly in different servers and contexts. This article walks you step-by-step through the process, including setting up the bot, configuring user installs, and creating commands that utilize this feature.

What You’ll Learn

Configuring the Discord Developer Portal for user installs.
Setting up guild and user installs in your bot.
Creating user install commands with JSON.
Testing the bot across different Discord environments.

Setting Up User Installed Apps

Step 1: Accessing the Developer Portal

To begin, navigate to the Discord Developer Portal. Here, you will manage your bot applications.

Create a New Application (if you haven't already): Click on "New Application", name your application, and hit save.
Navigate to Your Application: Click on your application's name to access its settings.
Go to the Installation Area: This new tab will allow you to configure the add-app button, enabling both Guild and User installs.

Step 2: Enabling User Install

Enable User Installs: In the installation settings, turn on the option for user installs. This allows the bot to function as a user across different Discord servers.
Save Changes: Ensure you save these changes before proceeding.
Get the Authorized Link: After enabling user installs, you will have an authorized link to use, which you can open in a new tab to initiate the installation process.

Distinguishing Between Guild and User Installs

Guild Installs: With guild installs, your bot can be added to a specific server and work within that server's context.
User Installs: This allows users to access and use the bot's functionalities across all of Discord, even in servers where the bot isn't installed itself.

Setting Up Bot Commands for User Installs

Step 3: Configure Bot Commands

Using Command Handlers: You'll need to modify your command handling to accommodate user installs. Instead of creating commands typically, you'll be using JSON to push command data into your bot's command array.

Modify Your Code: Use the following pseudo-code to handle both user-installed commands and conventional guild-based commands:

if (command.data instanceof SLCommandBuilder) {
    client.commandArray.push(command.data.toJSON());
} else {
    client.commandArray.push(command.data);  
}

Create Unique User Install Commands: Create a new file named userInstall.js in your command directory.

Step 4: Writing the User Install Command in JSON

In this file, structure your user install commands using JSON:

module.exports = {
    name: "user install",
    description: "This is a user install command test",
    integration_types: [1],  // Only user install
    contexts: [0, 1, 2],     // All contexts
    async execute(interaction) {
        await interaction.reply({ content: "Your bot is working!", ephemeral: true });
    }
};

Integration Types: Setting integration types for user installs (1) allows the command to be verified for user usage only.
Context Types: Enabling contexts (0 for guilds, 1 for bot DMs, and 2 for private channels) ensures that your bot can respond in various scenarios.

Testing Your User Installed Bot

Step 5: Testing Across Discord Environments

Authorize the Bot: Use the authorized link to add your bot to a server or test it within your DMs.
Utilize Commands: Once executed, test the command functionality in different environments, including group DMs and public channels.
Check Visibility: Keep in mind that responses from user installed commands may only be visible to you when executed in large guilds due to privacy settings.

Example Testing Scenarios:

In Guilds: If you run your user install command in a server where the bot is not present, it should still function, proving its usability as a user.
Group DMs: Test by sending the command in a group DM to see its interactive features in action.

Conclusion

Integrating user installed apps within your Discord.js v4 bot not only enhances its functionality but also broadens its accessibility throughout the Discord ecosystem. By following these steps, you can effectively create user-centric commands that can be used in various environments, making your bot more versatile and user-friendly. If you encounter any issues during this process, don't hesitate to seek help by joining the coding community linked in the description below. Happy coding!