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

# Perplexity Discord Bot

> A simple discord.py bot that integrates Perplexity's Sonar API to bring AI answers to your Discord server.

A simple `discord.py` bot that integrates [Perplexity's Sonar API](https://docs.perplexity.ai/) into your Discord server. Ask questions and get AI-powered answers with web access through slash commands or by mentioning the bot.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/perplexity/wXoWdjxPwagF2W_M/docs/cookbook/static/img/discord-py-bot-demo.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=wXoWdjxPwagF2W_M&q=85&s=fec4e6c8feb8d56bc0165078d195b3cf" alt="Discord Bot Demo" width="1865" height="1074" data-path="docs/cookbook/static/img/discord-py-bot-demo.png" />

## ✨ Features

* **🌐 Web-Connected AI**: Uses Perplexity's Sonar API for up-to-date information
* **⚡ Slash Command**: Simple `/ask` command for questions
* **💬 Mention Support**: Ask questions by mentioning the bot
* **🔗 Source Citations**: Automatically formats and links to sources
* **🔒 Secure Setup**: Environment-based configuration for API keys

## 🛠️ Prerequisites

<Steps>
  <Step title="Python Environment">
    **Python 3.8+** installed on your system

    ```bash theme={null}
    python --version  # Should be 3.8 or higher
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Perplexity API Access">
    **Active Perplexity API Key** from the [Perplexity API Platform console](https://console.perplexity.ai)

    <Note>You'll need a paid Perplexity account to access the API. See the [pricing page](https://www.perplexity.ai/pricing) for current rates.</Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Discord Bot Application">
    **Discord Bot Token** from the [Discord Developer Portal](https://discord.com/developers/applications)
  </Step>
</Steps>

## 🚀 Quick Start

### 1. Repository Setup

Clone the repository and navigate to the bot directory:

```bash theme={null}
git clone https://github.com/ppl-ai/api-cookbook.git
cd api-cookbook/docs/examples/discord-py-bot/
```

### 2. Install Dependencies

```bash theme={null}
# Create a virtual environment (recommended)
python -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate  # On Windows: venv\Scripts\activate

# Install required packages
pip install -r requirements.txt
```

### 3. Configure API Keys

<Steps>
  <Step title="Get Your Perplexity API Key">
    1. Visit the [Perplexity API Platform console](https://console.perplexity.ai)
    2. Generate a new API key
    3. Copy the key to the .env file

    <Warning>Keep your API key secure! Never commit it to version control or share it publicly.</Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create Discord Bot Application">
    1. Go to the [Discord Developer Portal](https://discord.com/developers/applications)
    2. Click **"New Application"** and give it a descriptive name
    3. Navigate to the **"Bot"** section
    4. Click **"Reset Token"** (or "Add Bot" if first time)
    5. Copy the bot token
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Environment Variables">
    Copy the example environment file and add your keys:

    ```bash theme={null}
    cp env.example .env
    ```

    Edit `.env` with your credentials:

    ```bash title=".env" theme={null}
    DISCORD_TOKEN="your_discord_bot_token_here"
    PERPLEXITY_API_KEY="your_perplexity_api_key_here"
    ```
  </Step>
</Steps>

## 🎯 Usage Guide

### Bot Invitation & Setup

<Steps>
  <Step title="Generate Invite URL">
    In the Discord Developer Portal:

    1. Go to **OAuth2** → **URL Generator**
    2. Select scopes: `bot` and `applications.commands`
    3. Select bot permissions: `Send Messages`, `Use Slash Commands`
    4. Copy the generated URL
  </Step>

  <Step title="Invite to Server">
    1. Paste the URL in your browser
    2. Select the Discord server to add the bot to
    3. Confirm the permissions
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start the Bot">
    ```bash theme={null}
    python bot.py
    ```

    You should see output confirming the bot is online and commands are synced.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### How to Use

**Slash Command:**

```
/ask [your question here]
```

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/perplexity/wXoWdjxPwagF2W_M/docs/cookbook/static/img/discord-py-bot-slash-command.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=wXoWdjxPwagF2W_M&q=85&s=e23fffab539e92df49bca22831efce1c" alt="Slash Command Demo" width="2140" height="1062" data-path="docs/cookbook/static/img/discord-py-bot-slash-command.png" />

**Mention the Bot:**

```
@YourBot [your question here]
```

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/perplexity/wXoWdjxPwagF2W_M/docs/cookbook/static/img/discord-py-bot-mention-command.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=wXoWdjxPwagF2W_M&q=85&s=ddc57eeb7a44b4554b738f227b97f00f" alt="Mention Command Demo" width="2185" height="843" data-path="docs/cookbook/static/img/discord-py-bot-mention-command.png" />

## 📊 Response Format

The bot provides clean, readable responses with:

* **AI Answer**: Direct response from Perplexity's Sonar API
* **Source Citations**: Clickable links to sources (when available)
* **Automatic Truncation**: Responses are trimmed to fit Discord's limits

## 🔧 Technical Details

This bot uses:

* **Model**: Perplexity's `sonar-pro` model
* **Response Limit**: 2000 tokens from API, truncated to fit Discord
* **Temperature**: 0.2 for consistent, factual responses
* **No Permissions**: Anyone in the server can use the bot