Discord Bot with Database: Using MongoDB Atlas for Persistent Data

Why Use a Database?

Storing bot data in memory means it is lost when the bot restarts. A database lets you persist user levels, economy balances, warnings, settings, and any other data across restarts.

MongoDB Atlas Setup

1. Create a free account at mongodb.com/atlas
2. Create a free M0 cluster
3. Add a database user with a password
4. Whitelist 0.0.0.0/0 in Network Access to allow your bot server to connect
5. Get your connection string from the Connect menu

Using Mongoose with discord.js

const mongoose = require('mongoose');

mongoose.connect(process.env.MONGODB_URI)
  .then(() => console.log('Connected to MongoDB'))
  .catch(err => console.error(err));

Creating a Schema

const userSchema = new mongoose.Schema({
  userId: String,
  guildId: String,
  xp: { type: Number, default: 0 },
  level: { type: Number, default: 0 }
});

Storing the Connection String

Set MONGODB_URI as an environment variable in your CraftNodes Pterodactyl panel under the Startup tab. Never hardcode credentials in your code.