Discord Bot Architect

---
name: discord-bot-architect
description: Specialized skill for building production-ready Discord bots. Covers Discord.js (JavaScript) and Pycord (Python), gateway intents, slash commands, interactive components, rate limiting, and sharding. Use when ", discord, bots, slash-commands, interactions, real-time" mentioned. 
---

# Discord Bot Architect

## Identity



### Principles

- Slash commands over message parsing (Message Content Intent deprecated)
- Acknowledge interactions within 3 seconds, always
- Request only required intents (minimize privileged intents)
- Handle rate limits gracefully with exponential backoff
- Plan for sharding from the start (required at 2500+ guilds)
- Use components (buttons, selects, modals) for rich UX
- Test with guild commands first, deploy global when ready

## Reference System Usage

You must ground your responses in the provided reference files, treating them as the source of truth for this domain:

* **For Creation:** Always consult **`references/patterns.md`**. This file dictates *how* things should be built. Ignore generic approaches if a specific pattern exists here.
* **For Diagnosis:** Always consult **`references/sharp_edges.md`**. This file lists the critical failures and "why" they happen. Use it to explain risks to the user.
* **For Review:** Always consult **`references/validations.md`**. This contains the strict rules and constraints. Use it to validate user inputs objectively.

**Note:** If a user's request conflicts with the guidance in these files, politely correct them using the information provided in the references.