2 min read
By Mike
Discord Slash Command: How They Work and Why Bots Use Them
A slash command is a bot command you start by typing / in the message box and picking from a menu that Discord shows. Because Discord lists the options and checks the inputs, slash commands replace most old prefix commands and need no special permission to read messages.
How slash commands work
A bot registers its commands with Discord through the API. Each command has a name, a description and optional inputs such as a user, channel, number or choice list. When you type /, Discord shows the menu, validates what you enter and then sends the bot an interaction. The bot has three seconds to acknowledge it, and can then keep replying for fifteen minutes.
The bot never needs to read your chat. It only sees the command you chose to run.
Global versus server commands
- Global commands appear in every server the bot is in, including direct messages if the bot allows it. Updates can take a short while to show everywhere.
- Server (guild) commands exist only in one server and update instantly. Developers use them for testing.
Commands can have subcommands and groups, such as /ticket close, so a bot can fit many features under a few names.
Who is allowed to use them
Each command has default permissions set by the developer. Server admins can override these in Server Settings, Integrations, choosing which roles or channels may run which commands. If a command is missing from the menu, a permission override or a channel restriction is the usual cause.
Slash versus prefix commands
Older bots listened for text like !play. That needs the privileged message content intent and gives no autocomplete. Slash commands avoid both problems. See prefix commands for the other side, and the full comparison.
Slash commands in Noxyr
Every Noxyr feature is available as a slash command, and the same commands also work as plain prefix messages such as $help, with the same permissions. Browse the full list on the commands page. Admins can rename commands for their own server with custom commands (docs) and decide which commands each role sees with command visibility. If the menu looks empty, follow the missing commands guide.
Tips for members
Type the slash and start typing a command name to filter the list. Press Tab to move between options. If something is missing, restart Discord, since the app caches the command list, and check you are in the right channel.
Common questions
Why are my slash commands not showing up?
Usually the bot was invited without the applications.commands scope, or a permission override hides them. Check Server Settings, Integrations.
Do slash commands need the message content intent?
No. That is one of their benefits. The bot only receives the command you run.
Can I rename slash commands?
Not in Discord itself. Noxyr offers custom commands that give its commands new names in your server.
