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

# Getting Started

> Get your projects live in minutes with Shard Cloud. This guide walks you through deploying your apps and databases on our platform with ease.

## Shard Cloud Services

Shard Cloud was built to empower developers by offering a reliable and modern infrastructure. Whether you're deploying bots, web apps, or databases, we provide everything you need to run your software with confidence.

<Card title="Bot hosting.">
  Deploy your bots to Shard Cloud and enjoy a premium hosting experience. Our infrastructure is optimized for fast response times and global availability on platforms like Discord and Telegram.
</Card>

<Card title="Web hosting.">
  Bring your websites to life with Shard Cloud. We provide powerful web hosting with integrated DNS, Cloudflare protection, and optimized performance out of the box.
</Card>

<Card title="Managed Databases: PostgreSQL, MongoDB & Redis.">
  Easily spin up production-ready databases with Shard Cloud. Choose from PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Redis and get instant access, with optional web-based visualizers for simplified management.
</Card>

> Before you begin: Make sure your project is ready for deployment and compatible with the supported languages (see below).

## Upload your application

Deploying your project to Shard Cloud is fast and simple. Just follow the steps below:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Step 1: Check your language support.">
    Shard Cloud supports most popular programming languages, including Node.js, Python, Go, Java, and PHP.

    This example uses **JavaScript (Node.js)**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Step 2: Create your Shard Cloud config file.">
    Once you're logged into the dashboard, create a `.shardcloud` config file in your project’s root directory.\
    Read more about our config file [here](/config)

    Example for a bot:

    ```
    DISPLAY_NAME=Gotham Bot
    ENTRYPOINT=index.js
    MEMORY=1524
    VERSION=recommended
    DESCRIPTION=A vigilant bot protecting the streets.
    ```

    Example for a web app (hosted at `knight.shardweb.app`):

    ```
    DISPLAY_NAME=Gotham Website
    ENTRYPOINT=index.js
    MEMORY=1524
    VERSION=recommended
    SUBDOMAIN=knight
    START=npm run build && npm run start
    DESCRIPTION=A sleek dark-themed website for heroes.
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Step 3: Zip your project folder.">
    After setting up your config file, zip the entire project directory.

    <CodeGroup>
      ```
      1. Locate the file or folder that you want to compress.
      2. Press and hold (or right-click) the file or folder, select (or point to) Send to, and then select Compressed (zipped or rar) folder.
      3. A new zipped folder with the same name is created in the same location. To rename it, press and hold (or right-click) the folder, select Rename, and then type the new name.
      ```
    </CodeGroup>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Step 4: Upload and deploy.">
    Go to your [Shard Cloud Dashboard](https://shardcloud.app/dash/applications) and click **“New app”** to upload your zipped project and deploy it in seconds.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Deploying a Database

Want to deploy a PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Redis instance? Shard Cloud makes it incredibly easy:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Step 1: Open the database dashboard.">
    Go to [https://shardcloud.app/dash/databases](https://shardcloud.app/dash/databases) and log in to your account.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Step 2: Create a new database.">
    Click on the **“New Database”** button. You’ll be prompted to:

    * Choose your database type: **PostgreSQL**, **MongoDB, MySQL**, or **Redis**
    * Select the amount of RAM
    * Decide whether to enable a **Visualizer**, which is a hosted GUI tool to manage your data:
      * **PgWeb** for PostgreSQL
      * **Compass Web UI** for MongoDB
      * **Redis Commander** for Redis

    > The visualizer will be accessible through a secure URL, allowing you to manage your database easily via the web, without installing any tools locally.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Step 3: Start building!">
    Once your database is deployed, connection details will be available on your dashboard. Use them to connect from your application and start building!
  </Step>
</Steps>