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

# Your first command

> Build a /ping command that answers Pong!

Let's build a tiny command together. When someone types **/ping**, your bot will answer **Pong!**

> **What you will build**
>
> Someone types: `/ping`
>
> Your bot answers: **Pong!**

**1. Make a new command**

In the sidebar, press **Commands**, then **New command**. Pick **Slash command**.

**2. Give it a name**

The builder opens. At the top of the board you see the **first block**. This block is the command itself. Press it.

On the right, type the name: `ping`. Then type a short description, like `Check if the bot is awake`. People see this description in Discord.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Command names must be small letters, with no spaces. Use a dash if you need two words, like `daily-coins`.

**3. Add a Reply block**

On the left side is the **block list**. Open the **Steps** tab and find the **Reply** block. Drag it onto the board, under the first block.

**4. Join the blocks**

Every block has little round **dots**. Drag from the dot at the **bottom** of the first block to the dot at the **top** of the Reply block. A line appears. This line tells the bot: "after the command, do the Reply".

**5. Write the answer**

Press the Reply block. A gold ring shows around it, so you know it is the one you are editing. On the right, type your message:

```text theme={null}
Pong!
```

**6. Save**

Press **Save** at the top right. If you see **No problems**, everything is good.

**7. Try it!**

Go to your Discord server and type `/ping`. Pick your bot's command from the list and press Enter. Your bot answers **Pong!**

![A command in the DogeBot Command Builder](https://mintcdn.com/doge-bot/0C6-zgXTpDx1QOCe/images/guide/builder-command.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=0C6-zgXTpDx1QOCe\&q=85\&s=b7568b03c11d216dd65caf823f2b7d7a)

## Make it smarter

Put the person's name in the answer with a variable. Change the message to this and save again:

```text theme={null}
Pong! Hi {user_name}
```

When Sam uses it, the bot answers: **Pong! Hi Sam**

Learn more in [Variables](/variables).

> [!WARNING]
>
> Your command doesn't show in Discord? Check that you pressed **Save** and that the command is switched **on**. Then close Discord completely and open it again. More fixes in [My command doesn't show up](/help/my-command-doesnt-show-up).

> [!TIP]
>
> **You built a bot!** Next, learn about [commands and inputs](/building-with-blocks/commands-and-inputs).


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