> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://bothosting-net.gitbook.io/bot-hosting.net/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://bothosting-net.gitbook.io/bot-hosting.net/guides/clone-a-github-repository.md).

# Clone a GitHub Repository

{% hint style="success" %}
If your bot is a Java `.jar`, you do not need to clone a Git repository. Just upload the `.jar` file to your server.
{% endhint %}

There are two ways to clone your GitHub repository:

* **On server creation:** Select **GitHub** as the source, as explained in [Set Up a Server](/bot-hosting.net/guides/set-up-a-server.md).
* **Files tab:** Click the GitHub icon in the options bar, then follow the steps.

<figure><img src="/files/xfqQ2Oe4C8oeaix5jgXt" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Choose the repository type:

* **Private:** Requires a GitHub account connection. Select the repository and branch if the account is already linked.
* **Public:** Requires a GitHub repository link.

{% hint style="info" %}
Private repositories require access to the target repository. If it does not appear in the list, reconnect GitHub and confirm the account can read that repository.
{% endhint %}

Choose the sync strategy:

* **Replace all files:** Removes everything already present on the server. Use this for a clean deployment.
* **Merge:** Keeps existing files and overwrites files with the same name and location from the repository. Use this to update an existing setup.
* **Add in subfolder:** Clones files into a subfolder. Use this when the repository is only part of your server files.

<figure><img src="/files/Xbd6pJazNkoNp34t0sI9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Finally, click **Sync** and wait for the server to finish cloning.

### Troubleshooting

* **Repository does not appear:** Reconnect GitHub, then check that the account has access to the repository.
* **Wrong files were imported:** Confirm the selected branch and sync strategy, then run the sync again.
* **Clone fails:** Verify the repository link, make sure the repository still exists, and confirm GitHub is reachable.


---

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