Minecraft Mod Definition
Minecraft mod (short for Minecraft modification) describes the output or process of adding custom items and blocks to Minecraft. Modding allows users to expand the open-ended game, incorporating new tools, blocks, mobs, and more. (More on Minecraft words to know!)
How Can You Create Minecraft mods?
Java is a powerful multi-platform programming language, and one of the better options when it comes to kids coding languages. It's used for many professional and commercial applications, including the game Minecraft, Android applications, and even the Android operating system itself.
Java code makes adding modded flair to Minecraft possible!
Mod Examples
Modding allows players to go beyond playing fundamentals and introduces them to production-level Java coding with Minecraft.
Plus, harnessing the power of Java offers learners the opportunity to build critical problem-solving skills for future careers and personal projects. Here are some things that can be added.
Custom tools
Tools are items that the player can use to perform actions, like mining. Certain tools also make actions easier, or make the player able to gather items not obtainable by hand.
Custom food
Foods are consumable items that restore hunger points when eaten. Players have two different food statistics, only one of which is visible: the (visible) hunger level and the (invisible) saturation level.
Custom armor
Armor is a category of items that provide a player with varying levels of protection from common damage types, and appear graphically on the wearer.
These items include several different classes of helmets, chest plates, leggings, and boots, which can each be placed in designated armor slots of a player's inventory for activation.
Entities and mobs
Entities encompass all dynamic, moving objects throughout the Minecraft world.
Entities include chickens and cows. In the vanilla Minecraft game, any living creature is a mob.
However, in Minecraft's code, mobs are only considered entities that are hostile to the player and extend the "EntityMob" class. Mobs include zombies, creepers, and spiders, and if you want to learn how to get rid of them, here are some tips on how to kill Minecraft mobs.
Process Example
Using custom food as mentioned above, the basic process of adding to Minecraft can include:
Food texture: Creating a custom texture for food is the first step. The picture above is an example of a custom texture for an apple.
Custom food class: Next, coders create a class for their Custom Food item.
Filling in the Constructor: Once the class is created, some things need to be added to the constructor so, for example, the player can eat the food even if they aren't hungry.
Adding potion effect: To make food more interesting, a potion effect for when the player eats the food can be added!
Can You Mod Minecraft Realms?
Currently, full modding is not available in Minecraft Realms. However, as Minecraft states, Realms servers on mobile, console, and Windows 10 do support add-ons and marketplace maps, while the Java edition supports an increasing number of minigames and custom maps.
For those of you not yet familiar with Minecraft Realms, it is an option for kids who want to play Minecraft with friends via personal multiplayer servers hosted by Mojang.
Getting Started
With this, kids can expect to gain experience in using variables, functions, and control structures. Beyond that, logical thinking and problem-solving are both tested as modders learn the ins and outs of coding with Java and creating Minecraft mods.
Those wanting to jump in can do so right now! iD Tech offers a number of online coding classes for kids and Virtual Tech Camps, with a handful that focus on Minecraft modding, including:
Minecraft Modding Camp (ages 10-12)
Minecraft Design with Java Coding (ages 10-12)
Minecraft Modding in Java (ages 13-19)
Still need more info? Check out our Minecraft questions and all Minecraft summer camps.
