Where to begin in modding

[elmarko98]

Hi

I want to get into modding but I honestly don't know where to start, if a mod developer could point me in the right direction or something (like where they started off) that would be really helpful, thanks

 

[Judgebot]

Hi

I want to get into modding but I honestly don't know where to start, if a mod developer could point me in the right direction or something (like where they started off) that would be really helpful, thanks

Try creating a custom block, then after you get that to work, add world generation, then tools... etc.

EDIT: then just use the same code, but edited, to add more things into your game

 

[QueWhat]

Here are a few links for you to check out, you can decide how you want to start off. But having basic Java programming knowledge will greatly help (and will eventually be necessary if you really want to get into serious modding):

Tutorials/Tools:
http://www.accelerated-ideas.com/news/how-to-create-a-minecraft-mod--the-complete-tutorial.aspx
http://mcmodgen.com/

YouTube Videos:

How Java Works:
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/program.htm

Tutorials on learning Java programming:
http://docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/
http://netbeans.org/kb/articles/learn-java.html
http://www.javaworld.com/jw-03-2000/jw-0331-java101.html


First I'd recommend having an idea for a mod already in mind as it will help as you concentrate on achieving your specific goal. I hope this helps, good luck and have fun!

 

[Magicferret]

1) Learn a basic programming language
2) Learn Java
3) Make a load of boring, basic programs that have nothing to do with games development
4) Cry because you're still not very good at programming
5) Give up and play MC
6) Learn more Java
7) Mourn the sad death of your social life, continue to learn Java
8) Make a good mod
9) ???
10) PROFI... er I mean ADFLY PENNIES!

I honestly don't know and wouldn't get past step 5 but learning to program might be a good start, listen to those guys up there.

 

[QueWhat]

To stride away from the main subject of this thread; Magicferret makes a good point as far as programming goes. IF you REALLY want to learn full blown Java programming and have no past experience in programming I too would recommend learning another easier language first (after all, if you are going to do it then might as well take your time and do it right). This depends on the OP's prefered route, you don't HAVE to learn Java programming to mod, just don't expect to make something epic like IC/BC.

An EXCELLENT place to start as far as coding/programming goes is Code Academy. The way they structure the lessons and take you from one language to another is perfect for beginners. I learned using their website as I prefer reading basic explanations on how the code works on a screen and actually writing out and trying the code myself than reading the explanations on a book. I bought C++ For Dummies a few years back and it didn't work for me, guess I'm too dumb for their books.

 

[elmarko98]

I've started off with Code Academy and it's amazing! I've never learnt so much in one day! Thanks everyone you've all been a great help and hopefully I'll make some awesome mods for you all to play around with
Thanks again!

 

[QueWhat]

Glad to have helped. Good luck and have fun, looking forward to beta testing those future mods

 

[elmarko98]

There's a hell of a lot of Java stuff to go through first though, which means all the more fun! I'll PM you about it if you're serious about beta testing, when it's ready of course

 

[QueWhat]

Yup I'm serious about it I'll be glad to assist with anything so just shoot me a PM if you need.

 

[simon48xbox]

EXCELLENT place to start as far as coding/programming goes is Code Academy. The way they structure the lessons and take you from one language to another is perfect for beginners. I learned using their website as I prefer reading basic explanations on how the code works on a screen and actually writing out and trying the code myself than reading the explanations on a book. I bought C++ For Dummies a few years back and it didn't work for me, guess I'm too dumb for their books.

WOW! I just tried Codecademy and their UI and course structure is fantastic, I just thought I'd check it out and see what it was all about and I've been there for over an hour (and no plans on leaving ). Thanks for recommending it.

 

[QueWhat]

Your welcome. Learning code is great for the understanding or creation of mods, but it is also the best way to create your own interactive website as you see fit. Learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (in that order) and you are set. For server owners being familiar with the basics of Java also helps, as well as MySQL. And dont forget about Lua!

 

[simon48xbox]

Do they actually have a Java course? I wish I could take a little bit more advantage of all of their great courses, but I already know HTML and CSS and a little bit of JavaScript, but I'm having a lot of fun digging through their JavaScript course.

 

[kells117]

To stride away from the main subject of this thread; Magicferret makes a good point as far as programming goes. IF you REALLY want to learn full blown Java programming and have no past experience in programming I too would recommend learning another easier language first (after all, if you are going to do it then might as well take your time and do it right). This depends on the OP's prefered route, you don't HAVE to learn Java programming to mod, just don't expect to make something epic like IC/BC.

An EXCELLENT place to start as far as coding/programming goes is Code Academy. The way they structure the lessons and take you from one language to another is perfect for beginners. I learned using their website as I prefer reading basic explanations on how the code works on a screen and actually writing out and trying the code myself than reading the explanations on a book. I bought C++ For Dummies a few years back and it didn't work for me, guess I'm too dumb for their books.

Thanks so much for letting me know about code academy Hours will be spent on it

 

[QueWhat]

Your welcome, a Like would be nice

Also, for OP and everyone interested, the follow video is a must see (minecon modding panel):

http://tinyurl.com/axb39o4

 

[elmarko98]

Been doing quite a bit of coding if anyone's interested. I can kind of see how it's implemented into games, I'm definitely learning anyway thanks QueWhat
var QueWhat = "QueWhat is awesome"
console.log(QueWhat)

 

[bsb23]

Do they have any Java tutorials? They have JavaScript but that is an entire different language.

 

[Greedseed]

This is how you start modding in minecraft.

• Start small, you can learn more while you code and get better at it. Start with a small mod, even if it is already bin made, make it yourself and learn from it.
• Before you even start. Make sure you have the passion for it. Like the work you do and like what you work for. Making and maintianing mod its not easy so keep up.
• Delete ANY negative emails, only read the positive or constructive feedback, dont let bad people bring you down from what you code !
• Listen to the community to see what they want to see more in your mod en enjoy the fun you have with playing with it.
• Dont wurry about grafical work, MC is just pixel art so its very simple to do.

Basicly ! make sure you have fun with it !

 

[CTMiner]

Another thing - feel free to take breaks occasionally. It is good for a couple reasons:

1. It lets you just mess around and get ideas
2. It lets you relax from doing it - I find that if I do something for far too long then get burned out, in which case I end up leaving something alone for months (thankfully I'm still in school and this isn't a job), but if I do it a bit on and off then I don't get burned out

 

[Jugg3rV]

First of, write down your idea.

If you plan on various recipes, write them down, look at them, set them into the context of MC or other mods.
Do not start programming unless you have you full idea written down on paper. Even then start thinking about how you will solve the problems that come with you mod, technically or in game (balance).

90% of a mod developers (game designers) job happens on the drawingboard. 65-80% of a programmers work happens on the drawingboard, too. And you need to be gamedesigner and programmer in one person.

Always ask yourself, what is the mod / recipe good for. Do people really need this, do they have some workaround? What happens to other recipes / items / gamesrules, if you really write this mod.

 

[JMakAttak3]

Here's an issue:
I have a Mac. I've been trying to code for a long time but it's difficult because my computer has so many compatibility issues. Sadly, I'm only a texturer now.