The book is for anyone who wants to learn how to modify Minecraft--no previous programming experience required! The book uses JavaScript, a popular programming language for creating websites and scripting. Aimed at kids who already play Minecraft, this guide will teach coding through a series of "Recipes" (the term used in-game when crafting new objects). For example, in the game, one of the first things any player must do is create a Workbench, or Crafting Table, which will in turn enable the player to create sophisticated tools. Recipe 1 in the book (the term Recipe and Chapter is interchangeable) is 'A modding Workbench' and its ingredients are the tools the reader will need to begin modding. The goal of each Recipe/chapter is to introduce a new JavaScript concept or expand upon a previously introduced concept. The author will present each recipe as a useful addition to the game while gently introducing programming concepts in an approachable style. This unique approach gets over the problem of introducing JavaScript in an interesting way and avoids spending 3 or 4 chapters explaining JavaScript core concepts in a vacuum. Several Recipes will be covered, including Rolling Dice, Snowball Fight, Piggie Pandemonium, Advanced Modding, and more.

Minecraft is one of the most popular video games of all time, but even avid Minecraft builders might not know the history, structure, and hidden advantages to playing their favorite game. One little-known fact about Minecraft is that it can be used to teach beginners how to code, all within the game's world. In this edifying resource, readers will get hooked on getting behind-the-scenes access to Minecraft, with tips from the experts as well as advice on how to create masterpieces with the game's building blocks.

Minecraft® is a registered trademark of Mojang Synergies / Notch Development AB. This book is not affiliated with or sponsored by Mojang Synergies / Notch Development AB. The easiest, quickest, most entertaining introduction to creating Minecraft mods in Java – updated to use the Spigot server for running your own Minecraft server and creating Minecraft mods Ideal for Minecraft users, young and old, who are new to programming Clear and friendly style assumes no prior programming knowledge Popular author Rogers Cadenhead breaks down Minecraft mods programming concepts and terms into short, easily understandable lessons Fun examples provide a step-by-step, hands-on experience that begins with simple tasks and gradually builds Master Minecraft modding and use Java to transform Minecraft’s worlds, tools, behavior, weapons, structures, mobs...everything! (Plus, you’ll learn some basic Java programming skills you can use anywhere.) Learn how to do what you want, the way you want, one incredibly easy step at a time. Modding Minecraft has never been this simple. This is the easiest, most practical beginner’s guide to creating killer Minecraft mods in Java... simple, reliable, full-color instructions for doing everything you really want to do. Here’s a small sample of what you’ll learn: Set up your Minecraft server and mod development tools Master Java basics every Minecraft modder needs to know Read, write, store, and change information throughout your mod Build mods that can make decisions and respond to player actions Understand object-oriented programming and the objects you can program in Minecraft Handle errors without crashing Minecraft Use threads to create mobs that can do many things at once Customize your mobs, and build on existing objects to write new mods Spawn new mobs, find hidden mobs, and make one mob ride another Dig holes and build structures Create projectile weapons and potion effects Learn Java programming while enhancing your favorite game Contents at a Glance Part I: Java from the Ground Up 1 Dig into Minecraft Programming with Java 2 Use NetBeans for Minecraft Programming 3 Create a Minecraft Mod 4 Start Writing Java Programs 5 Understand How Java Programs Work 6 Store and Change Information in a Mod 7 Use Strings to Communicate 8 Use Conditional Tests to Make Decisions 9 Repeat an Action with Loop

One of Minecraft’s more complex and interesting aspects is redstone. At its most basic, redstone allows you to place a lever or a pressure plate to open a door. At its most complex, redstone allows you to create working calculators and massive automated constructions. From locking doors to hidden traps to machines that can be “programmed” to play songs, the possibilities are endless. We’ll explore exactly what redstone is, how we can use it, and the tools that are part of working with redstone. We’ll also look at some projects, breaking them down step by step, so that you can see redstone in action. Soon you’ll be using redstone with ease!

Minecraft is a global phenomenon, adored by millions of gamers, but what if Minecraft could teach vital computer literacy and programming skills? Simply put: It can. This engaging and informative resource is designed to guide coders on a journey to enjoy their favorite game while they learn the basics of JavaScript, which is one of the world's most popular programming languages. Starting off with brainteasers and working up to real coding, these fun and exciting activities will teach everything needed to know how to write a brand new mod.

Run your own Minecraft server: take total control of your Minecraft experience! What’s more fun than playing multiplayer Minecraft? Running your own Minecraft server. Now there’s a complete, up-to-date guide to doing just that–even if you have no networking or server experience! Best-selling tech author Timothy L. Warner covers all you need to know, from the absolute basics to cutting-edge customization. You’ll learn from crystal-clear, step-by-step instructions designed for today’s newest Minecraft servers.Warner guides you through prepping your computer and network...installing a basic server and powerful third-party alternatives...welcoming and managing users...protecting against griefing and other attacks...adding powerful plug-ins and mods...using easy subscription hosting services...giving your users a truly awesome game experience. This book’s #1 goal is to help you have more fun with Minecraft. But you’ll also master practical skills for a well-paid technology career! Gain deep multiplayer Minecraft knowledge for running your server well Configure your computer to reliably host Minecraft Control your server through the Minecraft Server console Connect users, communicate with them, and set rules they must follow Master basic networking skills for improving server uptime and performance Safeguard your server and users, and prevent griefing Simplify complicated mods with integrated modpacks and launchers Run on the Realms public cloud—let Minecraft worry about maintenance and security Evaluate and choose a third-party hosting provider Customize your spawn “lobby” to help new users find their way Support multiple worlds and teleportation Earn cash with ads, sponsorships, cosmetic upgrades, or VIP access Minecraft is a trademark of Mojang Synergies / Notch Development AB. This book is not affiliated with or sponsored by Mojang Synergies / Notch Development AB. Timothy L. Warner is the author of Hacking Raspberry Pi and The Unauthorized Guide to iPhone, iPad, and iPod Repair: A DIY Guide to Extending the Life of Your iDevices!. He is a tech professional who has helped thousands of people become more proficient with technology in business and education. He holds the CompTIA A+ Computer Technician credential and 20 other technical certifications. As Director of Technology for a progressive high school, he created and managed a self-servicing warranty repair shop for all of its Apple hardware. Now an author/evangelist for Pluralsight, he shares Windows PowerShell scripting knowledge at 2minutepowershell.com.

To create a great video game, you must start with a solid game design: A well-designed game is easier to build, more entertaining, and has a better chance of succeeding in the marketplace. Here to teach you the essential skills of player-centric game design is one of the industry’s leading authorities, who offers a first-hand look into the process, from initial concept to final tuning. Now in its second edition, this updated classic reference by Ernest Adams offers a complete and practical approach to game design, and includes material on concept development, gameplay design, core mechanics, user interfaces, storytelling, and balancing. In an easy-to-follow approach, Adams analyzes the specific design challenges of all the major game genres and shows you how to apply the principles of game design to each one. You’ll learn how to: Define the challenges and actions at the heart of the gameplay. Write a high-concept document, a treatment, and a full design script. Understand the essentials of user interface design and how to define a game’s look and feel. Design for a variety of input mechanisms, including the Wii controller and multi-touch iPhone. Construct a game’s core mechanics and flow of resources (money, points, ammunition, and more). Develop appealing stories, game characters, and worlds that players will want to visit, including persistent worlds. Work on design problems with engaging end-of-chapter exercises, design worksheets, and case studies. Make your game accessible to broader audiences such as children, adult women, people with disabilities, and casual players. “Ernest Adams provides encyclopedic coverage of process and design issues for every aspect of game design, expressed as practical lessons that can be immediately applied to a design in-progress. He offers the best framework I’ve seen for thinking about the relationships between core mechanics, gameplay, and player—one that I’ve found useful for both teaching and research.” — Michael Mateas, University of California at Santa Cruz, co-creator of Façade