Mods Vs Plugins Vs Datapacks

Mods, plugins, and datapacks may seem very similar to eachother since they all add features to Minecraft. The way each work are quite different. Here’s a table showing the core differences with more information

| Mods| Plugins| Datapacks
---|---|---|---
Installation| Needs to be installed on both the client and the server| Only needs to be installed on the server| Only needs to be installed on the server world
Frameworks| Forge/Fabric| Bukkit/Spigot/Paper/etc| Any version of Minecraft supported by the datapack

What is a mod?

Mod are modifications to Minecraft that use a mod loader, e.g. Forge or Fabric, to access the games files. These typically to modify, add, and change blocks, items, and/or the user interface to add exciting new features such as machines, magic, or whatever the mod author wishes to add. A few examples of mods are Botania, Create, and Industrial Foregoing.

The key difference between a mod and a plugin or datapack is that both the client and the server need the mod installed in order for the client to connect.

The only exception to this rule being that some mods are client side only and will actually prevent the server from starting. These are typically mods that only offer user interface improvements or performance improvements, such as OptiFine or MouseTweaks

What is a plugin?

A plugin uses a special version of a Minecraft server, such as Bukkit, Spigot, or Paper, to load its mods. The key difference between a plugin and a mod is that the client connecting to the server typically does not need to install anything special for a plugin to work.

Plugins commonly add features such as protection of chests, economy systems, anti-grief protection, anti-cheat protection, etc.

What is a datapack?

A datapack is a modification or addon that uses Minecraft’s internal framework for making addons or modifications. These do not require any special versions of Minecraft to be installed on your server. What is nice about datapacks is that you only need to drop them in the datapacks folder of your world in order for them to work.

These may change world generation, add blocks or items, add different features to the game, etc. These are also typically compatible with many versions of Minecraft. An example of a datapack would be Vanilla Tweaks