How Minecraft Modding Works: Code, APIs, and Tools Explained

Modding adds custom features to the game using user-made code. Explore how mods change Minecraft using code and development tools.

Minecraft is one of the most well-known games for its limitless creativity. As of Q1 2025, Minecraft has over 193 million active users worldwide each month, and it continues to grow in both popularity and educational potential.

But did you know you can mod Minecraft to add new features, change gameplay, or even build your own worlds? This is called Minecraft modding, and it’s how players and mod developers customise the Minecraft game beyond what the creators originally intended.

In this guide, we’ll explain how Minecraft mods work, what tools and coding languages are involved, and how you or your child can get started—especially with fun and educational courses from Software Academy, designed for young learners.

Key Takeaways:

• Modding lets you customise and expand the game by adding new features, blocks, or gameplay mechanics through Java coding and APIs like Minecraft Forge.
• Modding is legal and officially supported in the Java Edition as long as you respect the game’s terms and avoid piracy.
• Setting up a modding environment involves installing Java and Minecraft Forge and using an IDE and Gradle to write, build, and test mods.

Learn valuable coding skills while creating mods. Software Academy offers Modding Camps that make modding accessible and fun for kids.

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What is Modding?

Modding is modifying the Minecraft client to introduce new content and features. Mods can be anything from new blocks, mobs, and weapons to completely new mechanics and even dimensions inside your virtual world.

Players who want to customise their game beyond the default settings use mods to keep Minecraft exciting and unique. Modding has grown so popular that the Minecraft Marketplace now features officially supported add-ons and mods.

How Does Modding Minecraft Work?

The most common way to mod is through Minecraft Java Edition because it allows direct access to the game’s code. This edition supports community mods and lets players customise their experience on personal Minecraft servers or single-player worlds.

Minecraft Forge is the leading mod development kit (MDK) and API for modding Minecraft Java Edition. It provides tools and libraries for mod developers to safely hook into the game’s mechanics without breaking the core game.

Installed mods live within your directory’s folder. To install a mod, you simply place the mod’s .jar file into this folder and then run Minecraft via the Forge profile.

Tools and APIs Behind Minecraft Mods

Here are the key tools and APIs that power modding:

Minecraft Forge

Minecraft Forge is the center of most Java Edition mods. It handles the heavy lifting of letting mods integrate with the game without conflicts. It provides:

• Event hooks: Mods can respond to in-game events.
• Item and block registration: To add new content.
• Network support: For mods that work on multiplayer servers.
• Resource loading: For texture packs, sounds, etc.

Java

Mods are basically coded in Java. It’s the language in which Minecraft is written. This means mod developers use Java syntax and concepts like classes, objects, methods, and variables.

A typical mod is packaged as a .jar file — a zipped archive containing:

• .class files (compiled Java code that Minecraft runs)
• .json files (configuration files that define things like block properties or crafting recipes)
• Image files for custom textures, usually part of Minecraft resource packs

Once compiled, the .jar becomes a new version of the Minecraft game that can add new items, mobs, or features.

Gradle

A build tool that compiles the mod code into a .jar file, manages dependencies, and can automate testing.

JSON Files and Resource Packs

Mods often include files to define block properties, crafting recipes, and other data. Resource packs provide textures, models, and sounds that bring the new content to life visually.

At Software Academy, kids learn these basics and write code to create their own mods from scratch in a hands-on way that makes Java fun and easy.

How to Set Up Your Modding Environment

Minecraft isn’t just about writing code. You need the right tools and setup to ensure your mod works smoothly and integrates well with the game.

Step 1: Using Minecraft Forge and Gradle

Most mods start by downloading the Minecraft Forge mod development kit. Forge provides the foundation for creating forge mods compatible with Minecraft Java Edition. It acts as a bridge between your code and the Minecraft game, simplifying many complex tasks.

Once you have Forge, you use Gradle, a build automation tool, to create your project folder. This folder contains all the assets, code, and configuration files needed for your mod. Gradle also helps manage dependencies, compile your code, and package your mod automatically.

At this stage, you create a new folder for your mod project and generate the necessary structure to build and test your mod. This includes setting up source folders for Java code, resource folders for textures and sounds, and configuration files that tell Minecraft how to load your mod.

Step 2: Importing into an IDE

After setting up the Gradle project, you import the generated project folder into an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) like IntelliJ IDEA or Eclipse. This step lets you write, organise, and compile your Java code efficiently with helpful tools such as auto-completion, debugging, and error checking.

Step 3: Writing Your Mod Code

From here, you write your mod’s logic in Java, add or edit your JSON files for configs, and manage your resources (textures, sounds, etc.) in the resource pack folders. Having a good IDE setup also allows you to run the Minecraft client directly from the IDE to test your mod in a controlled environment before releasing it.

Step 4: Adding Resources

Besides code, mods often need assets like textures, sounds, or JSON describing how new items look or behave.

These resources are placed inside specific folders inside your mod project.

Step 5: Compiling and Testing Your Mod

Once your code and resources are ready, use Gradle to build your mod .jar file. This file goes into the mods folder inside your Minecraft directory.

Then, launch Minecraft using the Forge profile. Your mod will load alongside the game, and you can test your new features in your Minecraft.

How Mods Get Installed and Used in Minecraft

Once your mod is ready, you compile it into a .jar file and place it in the mods folder inside your Minecraft directory. This folder is where Minecraft Forge looks for any custom mods you want to add to the game.

To run your mod:

• Double click the Minecraft launcher configured to use the Minecraft Forge profile.
• The game is set to launch with the Forge mod loader enabled, as dictated by this launcher profile.
• It then loads your mod with the Minecraft Java Edition client.

When you enter your Minecraft world, the game recognises the mod’s code and assets, changing gameplay as defined by the mod developer. These changes can range from simple new items and blocks to completely new mechanics or dimensions.

Because mods modify the base game, running a modded Minecraft client gives you a modified version of the standard game. This means some mods might only work with specific Minecraft versions, so always check compatibility before installing. Additionally, some mods may require other mods or libraries to be installed first, so be sure to read the mod’s documentation carefully to avoid crashes or errors.

Visit Software Academy to pick your date and let the modding begin!

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Why Kids Should Learn Modding with Software Academy

Around 80% of Minecraft users have used coding to enhance their learning experience. It’s a powerful sign of how modding bridges fun and education. If you want to get started modding or want your child to learn, our Minecraft Coding Courses for Kids are the perfect place.

Here’s what makes these Minecraft Modding Camps special?

• Designed for kids 9–11 years old
• No prior coding experience required
• Hands-on experience creating Minecraft mods
• Learn to set up a modding project, write Java code, and test mods
• Build creative projects and custom Minecraft features kids can share
• Learn problem-solving, coding basics, and logic through Minecraft
• Use real developer tools, like Minecraft Forge and IDEs
• Help your child boost their creativity, self-esteem, and digital skills

In this 5-day camp, your child will learn how to design Minecraft mods.

What You Need for Modding

To join a Minecraft Camp or start modding yourself, here’s what you’ll need:

• Minecraft Java Edition installed on your computer (you’ll need to purchase a license)
• The Minecraft Forge mod development kit
• A Java-compatible IDE like IntelliJ IDEA or Eclipse
• A computer with a reliable internet connection
• Basic curiosity and willingness to learn!

The Software Academy team will guide you through every step, from setting up your project folder to running your mods in the Minecraft client.

Customise Minecraft With Mods

Minecraft opens up a whole new world of creativity, coding, and problem-solving—all wrapped up inside the game millions love. By learning how to mod Minecraft Java Edition, kids gain valuable tech skills while having a blast.

With expert-led, kid-friendly courses from Software Academy, anyone can learn how to make their own forge mods, customise their Minecraft world, and become a real mod developer.

Ready to turn playing Minecraft into making Minecraft? Check out Software Academy’s Minecraft Coding for Kids and get started today!

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