Minecraft Coding for Kids – Tips & Tricks
Minecraft is undoubtedly great – kids and parents can both agree on that! But what about the educational, business and overall long-term value of sandbox gaming for kids?
Minecraft is consistently one of the most popular topics in our courses.
Kids do a lot more than simply playing in Minecraft. In fact, you could say that playing the game is only the beginning of what you can do. Once you’ve learned the basics, you can explore a number of different, valuable and potentially lucrative streams. For example, some create content for YouTube, while others use Minecraft as a launch point for a career in computer science.
What is Minecraft coding?
Minecraft coding uses code to add personalized items and modes to Minecraft. For example, programmers can create their own blocks and/or design unique adventure maps to share with friends.
What coding language does Minecraft use? Java or JavaScript?
Minecraft's coding language is Java (not to be confused with JavaScript). So Java is the driving force when it comes to coding Minecraft. More specifically, Java is a powerful cross-platform programming language. It's used for a variety of commercial and professional applications, including Minecraft, but also Android apps and the standalone Android operating system.
So in addition to modifying Minecraft, kids can use Java to create a wide variety of games for people all over the world. All of this points to the fact that Java is one of the best coding languages for kids.
Examples of Minecraft courses
Minecraft games are not just mere games. Instead, the games turn into gateways that kids can explore and do more than "play", for example, wanting to jump into the world of computer science by learning to code.
So yes, those kids who want to take their love of Minecraft to the next level through coding can easily do so with the coding courses and tutorials provided by Bridge To STEM. Specifically with Java, kids can learn things like how to create Minecraft mods to put their own world view into the game.
Minecraft coding terms
Before you get started, however, there are a number of coding terms and concepts that young coders should start to familiarize themselves with - here are a few to get you started.
Minecraft mod
Quite simply, Minecraft mods allow creators to expand the game they already know and love, and transform it to suit their own imagination! With mods, they can pretend to be Thor with a hammer, teleport across large bodies of water, mine gold from deposits, and more.
Minecraft Artificial Intelligence
Each type of mob in Minecraft has an AI system with different behaviors and mechanics. For example, a Passive mob will flee in random directions after being wounded, while an Enemy mob will confront and chase the player as they approach.
Event systems
In almost every game played, including Minecraft, there is an event system that keeps track of what is happening in the game world and triggers some code when certain conditions are met.
Spawning entities
Entities spawn naturally in the game. Depending on certain variables, they spawn at different frequencies and sizes. Using forge, coders can add mobs to enemies that can spawn naturally in Minecraft.
Biomes
Every spot in the Minecraft world has a biome. Biomes determine things like snowfall, which blocks appear, and types/amounts of vegetation.
Attributes
An attribute controls the properties of mobs. Editing attributes allows you to change or set specific mob properties.
Java coding concepts
To get you and your child thinking about Java and Minecraft, here are some basic definitions:
Variable
A variable stores information about a program when it is run. In Minecraft, object and block names are stored in variables.
A string is stored in variables or variables.
A string is used to store text; for example, "carrot", "apple pie", "pear", and "orange juice" are all strings. A string can be declared in Java by typing "string" followed by a variable name.
Printing in a programming language means pasting text into the console. Thanks to Minecraft coding, kids understand the piles of text flying around in the IntelliJ console every time they launched their Minecraft mods. This information is generated by printing it on the console.
Main Features
The main function is where most of the code will run.
Operator
Operators allow coders to perform calculations while the program is running. When a character in Minecraft gains experience, it needs to be added to their total. If an arrow hits an enemy, the damage the enemy takes needs to be subtracted.
Pascal's case
Java uses Pascal case, a subset of the camel convention, for naming classes. The class should begin with a capital letter, and every word in the name should also be capitalized. For example, "MyClassName" and "AdventureGame."
If statement
The if statement allows coders to execute code if a condition is met. When a player attacks a monster in Minecraft, code is run to see if it has been defeated.
There are, of course, many coding terms and definitions and much more to learn when it comes to Java for kids. For now, it's useful to connect these ideas to the impact they have on the game itself, so that kids can begin to make connections between what they can do with coding and how those actions affect the game.
How does a child learn to code using Java and Minecraft?
One of the unique aspects of Minecraft when it was first released, and even today, is how customizable it can be. One popular way to customize the game is through Minecraft modifications or modding, which is changing the original programming code of the game.
These mods are add-ons created by third parties (often kids themselves) to improve the game. Designing mods involves learning Java and developing skills such as debugging, revision control, and using Photoshop.
The importance of Minecraft
There is an entire community built around Minecraft - dedicated players and modders. There are hundreds of texture packs, game modifications, custom maps, looks; just about anything a player could want.
Minecraft has evolved from an indie game into an artistic tool for communities to come together and create. Whether the project is artistic, story-based, or a puzzle machine, players of all ages can find enjoyment in the halls of Minecraft.
Check out our Minecraft coding courses for more personalized instruction!
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