Plugin Article 1: Crafting Your First Custom Plugin with the Spigot API

Introduction
Unlock the power to tailor Minecraft gameplay by building your own plugin. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll set up your development environment, write a simple “Welcome” plugin, package it with Maven, and deploy it to your Huthost Pterodactyl server. Don’t forget to invite players to experience your creation—list your server on mclist.gg to draw in an eager audience!

Table of Contents

1. Setting Up Your Development Environment

2. Plugin Structure & Core Classes

3. Writing Your First Event Listener

4. Building with Maven

5. Deploying to Pterodactyl

6. Testing & Iteration

7. Pro Tips

8. FAQ

1. Setting Up Your Development Environment

• Java JDK 17: Download and install from Oracle or AdoptOpenJDK.

• IDE Choice: IntelliJ IDEA or Eclipse with the “Minecraft Development” plugin.

• Spigot API: Use BuildTools to generate spigot-1.20.1.jar.

• Maven: Ensure mvn is in your PATH for project builds.

2. Plugin Structure & Core Classes

Your plugin JAR needs a plugin.yml in src/main/resources:

• Main Class: Extends JavaPlugin.

• onEnable()/onDisable(): Initialize resources and save config.

3. Writing Your First Event Listener

Create JoinListener.java to greet players:

• Use ChatColor for styling.

• Reference your server’s IP in messages to guide players.

4. Building with Maven

Run:

• Output: target/WelcomePlugin-1.0.0.jar.

• Verify JAR contains plugin.yml and compiled classes.

5. Deploying to Pterodactyl

1. SFTP Upload

   • Host: sftp.huthost.net · Port: 2022

   • Path: /plugins/WelcomePlugin.jar

2. Restart Server

   • Go to your Huthost panel and click Restart.

3. Console Logs

   • Look for WelcomePlugin enabled! to confirm a successful load.

6. Testing & Iteration

• In-Game Test: Join the server, confirm welcome message.

• Iterate: Add configuration files (e.g., custom greetings per world).

• Versioning: Increment your version in plugin.yml for every release.

7. Pro Tips

• Use Git: Track your source code and enable collaborative development.

• Automate Builds: Integrate GitHub Actions to auto-package on push.

• Documentation: Include a README.md and javadocs for your plugin.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use this plugin on Bedrock players via GeyserMC?
A: Yes—GeyserMC will proxy the message, but ensure your proxy supports ChatColor.

Q2: How do I handle dependencies on external libraries?
A: Shade them into your JAR using the Maven Shade plugin, or host them on SpigotMC.

Elevate your Minecraft server at Huthost.net and showcase your custom plugin on mclist.gg!