Sponge Glossary
Warning
This documentation refers to an outdated SpongeAPI version and is no longer actively maintained. While the code examples still work for that API version, the policies, guidelines, and some links may have changed. Please refer to the latest version of the documentation for those.
This is a guide to the more common reserved words, phrases and abbreviations used in the Sponge Project. Links are provided in some cases to provide more information. It is not intended to be a guide to the SpongeAPI or Java.
Note
Terms are defined with reference to Minecraft and/or the Sponge Project as required.
Definitions
- API
Application Programming Interface - a way of making modding easier.
- Contributor
Someone who contributes code to the SpongePowered projects.
- Coremod
A CoreMod is a Forge mod that loads before Mojang classes are loaded, allowing it to modify native Minecraft code via Access Transformers, ASM class modification, or other Java bytecode manipulation.
- Crowdin
A web-based translation system for documentation. SpongeDocs uses it to provide translated Docs in many languages. https://crowdin.com/project/sponge-docs
- Developer
Someone who programs code (Sponge, Plugins, Mods, …).
- FLARD
It is green, edible, and explosive. Leave it alone and it will leave you alone.
- Forge
A long-standing Minecraft modding API, with its own installer. Forge enables mods in single player, LAN, and on dedicated servers. https://mcforge.readthedocs.io/en/latest/
- GitHub
A free public web-based system for sharing code and creating projects. https://github.com/
- Implementation
A mod or program that enables the use of the SpongeAPI in Minecraft.
- IRC
Internet Relay Chat, used as a chat platform. Provides chat rooms for all things Sponge.
- Issue
A way of flagging problems, bugs, improvements, and things-to-do on GitHub and elsewhere. The Sponge project uses GitHub as an Issue Tracker.
- Java
The programming language that Minecraft and Sponge are written in, and require to run. https://java.com/en/
- MCP
The Mod Coder Pack helps developers create mods for both the Minecraft server and client. http://www.modcoderpack.com/website
- Mixins
Specialised program components that inject Sponge into Minecraft. https://github.com/SpongePowered/Mixin/wiki
- Mod
A Minecraft modification that changes gameplay somehow. Mods written using the Forge API need Forge to work, but some mods can be installed on their own.
- NPC
Non-Player Character. Any character not controlled by a player, eg. a Villager.
- Ore
The Official Sponge plugin hosting site, not ready yet. Use the Sponge Forums instead.
- Patreon
A Service that allows for donations to projects and organisations. If you want to support Sponge, this is the place to look at! Sponge Patreon Donation Page
- Plugin
A Minecraft mod that extends and changes Minecraft via the SpongeAPI, usable only on Sponge servers.
- Project Leaders
The folks in charge of the entire Sponge Project, responsible for co-ordinating the activities of the various Teams and sub-projects.
- Pull Request (PR)
A method of submitting contributions to an open development project, such as the Sponge repositories on GitHub.
- Sponge
The name of the entire project.
- SpongeAPI
The Minecraft Plugin API developed by the Sponge project.
- SpongeCommon
A repository of code common to the official SpongeAPI implementations, used in building them. SpongeVanilla and SpongeForge use this repository.
- SpongeForge
The implementation of SpongeAPI as a Forge Coremod.
- SpongeDocs
Dedicated and frequently updated documentation, the best source of information on Sponge.
- Sponge Forums
Home to the Sponge Project and the second best source of information on Sponge. Update announcements are posted regularly. https://forums.spongepowered.org/
- Sponge Foundation
The financial side of the project, a separate entity that accepts, manages and distributes donations.
- SpongeVanilla
An implementation of Sponge API that runs on Vanilla Minecraft (and not Forge).
- Spongie
The Sponge Mascot, a valiant little Sponge with a red cape.
- Spongy
The sponge GitHub Bot that makes PR previews for the Docs.
- Team Leaders
The people who directs the Teams (WebDev, Docs, SysOps, subreddit, IRC).
