Minecraft Datapack Compiler vs Sandstone

Minecraft Datapack Compiler turns projects written in the `.planet` language into Minecraft datapacks, with folder export and options to generate functions. The documented language includes variables, functions, imports, conditionals, while loops, Minecraft commands, and macros; built-ins cover printing, random values, type conversion, scoreboard access, and data access or modification. CLI arguments set the input file, Minecraft version, output folder, namespace, logging level, or help page. The precompiled Windows executable supports GUI and CLI use; users building from source can launch the GUI on Windows, macOS, or Linux. The project is free to use with proper credit, and its repository identifies an MIT license. Release notes list support additions for Minecraft 1.21.5, 1.21.6, 1.21.7, 1.21.8, 26.1, and 26.1.1. The README warns that its bundled basic datapack does not work on Minecraft 1.21.5 and later. Comet Highlighter provides `.planet` syntax highlighting in VS Code but no autocomplete. The README points to a tutorial video that is currently unavailable.

Sandstone is a TypeScript library for building, debugging, and sharing Minecraft datapacks and resource packs. It gives developers command and resource autocomplete, with Wiki documentation for datapack elements such as predicates, loot tables, and advancements. You can group multiple functions, advancements, or loot tables in one file, or keep Minecraft’s one-per-file arrangement. Built-in control-flow tools include if/else, boolean logic, loops, switch statements, and sleep; vanilla commands are also available with build-time and run-time checks. The CLI scaffolds and builds packs, watches for file changes, and can rebuild automatically. Documentation snippets can be edited with a live datapack preview without installing Sandstone. The CLI installs Smithed and Sandstone libraries, and npm-compatible package managers are also supported. Functions can be published to NPM for use in other packs. Sandstone is open source and free, and is listed for Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. Local installation requires Bun and Node.js; the documentation recommends a code editor such as Visual Studio Code.