Minecraft Datapack Language vs Minecraft Script

Minecraft Datapack Language (MDL) compiles a JavaScript-style language into Minecraft datapacks. It supports if/else statements, while loops, number variables, arithmetic expressions and variable scopes. Projects can span multiple files, with variables from all files merged automatically, and can reference external JSON for registry types such as recipes, loot tables and advancements. Its command-line tool can create projects, check code and build datapacks or directories containing multiple files. A VS Code extension adds syntax highlighting, real-time error checking, build commands, workspace validation and raw text blocks. Python bindings support programmatic datapack creation with variables, control flow, nested functions and MDL scopes. Documentation includes Makefile, npm scripts and GitHub Actions build and checking examples. MDL is open source under the MIT License and costs nothing. Listed platforms include API, extension, Linux, macOS and Windows; system requirements include Python 3.8 or higher and Minecraft 1.20+ or 1.19+. Support pointers include documentation, examples, GitHub Issues and GitHub Discussions.

Minecraft Script is a programming language for developers creating Minecraft datapacks, maps, packages, and mcfunction files. Its compiler converts .mcscript files into Minecraft .mcfunction files. Documented language features include modals, loops, variables, constants, command wrapping, and if/else control; variables can store numbers and support operations such as addition and subtraction. The command-line tool creates datapacks, compiles scripts, watches saved changes for recompilation, and can add a datapack from a resource URL or mcScript Extension name. Scripts can generate multiple files, set output paths, and extend previously generated files. Global .gl.mcscript files share variables, constants, and modals across files. Minecraft Script is free, open source, and MIT licensed, with support for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Local installation requires Node.js and npm using npm install -g mcscript. An online version exists, but the local compiler adds directory compilation, new-file output, and file watching. Syntax highlighting is listed for Visual Studio Code, Atom, and Notepad++. A Discord community and repository contact channel provide help. The README identifies update 0.2.3, and the guide was last updated September 22, 2020.