Minecraft Datapack Language vs Sandstone

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.

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.