Minecraft Script vs Sandstone
Minecraft Script
mcscript.stevertus.com
Sandstone
sandstone.devSide by side
| Figure | Minecraft Script | Sandstone |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 0 |
| Spec score · Minecraft Datapack Generators | 7.4 (#12) | 7.0 (#18) |
| CLI | The CLI can create datapack files, compile scripts, and watch for saved changes to recompile. | Its built-in `sand` CLI can build a datapack and rebuild it when files change. |
| Control flow | The home page demonstrates for and while loops, and if/else statements. | Built-in abstractions include if/else, boolean logic, loops, switch statements, and sleep. |
| Dependencies | Installation requires the Node.js environment and Node Package Manager. | The `sand install` CLI command supports installing Smithed libraries, and the docs also show installing Sandstone libraries through npm-compatible package managers. |
| Support | The home page links to a Discord community for updates and connection with users. | The project directs people who need help or want to discuss with the community to its Discord server. |
In their own words
Minecraft Script
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.
Sandstone
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.