Every technical term related to Minecraft, mods and launchers explained simply.
Mechanism that lets the launcher automatically check for and download new versions of mods and configuration files. The player doesn't have to do anything manually.
Content Delivery Network. A network of geographically distributed servers that delivers files (mods, configs) quickly. CraftLauncher uses Cloudflare R2 for fast downloads worldwide.
A mod or feature that only runs on the player's side. Performance mods (Sodium, Iris) and interface mods (JEI) are usually client-side.
A B2B SaaS service that lets Minecraft server admins create custom launchers with branding, mod management and auto-update, without any technical skills.
The process of making the launcher and its files available to players. CraftLauncher handles distribution through an installer (.exe, .dmg, .AppImage) and a CDN.
A modern, lightweight mod loader for Minecraft Java. Known for its speed, frequent updates and performance mods (Sodium, Lithium, Iris).
Minecraft Java's historic mod loader, created in 2011. It offers a complete API and supports thousands of mods, including the biggest modpacks like Create or FTB.
An online directory listing mods available for Minecraft Forge. Lets you search for mods by version, category and popularity.
The Electron launcher template that CraftLauncher builds its launchers on. It provides the base features (login, Java management, game launch) that CraftLauncher customizes.
An independent Minecraft installation with its own version, mods and configuration. Each CraftLauncher launcher manages an instance matching the configured modpack.
Java ARchive. A compiled file format containing the code for a mod or Java application. Forge and Fabric mods are distributed as .jar files.
Java Virtual Machine. The runtime environment that runs Minecraft and its mods. CraftLauncher bundles an optimized Java runtime to avoid version errors.
A desktop application that manages the download, update and launch of Minecraft. A custom launcher carries the server's identity and automates mod management.
A modification of the Minecraft game created by the community. A mod can add content, change mechanics or optimize performance. It requires a mod loader (Forge or Fabric).
Middleware software that lets mods load into Minecraft. The two main ones are Forge and Fabric. CraftLauncher supports both natively.
A collection of mods and configurations put together to deliver a coherent gameplay experience. A modpack can contain dozens or hundreds of mods with precise settings.
An open-source platform for sharing Minecraft mods and modpacks. CraftLauncher lets you import a Modrinth modpack directly into your launcher.
The archive format used by Modrinth to distribute modpacks. It contains the mod list, configurations and metadata needed for installation.
A long-standing graphics optimization mod for Minecraft. It adds shader support, improves performance and lets you customize many visual settings.
A measure of how smoothly the game runs (FPS). Mods like Sodium, Lithium and Starlight optimize Minecraft's engine for a better framerate, especially on large modpacks.
An archive of custom textures, sounds and models that changes the game's appearance without changing gameplay. Formerly known as a "texture pack".
A Minecraft instance that runs continuously and lets multiple players connect and play together. CraftLauncher automatically configures the server address in the launcher.
A mod or feature that only runs on the server. Admin, anti-cheat or economy mods are usually server-side.
A graphics program that changes Minecraft's visual rendering (realistic lighting, shadows, reflections). Requires a compatible mod (Iris, Optifine) and a capable GPU.
A Fabric mod that optimizes Minecraft's graphics rendering. It can multiply FPS by 2 to 5 by rewriting the rendering engine. Often paired with Lithium and Iris.
An older term for a resource pack. An archive of custom textures that changes the visual appearance of Minecraft's blocks, items and entities.
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