SamsCreations
SamsCreations

What Is an Addon?

Here you will learn what addon is!

1 min readUpdated

An addon is a small extra jar that adds a feature to SamsSeasons. It isn't a plugin of its own: it doesn't go into plugins/, and it only runs together with SamsSeasons.

Why Addons?

Some features only matter to some servers. The in-game editor, for example, is only used by admins while setting up. Shipping it as an addon keeps SamsSeasons lean:

  • You choose what runs. No editor jar, no editor code loaded, no editor art in the resource pack.
  • Updates stay separate. An addon can be updated without touching your SamsSeasons configs.
  • Nothing to set up. Drop the jar in, restart, done.

The SamsSeasons-Editor addon comes with your purchase. See In-Game Editor.

Installing an Addon

Start SamsSeasons Once

The plugins/SamsSeasons/addons/ folder is created on the first start.

Drop the Jar In

Put the addon jar into plugins/SamsSeasons/addons/, not into plugins/.

plugins/
├── SamsSeasons-1.0.0.jar
└── SamsSeasons/
    └── addons/
        ├── SamsSeasons-Editor-1.0.0.jar      <- the addon
        └── SamsSeasons-Editor/
            └── config.yml                    <- its settings (created by the addon)

Restart the Server

Addons load when SamsSeasons starts, before the resource pack is built, so their art is included straight away. The startup banner confirms a loaded addon (e.g. "✔ Editor addon ready").

Updating or Removing

  • Update: stop the server, replace the jar, start again. Its settings in addons/<Addon>/ stay.
  • Remove: stop the server and delete the jar. SamsSeasons runs exactly as before, and the addon's art leaves the resource pack on the next start.
  • /seasons reload also reloads every addon's settings.

Addons are loaded on startup only. Adding or removing a jar needs a restart, not /seasons reload, and never a plugin manager like PlugMan.

Troubleshooting

Console messageMeaning
Addon <file> has no addon.yml - skipped.The jar isn't a SamsSeasons addon (maybe a normal plugin in the wrong folder).
Could not enable addon <name>: ...The addon doesn't match your SamsSeasons version. Update both to the latest release.
/seasons editor says the editor is missingThe editor jar isn't in plugins/SamsSeasons/addons/, or the server wasn't restarted.

Making Your Own

Developers can write addons too: a jar with an addon.yml (name, version, main) whose main class implements SamsSeasonsAddon. See the Developer API.