Mod Request Cloth Config Api Forge

Colin Whitehouse

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28-12-2024

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This post outlines a request for the integration of the Cloth Config API into the Forge modding ecosystem. Currently, Forge lacks a standardized, robust, and user-friendly configuration system comparable to Fabric's Cloth Config API. This deficiency presents significant challenges for mod developers and ultimately impacts the user experience.

The Need for a Standardized Configuration System

Forge mods often rely on disparate and often cumbersome methods for configuration. These include:

• In-game GUIs: These can be complex to implement and maintain, leading to inconsistencies across mods.
• Configuration files (e.g., JSON, TOML, properties): While functional, these require manual editing, making them less accessible to casual users. They also often lack validation, potentially leading to errors and crashes.
• Mod-specific solutions: This results in a fragmented landscape, lacking interoperability and consistency.

The absence of a unified approach creates several problems:

• Increased development time: Mod developers spend valuable time reinventing the wheel, rather than focusing on core gameplay features.
• Inconsistent user experience: Users grapple with varied and often confusing configuration interfaces across different mods.
• Reduced accessibility: Configuring mods becomes unnecessarily complicated, potentially discouraging less technically inclined players.

The Cloth Config API: A Potential Solution

Fabric's Cloth Config API offers an elegant solution to these problems. It provides:

• A simple, intuitive API: Easy for developers to integrate into their mods.
• Automatic generation of user-friendly in-game configuration screens: Removing the burden of manual GUI development.
• Data validation: Ensuring the integrity of configuration files and preventing errors.
• Type safety: Minimizing the risk of configuration errors.

The Request

We propose adapting and integrating a similar, robust API for Forge. This would greatly benefit both mod developers and players by:

• Standardizing configuration: Leading to a more consistent and user-friendly experience.
• Reducing development time: Allowing modders to focus on their mod's core functionality.
• Improving accessibility: Simplifying the configuration process for all users.
• Promoting interoperability: Facilitating collaboration and reducing redundancy.

Call to Action

We urge the Forge development community to consider this request seriously. A well-implemented configuration API would significantly enhance the Forge modding experience and contribute to a more vibrant and accessible modding ecosystem. We encourage discussions and feedback on this proposal to explore the feasibility and implementation details.