A fun way to learn how to program +Python is to follow the +instructions in the book +"Learn to program +with Minecraft", which introduces programming in Python to people +who like to play with Minecraft. The book uses a Python library to +talk to a TCP/IP socket with an API accepting build instructions and +providing information about the current players in a Minecraft world. +The TCP/IP API was first created for the Minecraft implementation for +Raspberry Pi, and has since been ported to some server versions of +Minecraft. The book contain recipes for those using Windows, MacOSX +and Raspian. But a little known fact is that you can follow the same +recipes using the free software construction game +Minetest.
+ +There is a +Minetest module implementing the same API, making it possible to +use the Python programs coded to talk to Minecraft with Minetest too. +I +uploaded +this module to Debian two weeks ago, and as soon as it clears the +FTP masters NEW queue, learning to program Python with Minetest on +Debian will be a simple 'apt install' away. The Debian package is +maintained as part of the Debian Games team, and +the +packaging rules are currently located under 'unfinished' on +Salsa.
+ +You will most likely need to install several of the Minetest +modules in Debian for the examples included with the library to work +well, as there are several blocks used by the example scripts that are +provided via modules in Minetest. Without the required blocks, a +simple stone block is used instead. My initial testing with a analog +clock did not get gold arms as instructed in the python library, but +instead used stone arms.
+ +I tried to find a way to add the API to the desktop version of +Minecraft, but were unable to find any working recipes. The +recipes +I found are only +working with a standalone Minecraft server setup. Are there any +options to use with the normal desktop version?
+ +As usual, if you use Bitcoin and want to show your support of my +activities, please send Bitcoin donations to my address +15oWEoG9dUPovwmUL9KWAnYRtNJEkP1u1b.
+