SimpleDownload - The Ultimate Server-Side Mod Manager for Minecraft 🛠️

By SnowFinch-Loran | GitHub Repository

🌟 Introduction

Hey server admins and modpack creators! 👋 Tired of manually distributing mods to players or dealing with outdated client-side files? Meet SimpleDownload—a powerful server-side mod that works hand-in-hand with ModAutoDownload to automate mod distribution, enforce version control, and even protect your server from abuse!

Currently optimized for Minecraft 1.16.5 Forge, this mod is designed to:
✅ Host and distribute mods via a simple HTTP endpoint (/getDurlData).
✅ Manage mod lists dynamically with in-game commands.
✅ Protect against abuse with IP rate-limiting and auto-banning.
✅ Log connections and bans for security monitoring.
✅ Sync mods effortlessly—players using ModAutoDownload will always have the right files!

Future plans include support for 1.12.X, 1.14.X, 1.18.X, 1.20.X, and 1.21.X, plus Fabric compatibility!

🔧 Requirements

Before installing, ensure your server has:

Minecraft 1.16.5 Forge (for now).
Java 8+ (required for the embedded HTTP server).
Clients using ModAutoDownload (optional but recommended for auto-syncing).

🚀 Features Breakdown

1️⃣ Mod Distribution Made Easy

SimpleDownload hosts a lightweight HTTP server (port 8000) that serves a JSON list of mod URLs. Clients (like ModAutoDownload) fetch this list to download missing/updated mods automatically.

Endpoint: http://yourserver:8000/getDurlData

Response Format:

{
  "urls": {
    "1": "https://example.com/mod1.jar",
    "2": "https://example.com/mod2.jar"
  }
}

2️⃣ In-Game Commands for Mod Management

Admins can manage the mod list without restarting the server using the /durl command:

Command	Description	Example
`/durl file`	Opens the `Settings.json` config file.	`/durl file`
`/durl add <number> <url>`	Adds a mod URL to the list.	`/durl add 1 https://example.com/mod.jar`
`/durl delete <number>`	Removes a mod by its ID.	`/durl delete 1`
`/durl list`	Lists all registered mod URLs.	`/durl list`
`/durl clear`	Clears the entire mod list.	`/durl clear`
`/durl clo Enable/Disable`	Toggles connection logging.	`/durl clo Disable`
`/durl banlog Enable/Disable`	Toggles ban logging.	`/durl banlog Enable`

3️⃣ Security & Anti-Abuse

Rate Limiting: Blocks IPs exceeding 100 requests/minute.
Temporary Bans: Banned IPs are blocked for 30 minutes.
Logging: Tracks connections and bans (configurable via commands).

4️⃣ Configuration File

Mod URLs and settings are stored in mods/SDSetup/Settings.json:

{
  "urls": {
    "1": "https://example.com/mod1.jar"
  },
  "settings": {
    "logConnections": true,
    "logBans": true
  }
}

🛠️ How to Use

Step 1: Installation

Download the mod from files or from here.
Place it in your server’s mods folder.
Start the server—the HTTP service will launch automatically on port 8000.

Step 2: Adding Mods

Use /durl add <number> <url> to register mods.
Example:

/durl add 1 https://cdn.modrinth.com/awesome-mod.jar

Players with ModAutoDownload will now fetch these mods automatically!

Step 3: Managing Logs & Security

Disable connection logs: /durl clo Disable
View ban logs: Check server console for [Simpledownload][Security] messages.

📜 Command Outputs Explained

SimpleDownload uses a color-coded tag system in its logs and command feedback:

Tag	Meaning	Example
`[Event]`	Server lifecycle events (e.g., startup).	`[Simpledownload][Event] Server started on port 8000`
`[CMD]`	Command execution feedback.	`[Simpledownload][CMD] URL added for table 1`
`[Query]`	Status checks (e.g., logging toggles).	`[Simpledownload][Query] Connection logging is Enabled`
`[Security]`	IP bans/rate-limiting alerts.	`[Simpledownload][Security] IP blocked: 192.168.1.1`
`[Error]`	Critical failures.	`[Simpledownload][Error] Failed to load settings!`

Colors:

Green: Success.
Red: Errors/warnings.
Blue: Informational.
Yellow: Neutral status.

🔍 Behind the Scenes

How It Works

HTTP Server: Built using com.sun.net.httpserver, it listens for /getDurlData requests.
IP Tracking: The GetDurlDataHandler class enforces rate limits using ConcurrentHashMap.
Commands: Leverage Minecraft’s Brigadier system for rich in-game control.

Key Classes

Simpledownload.java: Main mod class; starts the HTTP server and registers commands.
GetDurlDataHandler.java: Handles client requests, IP blocking, and JSON responses.

❓ FAQ

Q: Can I change the HTTP port?
A: Not yet—currently hardcoded to 8000. Future updates may add configs!

Q: How do I unban an IP?
A: Restart the server or wait 30 minutes (bans are temporary).

Q: Can clients download mods without ModAutoDownload?
A: Yes! They can manually fetch http://yourserver:8000/getDurlData and download the files.

Q: Why is my IP blocked?
A: You exceeded 100 requests/minute. Reduce polling frequency in ModAutoDownload.*

🎯 Future Plans

Multi-Version Support: 1.12.2 → 1.21.X.
Fabric Compatibility: Because Forge isn’t the only option!
Port Configuration: Let admins choose the HTTP port.
GeoIP Integration: Better location tracking for logs.

🙌 Final Thoughts

SimpleDownload saves hours of manual mod management and ensures players always have the right files. Pair it with ModAutoDownload for a seamless experience!

Star the GitHub repo to support development, and suggest features via issues!

Happy hosting! 🚀

📜 License: MIT
🐦 Follow Me: SnowFinch-Loran on GitHub

Last Updated : 2025 (because future-proofing is cool 😎)