Balm serves as a crucial abstraction layer for Minecraft mod developers, fundamentally simplifying the creation of mods designed to function across various mod loaders. It addresses the complexity of maintaining separate codebases for different platforms by offering unified interfaces and events. This means developers can write their mod logic once and have it compatible with multiple loaders, eliminating the need for extensive loader-specific code. The primary problem it solves is the fragmentation of mod development, making it more efficient and accessible to create mods that reach a wider audience without compromising functionality or requiring users to install multiple versions of the same mod for different loaders. It acts as a bridge, enabling smoother integration and development. This library mod operates by providing a common set of tools and functionalities that abstract away the underlying differences between mod loaders like Fabric and Forge. It handles essential aspects such as networking, configuration management, and integration with popular third-party mods, all without introducing external dependencies. By utilizing Mojang Mappings and supporting templates like Jared's Multiloader-Template, Balm ensures robust compatibility and adherence to standard practices. It effectively removes the need for custom Gradle tooling, relying solely on official mod loader plugins. This results in a cleaner, more maintainable codebase for developers and a more stable experience for players who rely on mods that incorporate Balm. Balm is designed for compatibility with a range of Minecraft versions and loaders. Specifically, it supports Minecraft versions 1.21.8, 1.21.9, 1.21.10, 1.21.11, and the 26.1 series including 26.1, 26.1.1, 26.1.2, and 26.2. It is compatible with Fabric, Forge, and NeoForge mod loaders. For users, Balm is an optional dependency, meaning it only needs to be installed on the client if a mod you are using explicitly requires it. Similarly, it is optional on the server. If a mod requires Balm, you will need to ensure it is present on both the client and server installations for full functionality, unless the mod's documentation specifies otherwise for specific use cases or setups. Installing Balm is straightforward, especially for users who only need it as a dependency for other mods. For Fabric and Forge/NeoForge, the mod file should be placed directly into the 'mods' folder of your Minecraft installation. Before launching the game, it is essential to verify that you have the correct version of the mod loader installed that is compatible with the Minecraft version you intend to play. Additionally, ensure that any mods requiring Balm are also correctly placed in the mods folder and that you have downloaded the appropriate versions of those mods. Checking the mod's page or documentation for any specific installation notes or prerequisites is always recommended to avoid potential conflicts or errors.
