MessageChain
by Ranzeplay
MessageChain is a networking library for Fabric that lets mod developers pass messages and data objects between the server and clients.
What it does
Developers use MessageChain to send data objects from server to client and back, with the synchronization kept object-based rather than hand-written packet code. Messages can be merged, pushed and pulled as a chain of actions, a design present since version 0.1. Server-side notifications reach clients from version 0.2 onward, so a server can signal players when something changes.
Players can message each other directly through the PlayerBridge component, which sends a message to a chosen player without going through a shared channel. Server resources can also be reached from inside the game, for example to call a web service. The author describes the library as meant to simplify networking work in a mod's development.
The mod is released under the Apache License 2.0 and is open source, with public source code, an issue tracker and a wiki. It is published for Fabric only, across four game versions: 1.20, 1.20.2, 1.20.3 and 1.20.4. The latest file is 0.2.1 for 1.20.4, marked alpha, and it runs on client and server together.
Key features
Object-based data synchronization
Data objects are synchronized between the server and connected clients without writing separate packet handlers for each type.
Chained message actions
Messages can be merged, pushed and pulled as steps in a chain, so a sequence of network actions is handled in one place.
Server-side notifications
The server can send notifications to clients, which lets a mod report events or state changes to players.
Direct player messages
PlayerBridge sends a message straight to one player, for communication between players inside a mod.
Test commands
The msgc test routing and msgc test notification commands run a check of the routing and notification output.
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Use cases
Mod networking
A mod developer can rely on the library for client-server communication instead of building the networking layer from scratch.
Server-to-client signals
A server mod can push state updates or alerts to players through the notification channel.
Who it’s for: Mod developers building Fabric features that need server and client communication, and server owners running such mods. Players do not interact with the library directly.
Questions
Which loader does MessageChain support?
Does MessageChain have to be installed on both sides?
Which game versions have files?
In the catalog
MessageChain is one of 3,514 Library mods on ModsFinder, and one of 2,348 Library mods for Fabric. 13,907 mods support Minecraft 1.20.4.
More from Ranzeplay
Similar mods
What the author says
A Minecraft fabric mod allows developers to interact with server resources like calling web API. I hope this mod can simplify your development process dealing with networking.
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/messagechain
- Owner
- Ranzeplay
- Published
- 2023-10-22
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2024-03-31
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15