The WorldAccess mod is designed specifically for server administrators to make remote modifications to world files. Currently, it focuses on the datapacks folder. What are its capabilities? At this moment, the mod allows users to upload and download the datapacks folder to and from their server. Its initial aim was to encompass the entire world folder, hence the name; however, downloading the world files may be added in the future, though there are no guaranteed timelines for this development.
Why would someone find this useful? The idea for this mod came about when a friend of mine hosted a private creative server, and I wanted to implement command functionalities. However, as the number of command blocks grew, it became tedious to implement changes. My friend was unable to provide access to the server files for me to add my commands in a datapack, leading to inconveniences. I had the option of repeatedly asking my friend to upload my datapack or sticking with laborious command blocks. Thus, the solution emerged: a mod that allows server admins to remotely update the datapacks folder efficiently. This mod can also expedite the process of uploading datapacks to your server, especially if you are using a third-party hosting service. I recommend pairing this mod with Basically Restart and Advanced Backups for an enhanced experience.
How to operate the WorldAccess mod? To use this mod, ensure you have the Fabric API installed. You will find a new folder named fetched_worlds within your Minecraft directory (%appdata%\.minecraft by default). Inside this folder, you’ll discover subfolders named after the IP addresses of the servers from which you have fetched world files; this includes the datapacks folder associated with each server. This mod currently features two main commands, both requiring permission level 4 to execute:
/worldaccess-push: This command uploads your datapacks folder to the server./worldaccess-pull: This command downloads the server’s datapacks folder.
With these descriptions, you should grasp how to utilize the mod effectively. What could go wrong? Given that this mod makes direct alterations to your world files, I highly recommend using it alongside Advanced Backups for safety.
Firstly, while unlikely to occur on a private server, it’s possible that a command might fail due to internet connection issues during a /worldaccess-push operation. If you disconnect before all files are uploaded, the server may end up with an incomplete version of the datapack. If you then attempt to use /worldaccess-pull, you could accidentally download this incomplete version and overwrite your local copy, which is unfortunate.
Another potential issue is when multiple users upload datapacks simultaneously, which could result in one user inadvertently overwriting another’s changes, given the absence of automatic versioning in this mod. To mitigate this risk, it’s best to limit uploads to one person at a time.
Finally, concerning security, it’s crucial to avoid granting permission level 4 to untrusted individuals. If someone with this access intends to cause harm, here’s the worst-case scenario:
- They could upload malicious files onto the server. However, the mod restricts read/write actions outside your world folder, meaning no autoruns occur. Remember that simply having a virus on your device isn’t inherently dangerous unless you execute it. So, if an executable file ends up in your datapacks folder, exercise caution.
- They could fill your storage with large files, potentially leading to glitches in your operating system, especially if the server is hosted on your main disk.
Experiencing issues? If you encounter any bugs not listed on the issue tracker or identify a security vulnerability, please don’t hesitate to report it. You are welcome to submit an issue if you’d like to request new features or ask for specific version support. Please understand that as this project is developed in my spare time, responses may be delayed, and ensure to check if your request has already been made by someone else.
