Bridge: The Add-On Creation Program

Marcos Jimgar

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Introduction

Bridge is an IDE for creating Add-Ons. It is currently the most comprehensive Add-On creator available, surpassing programs like MAM and only being exceeded by VS Code (since in VS Code, you code everything manually without automation). In this article, I will explain its uses, compatibility, the differences between V1 and V2, and some useful tips. Let's begin!

History of Bridge

Bridge was first released on March 16, 2020, with version 1.0. From the beginning, Bridge was designed for creating Add-Ons for Minecraft Bedrock, allowing users to create them from scratch or edit existing ones. The program is primarily recognized as an IDE, with its first version, V1, being the one that I and many other creators used to start making Add-Ons. This version stood out for its power and how easy it was to learn modding.

On February 22, 2021, a new version was released: Bridge V2. This version was a complete overhaul, improving many aspects but also receiving criticism for unnecessary changes and the removal of useful keyboard shortcuts. Bridge V2 introduced the ability to run in a web browser, making it compatible with Windows, Linux, and Android. This is the version that continues to receive updates today.

Features

The program's features are quite extensive. Users can:

• Create Add-Ons based on templates.
• Edit existing Add-Ons.
• Create blocks, mobs, and items using templates.
• Use extensions that provide code snippets to expand the functionality of mods.

Programming Languages Used

Bridge primarily functions as a JSON viewer. It can be used like Scratch by copying and pasting, but for more technical functions, you will need to use JavaScript or TypeScript, programming languages designed for Add-On development.

One major advantage is its built-in support for JavaScript, allowing easy API calls to Minecraft functions. If you want to learn more about API calls, I recommend checking out the documentation from JayLyMC.

Differences Between V1 and V2

As mentioned earlier, Bridge has two versions, with V2 being the dominant one. If you are new to modding, you might find it strange that some users still prefer V1. The reason is the significant changes introduced in V2.

This new version modified the directory structure, making it different from V1. The JSON editor also became more complex and harder to use, and some commands, such as duplication, did not function properly. These changes were unpopular within the community, leading many to stick with V1.

Unfortunately, after the introduction of the Holiday Creator Features, Bridge V1 became unusable due to its heavy reliance on these functions. This forced users to switch to Bridge V2 or, as in my case, transition to VS Code.

VS Code vs. Bridge

If you want to create complex Add-Ons and are an experienced developer, I highly recommend using VS Code. You will only need to install a few extensions to access the APIs and read the documentation.

On the other hand, if you are a beginner and just want to create a few blocks without advanced functions, Bridge is the better choice. It eliminates coding issues and allows you to focus on what really matters: creating the Add-On you want.

Conclusion

Bridge has been with me for many years. I was sad to leave it behind a year ago, but if you're just starting out, I highly recommend it.

That's all for today. Thank you for reading. Goodbye!