Who doesn’t love Minecraft? The game is something of a phenomenon, providing hours of fun for all ages. Although it’s sometimes thought of as nothing more than a digital block building game, there’s much more to it than meets the eye. It’s a game with endless possibilities for creativity and fun, but did you know you can go beyond the basics and code your own content to Minecraft? These Minecraft coding apps allow you to code your own additions to the block-based building game, so you’ll never run out of things to do!
Discover fun Minecraft coding apps
From simple block-based modifications to full Java-based games within the game, there’s a wide range of Minecraft coding apps perfect for students in elementary school through high school. Some stick to the basics, some cover more advanced topics, and all of them are worth exploring!
1. Minecraft Coding with Create & Learn
With the great online Minecraft Coding courses at Create & Learn, students learn everything from the very basics, starting with how to solve puzzles with code, guided live by an expert. The courses are designed by professionals from Google, Stanford, and MIT, and progress all the way up to creating full-fledged games inside of Minecraft! Beginners will enjoy unlocking powerful electric components in their games with Minecraft Redstone Engineering before progressing to make their own mods in Minecraft Modding Quest. While older students in Grades 5-9 can begin with Minecraft Code to Mod to creatively modify their games.
Best for ages: 8 -15
Pros:
- Great teachers in small group classes
- Covers a wide range of Minecraft coding concepts that can be applied to real-world coding as well
- Helps students build their problem solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills
Cons:
- Need to find a scheduled time that works for you because classes are live
2. Microsoft MakeCode App for Minecraft
Microsoft MakeCode is a free platform for learning how to code. One of the applications offered within MakeCode is specific to modding Minecraft, allowing users to write code for Minecraft using MakeCode’s easy drag-and-drop block coding interface. Not only that, but users can also code in Python or JavaScript, allowing nearly limitless possibilities!
Best for ages: 10+
Pros:
- Allows the user to choose between block-based coding, Python, or JavaScript
- Coding types can be switched between freely, allowing the user to see what their code would look like in a different programming language
- Includes fun step-by-step tutorials as you program
Cons:
- Instructions for connecting to Minecraft can be hard to find (a project must first be created, then on the project editor page, the help icon in the top right corner can be clicked to go to the support page)
3. Code.org’s Minecraft Hour of Code Tutorials
Code.org’s Minecraft Hour of Code Tutorials take a slightly different approach, offering a browser-based version of Minecraft in which the user controls their character using code. Users will learn how to structure their code to accomplish tasks within the game. After finishing the browser-based tutorials, Code.org offers links to further tutorials in Minecraft: Education Edition on the Minecraft website.
Best for ages: 8-10
Pros:
- Includes a browser-based version of Minecraft tutorials for learning to code with block-based programming
- Includes the option to see how blocks translate into JavaScript
Cons:
- There are only a few tutorials available
4. CodaKid App
CodaKid is a paid subscription platform aimed at those driven kids interested in learning programming that will not only allow them to modify Minecraft, but also go on to program their own games and software beyond their blocky worlds! It includes a progressive system of 15 courses, starting with the absolute basics, and working up to more advanced programming concepts, all framed around adding fun features to Minecraft. The platform also features an engaging quest and challenge system to keep users engaged throughout the learning process!
Best for ages: 8+
Pros:
- 15 courses ranging from beginner to advanced
- Includes a fun “quest” system to keep students interested
- Teaches coding in Java
Cons:
- Requires a monthly subscription fee
5. Code Kingdoms App
Like CodaKid above, Code Kingdoms is a paid subscription platform aimed at teaching real-world programming skills through the process of creating mods for Minecraft. It starts out using block-based programming at the beginner levels, and progresses to using text-based Java programming in the more advanced courses. The Code Kingdoms projects cover over 100 hours of content, so there’s plenty to explore!
Best for ages: 8-14
Pros:
- Includes tutorial videos and a web-based code editor
- Starts out with block-based coding, and progresses to text-based programming
Cons:
- Requires a monthly subscription fee or a one-time lifetime subscription fee
6. iD Tech App
iD Tech has a bit of a different approach, giving an overview of important concepts and covering topics from coding to game design. It views Minecraft as a platform from which to branch out into various valuable computer science skills. It also links to a number of other useful resources to explore!
Best for ages: 8+
Pros:
- Covers many topics from coding with Java to game design with Minecraft
- Gives an overview of important terms and concepts
Cons:
- Less depth than other platforms
7. Tynker App
Tynker is an iPad/iPhone app for learning to code, including learning how to modify Minecraft! Using block-based coding, along with a fun and engaging interface, Tynker is a great introduction into the world of coding. The app is free, but there is also optional premium content which can be accessed for a subscription fee.
Best for ages: 8-14
Pros:
- Convenient to use as iPad/iPhone app
- Fun game feel to the interface
Cons:
- A bit more limited than the desktop options for modifying Minecraft
- Some content is locked behind a premium subscription
8. Tynker’s Minecraft Skin Editor
What would Minecraft be without some customization? The Tynker Minecraft Skin Editor allows the user to take a break and design their own character and mob skins. Its easy-to-use interface lets the user jump right in and start creating!
Best for ages: 8-14
Pros:
- Simple, user-friendly interface
- Texture brush allows for easily painting with some minor color variations
Cons:
- Limited tool palette
- Account required to save files
9. The Skindex App
A more intermediate-level skin editor, The Skindex offers more precise tools for the creation of your character skin. The user can choose from a wide range of colors using a hex color picker. The character model also features a pixel grid to help the user precisely paint onto the model. The user can paint on both the body and the outer layer, allowing for a complex character skin which is sure to make you stand out!
Best for ages: 10+
Pros:
- Large tool palette and precise color picker
- Pixel grid to help with the precise positioning while painting
Cons:
- Ads appear on the page
10. Nova Skin App
Nova Skin is a feature-rich skin editor aimed at more advanced users. With an extensive tool palette, a 2D painting option, layer support, and more, this skin editor offers a lot of power to explore the artistic side of Minecraft modification! The user can even animate their character, so they can see how their character will look in-game right in the browser! While the learning curve is steep, this tool is a great option for those looking for a lot more flexibility in their artistic endeavors.
Best for ages: 13+
Pros:
- A large variety of tools to choose from
- Supports painting using layers
Cons:
- Ads are a bit intrusive on the interface; an ad blocker is recommended
- Learning curve can feel a bit steep
Try Minecraft coding apps
These fantastic apps and courses are great places to start getting into coding. To learn more, be sure to check out our blog post about learning Minecraft coding.
And don’t forget, you can also find out how to solve puzzles, build, and create games with fun coding in Minecraft by joining our live online, small-group, expert-designed Minecraft camps.
Written by Create & Learn instructor Josh Abbott Salazar. Josh is a teacher, coder, audio engineer, and musician. After graduating with a Master's in Music from Belmont University in Nashville, TN, Josh turned his attention to the technology side of things, and has been working in various aspects of coding and engineering ever since. He runs a small music studio in Nashville called Tango Sound Studios, and develops video games in his spare time.
