Import instances and modpacks (for example from zip files)

[Kashdeya]

It would be great to be able to import a modpack/instance. This would make it easier for modpack dev teams to work together and be able to share the same modpack.

[peterix]

I agree. However, there are multiple good solutions for that, outside MultiMC, that integrate well with MultiMC.

Just off the top of my head:

• version control systems. You can have the instance in git for example. With the big mod jar files, the repo won't be small, but it's a workable solution. If you add git annex for the large mod files, you have an efficient solution.
• A batch/shell script that synchronizes with a remote server (ghetto solution). 'rsync' is a thing :)
• Whole instance in dropbox or network share mounted into the instances folder.

Not saying we won't do it in some form or another, integrated into the MultiMC UI. However, collaboration options are there if you look for them.

Point is: an instance is just a folder with files. Getting a zip should be as easy as 'right click -> make zip' in your file manager of choice.

[DusteDdk]

I'd like to add my 5 cents, as I was going to add a feature request, but searched if anyone already suggested something similar.
Instead of a zip, it'd be kind of neat if one could create modpack lists instead, something like a simple text or json file that listed urls (and associated hashes for the packages) for the mods, and (optional) payloads, like config files.

The format might look like:
modUrl: http://thatsite.tld/path/to/mymod.jar 3b5fee5885515fa6fd5034242034ecdd
modUrl: http://thatsite.tld/path/to/mymod.jar 3b5fee5885515fa6fd5034242034ecdd
modUrl: http://thatsite.tld/path/to/mymod.jar 3b5fee5885515fa6fd5034242034ecdd
confUrl: http://thatsite.tld/path/to/mymod.conf 3b5fee5885515fa6fd5034242034ecdd
confUrl: http://thatsite.tld/path/to/mymod2.conf 3b5fee5885515fa6fd5034242034ecdd
AND OR
confTxt: forge.cfg "Some
text
here"
AND OR
confTxt: forge.cfg "some\nText\nhere"

One could then under under the edit instance tab, click "add modpack" where one could either browse for the txt file, or simply copy/paste it into a text window (for easier distribution of modpacks via forums without the need for external filehosts). MMC would then download and check hashes before moving files to the instance/name/minecraft/{mods,config} dir

Additionally, one could add parameters like:
updateCheck: http://thatsite.tld/path/to/mymod.version
version: 0.1
and MMC could automatically check and ask if you want to update.

Another great thing about modlists is that they'd work well with git.

I believe I'd be qualified to implement such a feature, let me know what you think.

[Loetkolben]

@DusteDdk As jar as I've understood QuickMods, it does similar things and @02JanDal has already a specification for it (https://02jandal.github.io/QuickModDoc/qm_spec.html). However, I'm not sure what the current state of implementaion is? jan?
EDIT: petrix just told me in IRC that QuickMods is "stalled/undead" and jan says it's "being half worked on" and he would be working on a new approch. We'll have to see how it works out...

[DusteDdk]

@Loetkolben ah, I see! In that case, it will be interesting to see if anything comes up :)