What Is the OnlineMC Plugin and Why Your Server Needs It
Running a Minecraft server is about more than just blocks and biomes. It is about community. Knowing who is online at any given moment can transform how you manage your world, especially if you run a Discord server alongside it. The OnlineMC plugin is a lightweight, purpose-built tool that exposes a simple API endpoint, allowing external applications to fetch a real-time list of online players. Whether you are building a custom Discord bot, a web dashboard, or just need a quick way to check player activity without logging into the game, OnlineMC delivers exactly that with minimal overhead.
How the OnlineMC API Works
At its core, OnlineMC opens a dedicated HTTP server on port 11235. Once the plugin is loaded and the port is accessible, any device can query http://<server-ip>:11235/mconline/ and receive a clean JSON array of player names. The response is as straightforward as it gets:
- No arguments required – just a simple GET request.
- Returns JSON – an array like
["Notch", "Herobrine", "jeb_"]. - Lightweight – no database, no caching, just live data from the server’s player list.
This design makes it incredibly easy to integrate with any programming language or platform that can make HTTP requests. A Discord bot, for example, can periodically call the endpoint and post the current online players in a designated channel. The plugin was originally created for exactly that purpose, but its simplicity opens the door to countless other uses.
Smart Filtering for Vanished Players
Many servers use plugins like SuperVanish or PremiumVanish to let staff members observe the world without appearing in the tab list. OnlineMC respects that privacy. If SuperVanish is installed, the plugin automatically filters out any vanished players from the API response. This means your Discord bot will not accidentally reveal staff who are working undercover, keeping your moderation tools effective and your community’s trust intact.
Displaying Customized Player Names
Modern Minecraft servers often use chat formatting plugins or permissions systems that alter how player names appear. A player might show up as [Admin] SuperPlayer or ~Notch in-game. OnlineMC captures these customized names and returns them in the API output. This ensures that any external display, whether a Discord embed or a website widget, matches exactly what players see in the server’s own tab list. Consistency across platforms strengthens your server’s branding and avoids confusion.
Setting Up OnlineMC on Your Server
Installation follows the standard plugin procedure. Drop the JAR file into your server’s plugins folder and restart or reload. The critical step is ensuring that port 11235 is open in your hosting environment. If you use a shared host, you may need to request the port from your provider. For a VPS or dedicated machine, you can open it via your firewall. Once the port is accessible, the API is live immediately—no configuration files, no permissions to set. The plugin is intentionally minimal, focusing on one job and doing it well.
While OnlineMC handles server-side data, many players also want to enhance their own game with client-side mods. For those looking to expand their Minecraft experience, the foxygame.net launcher provides a convenient, flexible, and modern way to download and manage mods right from its menu. This launcher streamlines the entire process, making it easy to install everything from performance boosters to visual overhauls without digging through folders manually.
Practical Use Cases Beyond Discord Bots
Although the plugin was born from a Discord integration need, the API’s simplicity invites creative applications. Here are a few ideas that server administrators have implemented:
- Live website widgets – embed a small JavaScript snippet that fetches the player list and displays it on your server’s homepage, giving visitors a real-time glimpse of activity.
- Monitoring scripts – a cron job can log player counts over time, helping you analyze peak hours and plan events.
- In-game integration – other plugins can query the API to trigger actions when certain players join, such as sending a welcome message via a Discord webhook.
- Mobile apps – a simple app can ping the endpoint and notify you when your friends are online, so you never miss a chance to join them.
The JSON format is universally supported, so the barrier to entry is almost zero. Even a beginner with basic Python or JavaScript knowledge can build something useful in an afternoon.
Performance and Security Considerations
OnlineMC is designed to be lightweight. It does not run a full web server; it only listens on the specified port and responds to the /mconline/ path. This means it consumes minimal CPU and memory, even on servers with hundreds of players. However, exposing a port always carries a small risk. To keep your server secure, consider these best practices:
- Restrict access by IP – if your hosting provider allows it, configure the firewall so only your Discord bot’s IP or your web server’s IP can reach port 11235.
- Use a reverse proxy – for public-facing dashboards, put the API behind a proxy like Nginx to add rate limiting and HTTPS.
- Keep the plugin updated – check for new versions on Spigot to ensure compatibility with the latest Minecraft updates and security patches.
The plugin itself does not store any data or accept any input, so injection attacks are not a concern. Its simplicity is its greatest security feature.
Compatibility with Minecraft Versions and Other Plugins
OnlineMC is built for modern Minecraft server software like Spigot, Paper, and their forks. It works with versions from 1.16 onward, though you should verify the specific build for your server’s version. The plugin plays nicely with most other plugins because it only reads the player list—it does not modify any game mechanics. If you use custom name plugins, vanish plugins, or chat formatters, OnlineMC will reflect their changes without conflict. This makes it a safe addition to even heavily modded servers.
Conclusion: A Tiny Plugin with Big Potential
OnlineMC may be small, but it solves a common problem elegantly. By providing a dead-simple API for online player data, it bridges the gap between your Minecraft server and the external tools your community relies on. The automatic filtering of vanished players and support for customized names show thoughtful attention to real-world server needs. Whether you are a developer building a Discord bot or a server owner wanting a live player widget, this plugin is a reliable, low-maintenance choice. Just remember to open port 11235, and you will have a powerful data stream ready to connect your Minecraft world to the wider internet.