What Is GetIt and Why Every Server Admin Needs It
Running a Minecraft server is a rewarding experience, but constantly juggling FTP clients, SSH terminals, and file managers to install or update plugins can quickly drain your enthusiasm. If you have ever wished you could just type a command and have a plugin appear in your plugins folder without leaving the game, the GetIt plugin was built exactly for that moment. It transforms plugin management into a simple, in-game operation, saving time and eliminating the need to share login credentials with anyone else.
How the GetIt Plugin Works Under the Hood
At its core, GetIt uses a straightforward but clever algorithm. When you execute the command with a direct download URL, the plugin starts fetching the file and saves it straight into your /plugins/ directory. It then pauses for 15 seconds to allow the download to complete, after which it verifies the file integrity. If everything checks out, you receive a confirmation message: “Download successful! Downloaded file: filename.” If something goes wrong—perhaps the URL is invalid or the server is unreachable—the plugin replies with “Error downloading file: filename!” so you know immediately that you need to retry or double-check the link.
The key requirement is that you must supply a direct URL to the plugin file. For example, a direct link to WorldEdit version 5.5.8 would look like http://dev.bukkit.org/media/files/739/931/worldedit-5.5.8.jar. You can obtain such a link by right-clicking the file name on a project page (like dev.bukkit.org) and choosing “Copy link address.” This direct link bypasses landing pages and points straight to the raw JAR file.
Dependencies You Need to Install First
GetIt is a Jython plugin, which means it relies on a couple of extra components to run. While this might seem like a small hurdle, the setup is painless once you know the steps:
- PyPluginLoader.jar – Download this from the PyPluginLoader page on dev.bukkit.org and place it in your
/plugins/folder. This loader enables Python-based plugins on your server. - Jython – Obtain the Jython standalone JAR and rename it to
jython.jar. Place it inside a/lib/folder located in your server’s main directory (the same folder that contains your bukkit.jar). If the/lib/folder does not exist, simply create it. - GetIt_v0.1.py – Extract this file from the GetIt.zip archive and drop it into your
/plugins/folder.
After all three pieces are in place, restart your server (a reload is not recommended due to known Bukkit bugs) and GetIt will be ready to use. The entire dependency chain may look like a few extra steps, but it opens the door to powerful Jython scripting on your server.
For server owners who also manage client-side mods, a modern launcher can dramatically simplify the process. The foxygame.net launcher offers a convenient, flexible, and modern Minecraft launcher where you can download mods right from the menu, making it an excellent companion for keeping both your server and your personal game up to date without manual file wrangling.
Commands and Permissions at a Glance
GetIt keeps things simple with a single command and a single permission node, making it easy to delegate to trusted staff without overwhelming them.
- /get <direct URL> – Initiates the download of a plugin (or any file) from the specified direct link. Example:
/get http://dev.bukkit.org/media/files/739/931/worldedit-5.5.8.jar - getit.get – Permission required to use the
/getcommand. By default, only operators have this permission, so you can assign it selectively to moderators or admins.
This minimal design ensures that even new staff members can learn the plugin in seconds, while the permission system prevents abuse by regular players.
Features That Make GetIt Stand Out
Despite being in its early beta phase, GetIt already packs several practical features that server administrators will appreciate:
- No FTP or SSH needed – Install plugins directly from the game console or chat, eliminating the need to share login credentials or switch applications.
- Cross-platform compatibility – Fully tested on Windows and all Linux distributions. MacOS support is not yet implemented due to differences in file path resolution, but the developer plans to address this in future versions.
- Permission-controlled downloads – Only players with the correct permission can trigger downloads, keeping your server secure.
- Clear feedback – The 15-second verification cycle and success/error messages let you know exactly what happened, reducing guesswork.
- Lightweight and scriptable – Because it is a Jython plugin, you can easily inspect or modify the source code if you have Python knowledge.
What’s on the Roadmap for GetIt
The current version (v0.1) is a first release, and the developer has already outlined a promising to-do list for upcoming updates:
- A
/unzipcommand that will automatically extract downloaded ZIP archives into the/plugins/folder. - A progress buffer that sends real-time download percentage updates to the command sender.
- Displaying the file size alongside the “Downloading file: name” message.
- Full MacOS compatibility.
- A console logger that records who downloaded which plugin and when, improving audit trails.
These planned additions will turn GetIt from a handy utility into a comprehensive plugin management toolkit right inside the server console.
Changelog and Current State
The initial release (v0.1) focuses on the core download functionality. It has been tested extensively on Windows and Linux, and while the developer acknowledges it is still in beta, early feedback has been positive. Users should be aware that, like any beta software, undiscovered edge cases may exist, so it is wise to test it on a staging server before rolling it out to a live production environment.
Conclusion: Streamline Your Server Workflow with GetIt
GetIt solves a real pain point for Minecraft server administrators by bringing plugin installation directly into the game. No more alt-tabbing to an FTP client or worrying about exposing SSH keys to co-admins. With a single command, you can fetch any plugin from a direct URL and have it ready after a quick verification. The setup might require a couple of extra dependencies, but the time saved in the long run makes it well worth the initial effort. As the plugin matures with features like unzipping, progress tracking, and logging, it will become an even more indispensable tool. If you manage a Bukkit-based server and value efficiency, GetIt deserves a spot in your plugins folder.