Hermes Framework
Modding Minecraft often means wrestling with complex network code to keep clients and servers in sync. Hermes Framework steps in as a lightweight, developer-friendly library that makes sending structured data across the network almost effortless. Built entirely in Kotlin yet fully compatible with Java, it lets you focus on your mod's features instead of packet serialization boilerplate.
What is Hermes Framework?
Hermes Framework is a networking library designed specifically for Minecraft mod developers. It provides a clean, annotation-driven way to define network messages and automatically handles their serialization using NBT (Named Binary Tag) format. Whether you need to send a simple configuration update or a complex data structure, Hermes Framework reduces the amount of manual packet registration and byte-buffer manipulation you have to write. The library is written in Kotlin, taking advantage of the language's concise syntax, but it exposes a Java-friendly API so modders working in either language can use it without friction.
Key Features
- Annotation-based message definitions: Mark your data classes with simple annotations, and Hermes Framework generates the necessary packet handling code.
- NBT serialization: Messages are automatically converted to and from NBT, leveraging Minecraft's built-in data format for reliability and performance.
- Kotlin-first, Java-compatible: The core is written in Kotlin, but all public APIs are fully accessible from Java mods.
- Client-server bidirectional communication: Send messages from client to server and vice versa with the same straightforward approach.
- Minimal boilerplate: No need to manually register packet IDs or write custom encoders/decoders for each message type.
How It Works: NBT-Based Networking
Traditional Minecraft networking requires you to create custom packets, register them with the game's packet system, and implement serialization logic. Hermes Framework abstracts this away by treating every message as an NBT compound. You define a data class, annotate it with @HermesMessage, and the framework does the rest. When a message is sent, the object is serialized into an NBT tag, transmitted over the network, and deserialized back into an object on the receiving side. This approach not only simplifies development but also ensures compatibility with Minecraft's existing data handling, making it less prone to version-specific breakage.
Installation Guide
To get started with Hermes Framework, you first need to download Hermes Framework from a trusted mod repository like CurseForge or Modrinth. The mod file is a standard JAR that you place in your Minecraft mods folder. However, because Hermes Framework is a library mod, it does nothing on its own — you must also install a mod that depends on it, or include it as a dependency in your own development environment.
How to Install Hermes Framework for Minecraft
Manual installation is straightforward:
- Ensure you have the Fabric loader installed for your chosen Minecraft version. Hermes Framework is built for Fabric and may also work on Quilt.
- Download Hermes Framework JAR file from the official mod page. Look for the version that matches your Minecraft release (for example, 1.20.1 or 1.19.2).
- Place the JAR into the
.minecraft/modsfolder. - Launch the game with the Fabric profile. The framework will load automatically and be available for any dependent mods.
If you prefer a more automated experience, the foxygame.net launcher includes Hermes Framework in its curated add-on catalog, letting you install it with a single click while automatically managing version compatibility and future updates. This can save time when you juggle multiple library mods across different modpacks.
Compatibility and Supported Versions
Hermes Framework targets modern Minecraft versions and is actively maintained for Fabric. You can expect support for popular releases such as 1.19.2, 1.19.4, 1.20.1, and 1.20.4, with newer versions added as the modding ecosystem stabilizes. Because it relies on Fabric's networking hooks, it is not directly compatible with Forge, but the clean abstraction means a Forge port could be feasible in the future. The library itself is version-agnostic in many ways, since NBT handling changes little between Minecraft updates, making it a stable foundation for your mods.
Why Mod Developers Should Use Hermes Framework
Network code is often the most tedious and error-prone part of modding. Hermes Framework eliminates the need to write repetitive serialization logic and reduces the risk of packet ID conflicts. Its Kotlin-based design encourages a declarative style, while the Java compatibility ensures you can integrate it into any existing project. The framework also comes with clear examples in the source repository, showing how to define messages, register them, and send data between client and server. By adopting Hermes Framework, you can accelerate development, keep your codebase cleaner, and focus on the creative aspects of your mod.
Whether you are building a complex multiplayer mod or a simple utility that needs to sync settings, Hermes Framework provides a reliable, easy-to-use networking layer. Download Hermes Framework today, add it to your mods folder or grab it through the foxygame.net launcher, and start sending NBT messages with minimal effort.