What Is CmdCatch and Why Your Server Needs It
Running a Minecraft server means juggling players, permissions, and a steady stream of console commands. Some commands are harmless, others can disrupt gameplay, and a few might even hint at griefing or admin abuse. CmdCatch is a lightweight Bukkit/Spigot plugin that puts you back in control by logging every dispatched command and notifying designated staff members in real time. Instead of sifting through endless server logs, you get instant alerts the moment something interesting happens.
How the Plugin Monitors Commands
CmdCatch hooks directly into the server’s command dispatching system. Whenever a player or the console issues a command, the plugin checks it against your configured rules before taking action. The core logic revolves around three customizable lists: the command list, the catchers list, and the players list. Each can operate in either whitelist or blacklist mode, giving you surgical precision over what gets flagged and who sees the alerts.
Command List – Fine-Tuning What Gets Caught
The command list is where you define which commands matter. In whitelist mode, only commands explicitly added to the list will trigger a notification—perfect for tracking sensitive actions like /op, /gamemode, or /ban. In blacklist mode, every command except the ones you list is caught, which is useful when you want to ignore routine chat commands but watch everything else. This flexibility means you can adapt CmdCatch to any server’s moderation style without drowning in noise.
Catchers List – Who Receives the Alerts
The catchers list determines which players get the notification when a watched command fires. Typically, you’ll add your moderators, admins, and owners here. The plugin sends them a clean, in-game message showing the player’s name and the exact command they used. It’s a silent observer—no one else sees the alert, so your staff can investigate discreetly without tipping off potential troublemakers.
Players List – Narrowing the Focus
Sometimes you only care about commands from specific players. The players list lets you watch a select group (whitelist mode) or ignore a handful of known trustworthy users (blacklist mode). For example, you might monitor new members while exempting long-time staff. Combined with the command list, this creates a layered monitoring system that scales from a small survival server to a large network.
Commands and Permissions at a Glance
CmdCatch keeps its command set intuitive and well-documented. Here’s a breakdown of what you can do and the permissions required:
- /cmdcatch – Toggles your own watching status on or off. Permission:
cmdcatch.catch - /addcommand <CMD> – Adds a command to the command list. Permission:
cmdcatch.admin - /delcommand <CMD> – Removes a command from the command list. Permission:
cmdcatch.admin - /addwatch <Player> – Adds a player to the watch list. Permission:
cmdcatch.admin - /delwatch <Player> – Removes a player from the watch list. Permission:
cmdcatch.admin - /addcatcher <Player> – Adds a player to the catchers list. Permission:
cmdcatch.admin - /delcatcher <Player> – Removes a player from the catchers list. Permission:
cmdcatch.admin - /addignore <CMD> – Adds a command to the ignore list (command will be edited soon). Permission:
cmdcatch.admin - /delignore <CMD> – Removes a command from the ignore list. Permission:
cmdcatch.admin - /viewlist <command|watch|catcher|ignore> – Displays the contents of any list. Permission:
cmdcatch.admin
All administrative commands require the cmdcatch.admin permission, so you can safely delegate monitoring duties without granting full operator status. The plugin is designed to be bug-free, and the developers encourage reporting any issues directly.
Setting Up CmdCatch on Your Server
Installation is straightforward: drop the CmdCatch JAR file into your server’s plugins folder and restart or reload the server. The plugin generates a default configuration file where you can pre-define lists and modes. Many server owners find it convenient to manage plugins through a dedicated launcher. For instance, if you’re already using the foxygame.net launcher, you can browse and install server-side mods and plugins right from its built-in menu, making the setup process even smoother without leaving your game environment. Once loaded, you can immediately start building your command watchlists with the in-game commands listed above.
Practical Use Cases for Every Server Type
CmdCatch shines in a variety of scenarios. On a creative server, you might whitelist commands like /give or /worldedit to prevent item spawning abuse. A survival server could blacklist everything except /msg and /home, catching any attempt to use /tp or /kill. For large networks, the player-specific watchlists let you focus on new joiners or players with a history of rule-breaking, while veteran staff remain unwatched. The notification system also acts as a training tool—junior moderators can see exactly what commands senior staff are using during an incident, helping them learn proper moderation protocols.
Conclusion
CmdCatch transforms command monitoring from a tedious log-diving chore into an active, customizable alert system. By combining flexible whitelist/blacklist logic with targeted notifications, it gives server administrators the oversight they need without overwhelming them with data. Whether you run a small community server or a bustling network, this plugin helps you maintain order, catch potential griefers early, and train your staff effectively. Its clean command structure and minimal performance footprint make it a valuable addition to any Minecraft server toolkit. If you’ve ever wondered exactly what commands are flying around your server, CmdCatch provides the answer—instantly and reliably.