The blog post "Everything wrong with MCP" criticizes Mojang's decision to use the MCP (Mod Coder Pack) as the intermediary format for modding Minecraft Java Edition. The author argues that MCP, being community-maintained and reverse-engineered, introduces instability, obfuscates the modding process, complicates debugging, and grants Mojang excessive control over the modding ecosystem. They propose that Mojang should instead release an official modding API based on clean, human-readable source code, which would foster a more stable, accessible, and innovative modding community. This would empower modders with clearer understanding of the game's internals, streamline development, and ultimately benefit players with a richer and more reliable modded experience.
The Minecraft: Legacy Console Edition (LCE), encompassing Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, and PS Vita versions, has been largely decompiled into human-readable C# code. This project, utilizing a modified version of the UWP disassembler Il2CppInspector, has successfully reconstructed much of the game's functionality, including rendering, world generation, and gameplay logic. While incomplete and not intended for redistribution as a playable game, the decompilation provides valuable insights into the inner workings of these older Minecraft versions and opens up possibilities for modding and preservation efforts.
HN commenters discuss the impressive nature of decompiling a closed-source game like Minecraft: Legacy Console Edition, highlighting the technical skill involved in reversing the obfuscated code. Some express excitement about potential modding opportunities this opens up, like bug fixes, performance enhancements, and restored content. Others raise ethical considerations about the legality and potential misuse of decompiled code, particularly concerning copyright infringement and the creation of unauthorized servers. A few commenters also delve into the technical details of the decompilation process, discussing the tools and techniques used, and speculate about the original development practices based on the decompiled code. Some debate the definition of "decompilation" versus "reimplementation" in this context.
Summary of Comments ( 186 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43676771
Hacker News users generally agreed with the author's criticisms of Minecraft's Marketplace. Several commenters shared personal anecdotes of frustrating experiences with low-quality content, misleading pricing practices, and the predatory nature of some microtransactions targeted at children. The lack of proper moderation and quality control from Microsoft was a recurring theme, with some suggesting it damages the overall Minecraft experience. Others pointed out the irony of Microsoft's approach, contrasting it with their previous stance on open-source and community-driven development. A few commenters argued that the marketplace serves a purpose, providing a platform for creators, though acknowledging the need for better curation. Some also highlighted the role of parents in managing children's spending habits within the game.
The Hacker News post titled "Everything wrong with MCP" (linking to an article criticizing Microsoft's Certified Professional program) has generated several comments discussing the certification's value, relevance, and overall perception within the tech industry.
Several commenters express skepticism about the value of MCP certifications, viewing them as generally meaningless and not indicative of actual skill or competence. One commenter mentions that while some certifications might hold value (e.g., specific cloud provider certifications), MCP is not one of them, highlighting a perceived disconnect between the certification's content and real-world job requirements. Another commenter echoes this sentiment, suggesting that MCP is more of a "participation trophy" than a true measure of expertise. The ease of obtaining the certification is also brought up, further diminishing its perceived value.
The discussion also touches upon the broader issue of certifications in the IT industry. Some commenters argue that certifications are often used as a filtering mechanism by HR departments, even if their technical relevance is questionable. This suggests that while certifications might not reflect actual skills, they can still play a role in the hiring process, especially for entry-level positions. However, there is a consensus that practical experience and demonstrable skills are significantly more valuable than certifications, especially as one progresses in their career.
Another thread in the comments focuses on the evolution of the MCP program over time. Commenters who obtained the certification years ago note that it used to hold more weight, suggesting that its perceived value has declined. One commenter recounts their experience preparing for and passing multiple MCP exams in the past, contrasting it with the current perception of the certification as less rigorous and meaningful.
Finally, some comments criticize the blog post itself, arguing that the author is misrepresenting the purpose of MCP. These commenters suggest that MCP is designed to be a foundational certification, intended as a starting point for further specialization within the Microsoft ecosystem. They argue that the author's criticism is misplaced because they are judging the certification against criteria it was not designed to fulfill.
In summary, the comments on Hacker News reflect a generally negative perception of the MCP certification, questioning its relevance, rigor, and value in the current tech landscape. While some commenters acknowledge its potential use as an entry-level credential or a stepping stone to more specialized certifications, the prevailing sentiment is that practical skills and experience are far more important than holding an MCP certification.