⛏️ Episode 7 · Advanced · Debug

When It Breaks
Episode 7: Fix the Log

Datapacks break in small, fixable ways. In this episode you learn to read the game log and the reload error, and fix the mistakes everyone makes.

👶 Ages 10+ ⏱️ ~45 mins ⛏️ Minecraft ✓ Free workshop
🔍 Read the log 🧯 Common errors ✅ Validate JSON ♻️ Reload loop
🔍 Start Step 1 ← All Episodes
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Build it in our Datapack Studio too: lay out the crafting recipe, write your function and pack files, then export a real datapack zip in the browser with no install. Open the Minecraft Mod Studio →
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Ember says: the error message almost always names the file and the line. Read it slowly. The first error is the one to fix.
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Read the Reload Message
Where errors appear
Active
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Goal for this step

Find and read a datapack error.

  • 1Type /reload. If something is wrong, the game prints a red error in chat.
  • 2The message names the file and usually the line and column.
  • 3Fix the first error, then reload again.
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Fill in the Blanks
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Fix the error before the others.
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Knowledge Check
+15 XP
Which error do you fix first?
AThe first one shown
BThe last one
CA random one
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The Usual Mistakes
Fast fixes
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Goal for this step

Recognise the common datapack errors.

  • 1A trailing comma or missing colon in JSON.
  • 2A space in a namespace or file name.
  • 3The wrong folder name for your version (recipe vs recipes).
  • 4An item id that is misspelled or missing minecraft:.
  • 5The wrong pack_format for your version.
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Fill in the Blanks
+15 XP
A very common JSON error is a trailing .
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Knowledge Check
+15 XP
Your JSON will not load. First thing to look for?
AA trailing comma or missing colon
BThe colour
CThe file size
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Check Your JSON
Catch errors early
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Goal for this step

Validate JSON before loading.

  • 1Use a free JSON checker to spot bracket and comma errors.
  • 2Quote every key and string properly.
  • 3Keep your editor set to plain text so it does not add smart quotes.
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Fill in the Blanks
+15 XP
A JSON spots bracket and comma errors before you load.
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Knowledge Check
+15 XP
Why use a JSON checker?
AIt catches syntax errors before the game does
BIt makes the pack faster
CIt is required
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The Reload Loop
Change, reload, repeat
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Goal for this step

Work in small, testable steps.

  • 1Change one thing, /reload, then test it.
  • 2Keep a working copy you can fall back to.
  • 3Small steps mean you always know what broke it.
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Fill in the Blanks
+15 XP
Change one thing, then /, then test.
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Knowledge Check
+15 XP
Why make one small change at a time?
ASo you know what caused a new error
BIt looks neat
CThe game requires it
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You Can Debug a Pack!
You can read the log and fix the common mistakes. Next you design a themed pack that feels like one thing.
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Next: Episode 8: Design and Share →