Editing Server (section)

== Hosting a server ==
 
There are many tools provided for players to be able to manage and host a server. Note that servers have [[Server/Requirements|requirements]] in order to run efficiently and smoothly.
* '''The default multiplayer software''' is free of charge and is available by Mojang Studios for Windows, macOS, and Unix-like systems (Linux, BSD...). See the [[Tutorials/Setting up a server|Minecraft multiplayer server tutorial]] and Mojang Studios' [https://minecraft.net/download/server Minecraft multiplayer server download] page for help.
* '''Opening a world to LAN''' provides a server that is accessible only to other people on the local network unless port forwarding is set up on the router. See the [[Tutorials/Setting up a LAN world|setting up a LAN world tutorial]] for more information.
* '''Custom server software''' such as CraftBukkit, Spigot, and Sponge provide players a way to add plugins to a server. These are generally used for larger servers that run plugins to ensure [[Tutorials/Griefing|griefer]] protection, non-vanilla commands (e.g.{{cmd|sethome|link=none}}), custom minigames, etc.
* '''Rented servers''' are servers hosted externally by another company. These hosted servers are (usually) not provided free of charge - the player must rent them on a regular basis.
* '''[[Minecraft Realms|Realms]]''' are Mojang Studios' official hosting service that allows a limited number of players onto a server. Note that the Java Realms are still separate from Realms for other versions of ''Minecraft''.
*'''Dedicated Servers''' are servers that provide a wider range of power sources. These servers are much more flexible and allow for almost complete control.

See [[Tutorials#Servers]] for tutorials on how to use these programs.