minetest/games/devtest/README.md

Development Test (devtest)

This is a basic testing environment that contains a bunch of things to test the engine, but it could also be used as a minimal testbed for testing out mods.

Features

• Basic nodes for mapgen
• Basic, minimal map generator
• Lots of example nodes for testing drawtypes, param2, light level, and many other node properties
• Example entities
• Other example items
• Formspec test (via /test_formspec command)
• Automated unit tests (disabled by default)
• Tools for manipulating nodes and entities, like the "Param2 Tool"

Getting started

Basically, just create a world and start. A few important things to note:

• Items are gotten from the “Chest of Everything” (chest_of_everything:chest)
• When you lost your initial items, type in /stuff command to get them back
• By default, Creative Mode activates infinite node placement. This behavior can be changed with the devtest_infplace setting
• Use the /infplace command to toggle infinite node placement in-game
• Use the Param2 Tool to change the param2 of nodes; it's useful to experiment with the various drawtype test nodes
• Check out the game settings and server commands for additional tests and features

Confused by a certain node or item? Check out for inline code comments. The usages of most tools are explained in their tooltips.

Example tests

• You can use this to test what happens if a player is simultaneously in 2 nodes with damage_per_second but with a different value.
• Or use the Falling Node Tool on various test nodes to see how they behave when falling.
• You could also use this as a testbed for dependency-free mods, e.g. to test out how your formspecs behave without theming.

Random notes

• Experimental/strange/unstructured tests can be found in the experimental mod
• Textures of drawtype test nodes have a red dot at the top left corner. This is to see whether the textures are oriented properly

Design philosophy

This should loosely follow the following principles:

• Engine testing: The main focus of this is to aid testing of engine features, such as mapgen or node drawtypes
• Mod testing: The secondary focus is to help modders as well, either as a minimal testbed for mods or even as a code example
• Minimal interference: Under default settings, it shall not interfere with APIs except on explicit user wish. Non-trivial tests and features need to be enabled by a setting first
• Convenience: Have various tools to make usage easier and more convenient
• Reproducing engine bugs: When an engine bug was found, consider creating a test case
• Clarity: Textures and names need to be designed to keep different things clearly visually apart at a glance
• Low loading time: It must load blazing-fast so stuff can be tested quickly