1. Learn Java Basics
Understand OOP, inheritance, interfaces, and generics. Minecraft's codebase is a great teacher — you'll read more than you write at first.
2. Pick a Loader
Fabric for lightweight modern modding, Forge for legacy support, NeoForge for the Forge community's future. Most new mods target Fabric + Quilt.
3. Set Up MDK
Clone the official mod development kit (MDK) for your loader. Import into IntelliJ IDEA — it's the standard for Minecraft dev.
4. Make Your First Item
Register a simple item, give it a texture, spawn it in-game. This teaches you the registry system — the backbone of all modding.
5. Add a Block + Recipe
Create a custom block, add a crafting/shaped recipe, and set block properties (hardness, sounds, light level).
6. Publish to CurseForge
Package your mod as a JAR, upload to CurseForge or Modrinth, write a good README, and watch the downloads roll in.