plugin development

[jache]

Hello there, i have been learning to develop Minecraft plugins, and i just wanted to ask the community if it’s still a profitable business. I really enjoy doing it, and i want to advance my knowledge in developing, but i solely want to develop plugins and nothing else. I just don’t want to waste my time, but i feel like i could definitely be a great developer, as long as the demand is there. I’m just asking anybody with knowledge of the market to tell me if it’s worth my time learning Minecraft development or not. I know that there is other options when it comes to development, but this is what i enjoy most, and if I could turn it in to a business i feel like it could be a lot of fun, and also be a beneficial way to spend my free time. Just tell me your thoughts on a new developer coming in to the community, and if it’s worth my time, or not.

 

[jache]

You'll see some paydays for sure, but without a dedicated owner/server to develop for that understands the worth of development. It's not really worth perusing a career in it.

Coming from a developer that has been around this community for 5 years.

Proof of this: https://www.spigotmc.org/members/driftay.136568/
(Look when the account was created)

Well, i understand i can’t really make a career out of plugin development. I’m really just looking to make some extra money, whilst having a hobby that i enjoy. I just don’t want to spend my time perfecting plugin development if there’s not going to be a marketplace, nor demand for my services. I just haven’t checked up on this community in a while, and i know there used to be an overload of developers, with few projects to pursue. I just want to be sure that i’ll always have a project to work on before i further my knowledge in development.

 

[ShayPunter]

It's a possibility, rep comes with development too. You need to "catch the eye" of a server owner and(or) plugin buyer.

Things that can include this are as follows:
- Clean Plugin Threads
- Performance Based Code w/Performance to show
- Just knowing people in general

Can agree on the networking part (knowing people). In terms of performance-based code, I would probably say that's never often a concern, I would like to assume 70% of the people who offer plugin development services on here don't program in a performance-focused way, though I can agree its something that should be learnt, as its essential.

OP, if you enjoy coding, allow this to expand your knowledge along with also helping you to get used to the world of billing and client management, then start working into the corporate sector (if you aren't already), that's where you will see a lot of your paydays happen (people often charge companies around $50 to $150 an hour for development with around 2-3 years of experience and a proven record of being reliable, delivering good services and knowing people).

 

[User]

From the experience I have (as well as my friends experience), plugin development on MCM is more of a hobby for most than a viable career option. As mentioned above, though, your best bet is attracting server owners. Ideally, you'll want to find a single owner of a sizable server, but you could potentially develop for multiple server successfully (although it will be more difficult).