# Reference Projects Summary

This directory contains detailed analysis of reference projects for the Stronghold Minecraft server management tool.

## Files

1. **itzg-projects.md** - Core Docker projects by itzg that Stronghold will integrate with:
   - docker-minecraft-server
   - docker-mc-proxy
   - mc-router
   - docker-rcon-web-admin

2. **server-managers.md** - Existing web-based server management tools:
   - Crafty (CraftyControl)
   - Pterodactyl Panel
   - Fork (ForkGG)
   - MCSManager
   - setupmc.com

3. **launchers.md** - Client-side launchers with excellent modpack workflows:
   - ATLauncher
   - Prism Launcher

4. **examples/** - Docker Compose example files from itzg repository:
   - docker-compose-big.yml (Large Biomes world type)
   - docker-compose-curseforge-atm7.yaml (All The Mods 7 modpack)
   - docker-compose-curseforge.yml (Basic CurseForge example)
   - docker-compose-magma.yml (Hybrid mods + plugins)
   - docker-compose-rconcmd.yml (Advanced RCON commands)
   - EXAMPLES-ANALYSIS.md (Detailed analysis of each example)

## Key Insights

### Architecture Recommendations
- **Keep it simple** (KISS): Docker API directly, no agents/daemons needed initially
- **Start without database**: Use file-based configuration, add database later if needed
- **Node.js stack**: Could work well (like MCSManager but simpler)
- **Single-host focus**: Start with single Docker host, expand later

### Feature Priorities
1. **Server CRUD**: Create, read, update, delete servers
2. **Configuration UI**: User-friendly interface for itzg container environment variables
3. **Console Access**: RCON integration for server management
4. **File Browser**: Access server files (worlds, configs, mods)
5. **Modpack Support**: ATLauncher-like experience for server creation

### Technical Stack Suggestions
- **Backend**: Node.js/Express or Python/FastAPI
- **Frontend**: React, Vue, or SvelteKit
- **Docker**: Direct Docker API integration
- **Storage**: File-based configs initially, optional database later
- **APIs**: Modrinth, CurseForge for modpack integration

### UI/UX Principles
- Take inspiration from Crafty and Fork for clean, intuitive interfaces
- Follow ATLauncher's model for modpack installation simplicity
- Use setupmc.com as reference for configuration UI patterns
- Prioritize common workflows over advanced features

### Implementation Phases

**MVP (Phase 1)**
- Basic Docker integration
- Simple server creation/management
- Basic web UI
- Console access

**V1.0 (Phase 2)**
- Full configuration UI
- File browser
- Modpack installation (basic)
- Proxy server support

**V1.5+ (Phase 3)**
- Modpack browser
- Advanced features
- Templates/presets
- Backup system
- mc-router integration

## Notes on Reference Projects

### Most Relevant
1. **itzg/docker-minecraft-server**: Core technology Stronghold will use
2. **itzg examples**: Real-world docker-compose configurations showing patterns and edge cases
3. **setupmc.com**: Shows how to simplify Docker config generation
4. **ATLauncher**: Target UX for modpack installation
5. **Crafty**: Good UI/UX patterns to follow

### Study but Don't Copy
1. **Pterodactyl**: Too complex, but has good separation of concerns
2. **MCSManager**: Good architecture ideas, but agent model overkill for Docker
3. **Fork**: Great UX, but Windows-focused

## Questions to Resolve

Based on these references, Stronghold needs to decide:
1. **Tech Stack**: Node.js vs Python vs Go?
2. **Database**: Start with files or include database from start?
3. **Multi-user**: Single-user MVP or multi-user from start?
4. **Deployment**: Single container, docker-compose, or microservices?
5. **Modpack APIs**: Which to support first (Modrinth, CurseForge, both)?