Structure Target

Structure Target

In addition to datapacks, RedScript can compile to Minecraft NBT structure files (.nbt) containing command blocks. This lets you place compiled logic directly in the world as a physical command block contraption.

Usage

redscript compile game.rs --target structure -o ./structures

Output: structures/game.nbt (NBT format, DataVersion 3953 for 1.21.4)

Layout

RedScript generates command blocks in this order:

[Impulse CB] __load     ← triggers on redstone pulse / button
[Chain CB]   function 1
[Chain CB]   function 2
[Repeat CB]  __tick      ← runs every tick automatically
[Chain CB]   tick logic

• Impulse command blocks for one-shot functions
• Chain command blocks for sequential execution
• Repeat command blocks for @tick functions

Structure Optimizer

The structure target has additional optimizer passes:

Pass	Description
Conditional chain flattening	Collapses single-branch conditionals into the chain directly
Branch variable elimination	Removes intermediate $cond scoreboard vars for unconditional branches
LICM	Loop-invariant hoisting
Setblock → fill batching	Same as datapack target

NBT Format

RedScript uses MC DataVersion 3953 (1.21.4). The NBT codec supports all 12 tag types including 64-bit Long via JavaScript BigInt.

Placing the Structure

1. Copy structures/game.nbt to your world's structures/ folder or a datapack
2. Use /place structure <namespace>:<name> ~ ~ ~
3. Power the impulse command block to run __load
4. The repeat command block runs __tick automatically

Comparison: Datapack vs Structure

	Datapack	Structure
Deploy	Copy to datapacks/, /reload	Place with /place structure
Performance	Optimal (native function dispatch)	Slightly worse (CB tick overhead)
Visibility	Invisible	Physical blocks in world
Use case	Production logic	Demos, workshops, self-contained maps

For most use cases, the datapack target is recommended.