OpenPython: Run Python Scripts in Minecraft with OpenComputers
For players who want to push Minecraft beyond building and redstone, the OpenComputers mod has long been the standard for in-game computing. Now, the add-on OpenPython: Run Python Scripts in Minecraft with OpenComputers takes that experience further by introducing a MicroPython interpreter directly into the virtual machines. Instead of being limited to Lua, you can write real Python code that controls components, reads sensors, and manages files inside the game world.
What This Add-On Brings to Your Virtual Machines
This extension is not a standalone mod. It works as a layer on top of OpenComputers, replacing the default Lua-based firmware with a Python environment. The interpreter is MicroPython, a lightweight implementation designed for embedded systems. That choice makes sense here because it keeps the resource footprint low while still offering a familiar syntax for anyone who has written Python before.
Key features that stand out include full persistence. Scripts and system state are saved to floppy disks or hard drives, so shutting down the computer does not erase your work. The interpreter runs inside a sandbox, meaning no external DLLs or system files are touched. This makes it safe for multiplayer servers. You also get a virtual file system with standard read, write, and directory operations, which is useful for storing custom modules and libraries.
Technical Limitations to Know Before You Start
Current builds have a few constraints. The firmware takes up 256 KB, and available memory matches the limits of the Lua architecture, though the stack is allocated separately. Some standard MicroPython modules are not yet included, and there is no full operating system. The interpreter boots directly, so you will write all code from scratch without relying on familiar libraries like os or sys. Also, Ctrl+C is not supported, so an infinite loop requires a computer reboot to stop.
Supported Versions and Loaders
OpenPython: Run Python Scripts in Minecraft with OpenComputers is built for Minecraft 1.12.2, which remains a popular version for modded play. The add-on requires the Forge loader and a compatible installation of OpenComputers. Make sure both are up to date before attempting to run the extension, as mismatched versions can cause startup errors. The mod is currently in an active but gradual development phase, so expect occasional instability.
How to Install and Build a Python Computer
To get started, you need three core items. The first is an EEPROM labeled OpenPython. Right now, this item is only available from the Creative tab, as a crafting recipe has not been implemented yet. The second is a Floppy Disk with the OpenPython OS. This one can be crafted by combining a standard OpenComputers floppy disk with a Scrench. The third is the CPU itself. Take a Lua-architecture CPU, hold Shift, and right-click to switch it into OpenPython mode.
Once you have assembled these parts, place them into a computer case along with a screen and a keyboard. Insert the floppy disk into the drive and power on the system. You will land in an interactive Python console where you can immediately start typing commands. For example, to output text to a connected monitor, you can use:
import component
gpu = component.gpu
gpu.set(1, 1, "Hello, Minecraft!")This direct access to components lets you query sensors, control robots, and send data over network cards, all through Python syntax.
Practical Use Cases and Community Growth
Even with its rough edges, this add-on is a solid tool for learning and experimentation. You can build automated systems that react to in-game events, process data from multiple sources, and manage complex logic without touching Lua. The lack of a full OS is a challenge, but it also forces a deeper understanding of how the underlying hardware works.
The developer has openly asked for help from people familiar with both OpenComputers and Python. Future plans include a more complete operating system, a broader set of modules, and architecture stabilization. If you have the skills, contributing to the project is a direct way to shape its direction.
Final Thoughts
If you want to download OpenPython: Run Python Scripts in Minecraft with OpenComputers, the process is straightforward. It is a niche add-on that rewards patience and technical curiosity. For those who already enjoy OpenComputers, it offers a fresh way to approach in-game programming. For newcomers, it is a challenging but rewarding entry point into combining Minecraft with real coding. The current version is not polished, but it is stable enough for testing and personal projects. Give it a try and see how far you can take Python inside your own virtual machine.