Bedrock vs. Java edition: All differences

[Spleens 0]

Since there's been a lot of debate, I wanted to clear up the differences between the versions. Minecraft started as Java, but after the console versions were developed in C++, Microsoft eventually chose to port the C++ version to PC as well. The games are now both up to date and get the large updates simultaneously.

Java:

-Language: Java (duh).

-Platforms: PC & Mac.

Performance: Not as good as bedrock, but decent (especially with optifine).

-Mods: full mod support and lots of free mods available https://showbox.bio/ https://tutuapp.uno/

-Offline multiplayer: LAN only.

-Online multiplayer: Making a server is required, but many servers exist with a lot of players.

-Texture packs, skins, maps: Plenty available and all free.

-Shaders: lots of free shaders available.

-Purchase: Buy it once on your account and install anywhere and play, forever.

Bedrock:

-Language: C++

-Platforms: PC (Windows 10), iOS, android, xbox with crossplay for all of these.

Performance: Better than java.

-Mods: Limited support for add-ons (which have less capabilities than mods in Java), some are paid for in the store and some are free.

-Offline multiplayer: Split screen (Xbox).

-Online multiplayer: Any game is joinable. Servers can be made, some exist but not as many as Java.

-Texture packs, skins, maps: Some are paid for through the store, others are free online (but not as many as Java).

-Shaders: Some shaders available, but not as many and they don't work as well as in Java. Also they can be platform specific.

-Purchase: Different prices for different platforms and it cannot be transferred between platforms. (Note that owners of Minecraft Java edition who bought it before October 2018 will receive Minecraft Bedrock edition for Windows 10 for free)

Other differences:

Bedrock has a different redstone system, which means Java redstone mechanisms don't work in the same way or not at all. Bedrock also has different combat, because most of the combat features from the Java combat update haven't been implemented (yet?). There are also a few small differences in content, like bedrock not having foxes (yet). Java has a long history and the older versions are still available to play.

Reasons to prefer one or the other:

For bedrock: because of better performance, easy and smooth multiplayer with friends or the crossplay support.

For Java: MODS! Also more servers, more texture packs, skins, maps, shaders (which are all free) and just in general much more community made (free) content.