One of the most exciting things about the Minecraft server is the ability to optimize it past what Vanilla Minecraft can offer. One of the best ways to do this is using plugins. The reasoning behind this is that plugins only need to be installed on the server, unlike mods, as mods need to be installed on both the server and Minecraft client itself.
How to install plugins automatically?
Create your server and ensure that you select Minecraft Java Edition. Once you have done that, click on Manage to access your Minecraft server instance.
Select Configuration:
Choose Server settings. If you choose Server type, you will be able select from a range of custom-made server types.
You will need to choose from the following to install plugins:
Server Type
Modified vanilla Minecraft server that has the Bukkit API built in. Bukkit is the API used by Bukkit plugins to interact with the server
Spigot
Modified Minecraft server built on CraftBukkit that provides additional performance optimizations and configuration options while remaining compatible to all existing plugins. It is also consistent with Vanilla Minecraft game mechanics.
PaperMC*
Spigot Minecraft Server High Performance Fork. It aims to fix inconsistencies in gameplay and mechanics as well as improve performance. The paper contains many features, bug fixes, exploit preventives, and major performance improvement not found in Spigot.
* Recommended for users who want to get maximum performance with their current plan while not compromising server features or functionality
Once you've chosen the server type that you prefer, click on Download / Update to begin the download.
After the download is completed your server will be ready with plugins. Navigate to your instance section and click Plugins.
Select a plugin you like, then click on Install.
In case you are not sure about the plugin or want more information about it, just click on the Discussion button:
Once you have installed the plugins, you'll need to start the server to load them with their configuration.
How to install plugins manually?
You can always manually install your plugin if you don't see it in the list.
Games
You will first need to download the plugin from their official site. It should be in.jar format. Once you have done that, open File Manager.
Double-click to open the plugins folder
Finally, you can upload the plugin using the drag-and drop method. Make sure you upload the plugin to the Plugins directory. Once you have completed uploading, restart the server
It is worth noting that plugins are installed in the same way regardless of how you do it.
How do I check if plugins work?
After restarting your server, open the Server console.
Also, write plugins
This will display a list of plugins which is currently running on your server. :
This command is also valid while you are logged in to the server. However, a slash should be used before the command when you are in-game. It should look like this: /plugins
Recommended plugins
AuthMeReloaded – The plugin is only necessary when playing in Offline mode. It prevents username stealing on your server.
ViaVersion – Allows users who have older versions of Minecraft to join your servers.
WorldEdit - The WorldEdit plugin has been widely used for over 10 years. It is essential for building large projects and saving time.
AntiCheatReloaded – Helps server administrators combat spambots and hacked clients. It can analyze the behavior and prevent malicious gameplay.