[oweals/minetest.git] / doc / lua_api.txt

Minetest Lua Modding API Reference
==================================
* More information at <http://www.minetest.net/>
* Developer Wiki: <http://dev.minetest.net/>

Introduction
------------
Content and functionality can be added to Minetest using Lua scripting
in run-time loaded mods.

A mod is a self-contained bunch of scripts, textures and other related
things, which is loaded by and interfaces with Minetest.

Mods are contained and ran solely on the server side. Definitions and media
files are automatically transferred to the client.

If you see a deficiency in the API, feel free to attempt to add the
functionality in the engine and API, and to document it here.

Programming in Lua
------------------
If you have any difficulty in understanding this, please read
[Programming in Lua](http://www.lua.org/pil/).

Startup
-------
Mods are loaded during server startup from the mod load paths by running
the `init.lua` scripts in a shared environment.

Paths
-----
* `RUN_IN_PLACE=1` (Windows release, local build)
    *  `$path_user`:
        * Linux: `<build directory>`
        * Windows: `<build directory>`
    * `$path_share`
        * Linux: `<build directory>`
        * Windows:  `<build directory>`
* `RUN_IN_PLACE=0`: (Linux release)
    * `$path_share`
        * Linux: `/usr/share/minetest`
        * Windows: `<install directory>/minetest-0.4.x`
    * `$path_user`:
        * Linux: `$HOME/.minetest`
        * Windows: `C:/users/<user>/AppData/minetest` (maybe)

Games
-----
Games are looked up from:
  * `$path_share/games/gameid/`
  * `$path_user/games/gameid/`
Where `gameid` is unique to each game.

The game directory can contain the following files:
  * `game.conf`
    Which contains:
      * name = <Human-readable full name of the game>
        e.g.
        name = Minetest
      * Optionally, game.conf can also contain:
        disallowed_mapgens = <comma-separated mapgens>
        e.g.
        disallowed_mapgens = v5,v6,flat
        These mapgens are removed from the list of mapgens for the game.
  * minetest.conf
    Used to set default settings when running this game.
  * settingtypes.txt
    In the same format as the one in builtin.
    This settingtypes.txt will be parsed by the menu and the settings will be
    displayed in the "Games" category in the advanced settings tab.
  * If the subgame contains a folder called `textures` the server will load it
    as a texturepack, overriding mod textures.
    Any server texturepack will override mod textures and the game texturepack.

### Menu images

Games can provide custom main menu images. They are put inside a `menu`
directory inside the game directory.

The images are named `$identifier.png`, where `$identifier` is one of
`overlay`, `background`, `footer`, `header`.
If you want to specify multiple images for one identifier, add additional
images named like `$identifier.$n.png`, with an ascending number $n starting
with 1, and a random image will be chosen from the provided ones.

Mod load path
-------------
Generic:

* `$path_share/games/gameid/mods/`
* `$path_share/mods/`
* `$path_user/games/gameid/mods/`
* `$path_user/mods/` (User-installed mods)
* `$worldpath/worldmods/`

In a run-in-place version (e.g. the distributed windows version):

* `minetest-0.4.x/games/gameid/mods/`
* `minetest-0.4.x/mods/` (User-installed mods)
* `minetest-0.4.x/worlds/worldname/worldmods/`

On an installed version on Linux:

* `/usr/share/minetest/games/gameid/mods/`
* `$HOME/.minetest/mods/` (User-installed mods)
* `$HOME/.minetest/worlds/worldname/worldmods`

Mod load path for world-specific games
--------------------------------------
It is possible to include a game in a world; in this case, no mods or
games are loaded or checked from anywhere else.

This is useful for e.g. adventure worlds.

This happens if the following directory exists:

    $world/game/

Mods should be then be placed in:

    $world/game/mods/

Modpack support
----------------
Mods can be put in a subdirectory, if the parent directory, which otherwise
should be a mod, contains a file named `modpack.txt`. This file shall be
empty, except for lines starting with `#`, which are comments.

Mod directory structure
------------------------

    mods
    |-- modname
    |   |-- depends.txt
    |   |-- screenshot.png
    |   |-- description.txt
    |   |-- settingtypes.txt
    |   |-- init.lua
    |   |-- models
    |   |-- textures
    |   |   |-- modname_stuff.png
    |   |   `-- modname_something_else.png
    |   |-- sounds
    |   |-- media
    |   |-- locale
    |   `-- <custom data>
    `-- another


### modname
The location of this directory can be fetched by using
`minetest.get_modpath(modname)`.

### `depends.txt`
List of mods that have to be loaded before loading this mod.

A single line contains a single modname.

Optional dependencies can be defined by appending a question mark
to a single modname. This means that if the specified mod
is missing, it does not prevent this mod from being loaded.

### `screenshot.png`
A screenshot shown in the mod manager within the main menu. It should
have an aspect ratio of 3:2 and a minimum size of 300×200 pixels.

### `description.txt`
A file containing a description to be shown in the Mods tab of the mainmenu.

### `settingtypes.txt`
A file in the same format as the one in builtin. It will be parsed by the
settings menu and the settings will be displayed in the "Mods" category.

### `init.lua`
The main Lua script. Running this script should register everything it
wants to register. Subsequent execution depends on minetest calling the
registered callbacks.

`minetest.settings` can be used to read custom or existing settings at load
time, if necessary. (See `Settings`)

### `models`
Models for entities or meshnodes.

### `textures`, `sounds`, `media`
Media files (textures, sounds, whatever) that will be transferred to the
client and will be available for use by the mod.

### `locale`
Translation files for the clients. (See `Translations`)

Naming convention for registered textual names
----------------------------------------------
Registered names should generally be in this format:

    `modname:<whatever>`

`<whatever>` can have these characters:

    a-zA-Z0-9_

This is to prevent conflicting names from corrupting maps and is
enforced by the mod loader.

### Example
In the mod `experimental`, there is the ideal item/node/entity name `tnt`.
So the name should be `experimental:tnt`.

Enforcement can be overridden by prefixing the name with `:`. This can
be used for overriding the registrations of some other mod.

Example: Any mod can redefine `experimental:tnt` by using the name

    :experimental:tnt

when registering it.
(also that mod is required to have `experimental` as a dependency)

The `:` prefix can also be used for maintaining backwards compatibility.

Aliases
-------
Aliases can be added by using `minetest.register_alias(name, convert_to)` or
`minetest.register_alias_force(name, convert_to)`.

This converts anything called `name` to `convert_to`.

The only difference between `minetest.register_alias` and
`minetest.register_alias_force` is that if an item called `name` exists,
`minetest.register_alias` will do nothing while
`minetest.register_alias_force` will unregister it.

This can be used for maintaining backwards compatibility.

This can also set quick access names for things, e.g. if
you have an item called `epiclylongmodname:stuff`, you could do

    minetest.register_alias("stuff", "epiclylongmodname:stuff")

and be able to use `/giveme stuff`.

Mapgen aliases
--------------
In a game, a certain number of these must be set to tell core mapgens which
of the game's nodes are to be used by the core mapgens. For example:

    minetest.register_alias("mapgen_stone", "default:stone")

### Aliases needed for all mapgens except Mapgen v6

Base terrain:

"mapgen_stone"
"mapgen_water_source"
"mapgen_river_water_source"

Caves:

"mapgen_lava_source"

Dungeons:

Only needed for registered biomes where 'node_stone' is stone:
"mapgen_cobble"
"mapgen_stair_cobble"
"mapgen_mossycobble"
Only needed for registered biomes where 'node_stone' is desert stone:
"mapgen_desert_stone"
"mapgen_stair_desert_stone"
Only needed for registered biomes where 'node_stone' is sandstone:
"mapgen_sandstone"
"mapgen_sandstonebrick"
"mapgen_stair_sandstone_block"

### Aliases needed for Mapgen v6

Terrain and biomes:

"mapgen_stone"
"mapgen_water_source"
"mapgen_lava_source"
"mapgen_dirt"
"mapgen_dirt_with_grass"
"mapgen_sand"
"mapgen_gravel"
"mapgen_desert_stone"
"mapgen_desert_sand"
"mapgen_dirt_with_snow"
"mapgen_snowblock"
"mapgen_snow"
"mapgen_ice"

Flora:

"mapgen_tree"
"mapgen_leaves"
"mapgen_apple"
"mapgen_jungletree"
"mapgen_jungleleaves"
"mapgen_junglegrass"
"mapgen_pine_tree"
"mapgen_pine_needles"

Dungeons:

"mapgen_cobble"
"mapgen_stair_cobble"
"mapgen_mossycobble"
"mapgen_stair_desert_stone"

Textures
--------
Mods should generally prefix their textures with `modname_`, e.g. given
the mod name `foomod`, a texture could be called:

    foomod_foothing.png

Textures are referred to by their complete name, or alternatively by
stripping out the file extension:

* e.g. `foomod_foothing.png`
* e.g. `foomod_foothing`

Texture modifiers
-----------------
There are various texture modifiers that can be used
to generate textures on-the-fly.

### Texture overlaying
Textures can be overlaid by putting a `^` between them.

Example:

    default_dirt.png^default_grass_side.png

`default_grass_side.png` is overlaid over `default_dirt.png`.
The texture with the lower resolution will be automatically upscaled to
the higher resolution texture.

### Texture grouping
Textures can be grouped together by enclosing them in `(` and `)`.

Example: `cobble.png^(thing1.png^thing2.png)`

A texture for `thing1.png^thing2.png` is created and the resulting
texture is overlaid on top of `cobble.png`.

### Escaping
Modifiers that accept texture names (e.g. `[combine`) accept escaping to allow
passing complex texture names as arguments. Escaping is done with backslash and
is required for `^` and `:`.

Example: `cobble.png^[lowpart:50:color.png\^[mask\:trans.png`

The lower 50 percent of `color.png^[mask:trans.png` are overlaid
on top of `cobble.png`.

### Advanced texture modifiers

#### Crack
* `[crack:<n>:<p>`
* `[cracko:<n>:<p>`
* `[crack:<t>:<n>:<p>`
* `[cracko:<t>:<n>:<p>`

Parameters:
* `<t>` = tile count (in each direction)
* `<n>` = animation frame count
* `<p>` = current animation frame

Draw a step of the crack animation on the texture.
`crack` draws it normally, while `cracko` lays it over, keeping transparent pixels intact.

Example:

    default_cobble.png^[crack:10:1

#### `[combine:<w>x<h>:<x1>,<y1>=<file1>:<x2>,<y2>=<file2>:...`
* `<w>` = width
* `<h>` = height
* `<x>` = x position
* `<y>` = y position
* `<file>` = texture to combine

Creates a texture of size `<w>` times `<h>` and blits the listed files to their
specified coordinates.

Example:

    [combine:16x32:0,0=default_cobble.png:0,16=default_wood.png

#### `[resize:<w>x<h>`
Resizes the texture to the given dimensions.

Example:

    default_sandstone.png^[resize:16x16

#### `[opacity:<r>`
Makes the base image transparent according to the given ratio.

`r` must be between 0 and 255.
0 means totally transparent. 255 means totally opaque.

Example:

    default_sandstone.png^[opacity:127

#### `[invert:<mode>`
Inverts the given channels of the base image.
Mode may contain the characters "r", "g", "b", "a".
Only the channels that are mentioned in the mode string will be inverted.

Example:

    default_apple.png^[invert:rgb

#### `[brighten`
Brightens the texture.

Example:

    tnt_tnt_side.png^[brighten

#### `[noalpha`
Makes the texture completely opaque.

Example:

    default_leaves.png^[noalpha

#### `[makealpha:<r>,<g>,<b>`
Convert one color to transparency.

Example:

    default_cobble.png^[makealpha:128,128,128

#### `[transform<t>`
* `<t>` = transformation(s) to apply

Rotates and/or flips the image.

`<t>` can be a number (between 0 and 7) or a transform name.
Rotations are counter-clockwise.

    0  I      identity
    1  R90    rotate by 90 degrees
    2  R180   rotate by 180 degrees
    3  R270   rotate by 270 degrees
    4  FX     flip X
    5  FXR90  flip X then rotate by 90 degrees
    6  FY     flip Y
    7  FYR90  flip Y then rotate by 90 degrees

Example:

    default_stone.png^[transformFXR90

#### `[inventorycube{<top>{<left>{<right>`
Escaping does not apply here and `^` is replaced by `&` in texture names instead.

Create an inventory cube texture using the side textures.

Example:

    [inventorycube{grass.png{dirt.png&grass_side.png{dirt.png&grass_side.png

Creates an inventorycube with `grass.png`, `dirt.png^grass_side.png` and
`dirt.png^grass_side.png` textures

#### `[lowpart:<percent>:<file>`
Blit the lower `<percent>`% part of `<file>` on the texture.

Example:

    base.png^[lowpart:25:overlay.png

#### `[verticalframe:<t>:<n>`
* `<t>` = animation frame count
* `<n>` = current animation frame

Crops the texture to a frame of a vertical animation.

Example:

    default_torch_animated.png^[verticalframe:16:8

#### `[mask:<file>`
Apply a mask to the base image.

The mask is applied using binary AND.

#### `[sheet:<w>x<h>:<x>,<y>`
Retrieves a tile at position x,y from the base image
which it assumes to be a tilesheet with dimensions w,h.


#### `[colorize:<color>:<ratio>`
Colorize the textures with the given color.
`<color>` is specified as a `ColorString`.
`<ratio>` is an int ranging from 0 to 255 or the word "`alpha`".  If
it is an int, then it specifies how far to interpolate between the
colors where 0 is only the texture color and 255 is only `<color>`. If
omitted, the alpha of `<color>` will be used as the ratio.  If it is
the word "`alpha`", then each texture pixel will contain the RGB of
`<color>` and the alpha of `<color>` multiplied by the alpha of the
texture pixel.

#### `[multiply:<color>`
Multiplies texture colors with the given color.
`<color>` is specified as a `ColorString`.
Result is more like what you'd expect if you put a color on top of another
color. Meaning white surfaces get a lot of your new color while black parts don't
change very much.

Hardware coloring
-----------------
The goal of hardware coloring is to simplify the creation of
colorful nodes. If your textures use the same pattern, and they only
differ in their color (like colored wool blocks), you can use hardware
coloring instead of creating and managing many texture files.
All of these methods use color multiplication (so a white-black texture
with red coloring will result in red-black color).

### Static coloring
This method is useful if you wish to create nodes/items with
the same texture, in different colors, each in a new node/item definition.

#### Global color
When you register an item or node, set its `color` field (which accepts a
`ColorSpec`) to the desired color.

An `ItemStack`s static color can be overwritten by the `color` metadata
field. If you set that field to a `ColorString`, that color will be used.

#### Tile color
Each tile may have an individual static color, which overwrites every
other coloring methods. To disable the coloring of a face,
set its color to white (because multiplying with white does nothing).
You can set the `color` property of the tiles in the node's definition
if the tile is in table format.

### Palettes
For nodes and items which can have many colors, a palette is more
suitable. A palette is a texture, which can contain up to 256 pixels.
Each pixel is one possible color for the node/item.
You can register one node/item, which can have up to 256 colors.

#### Palette indexing
When using palettes, you always provide a pixel index for the given
node or `ItemStack`. The palette is read from left to right and from
top to bottom. If the palette has less than 256 pixels, then it is
stretched to contain exactly 256 pixels (after arranging the pixels
to one line). The indexing starts from 0.

Examples:
* 16x16 palette, index = 0: the top left corner
* 16x16 palette, index = 4: the fifth pixel in the first row
* 16x16 palette, index = 16: the pixel below the top left corner
* 16x16 palette, index = 255: the bottom right corner
* 2 (width)x4 (height) palette, index=31: the top left corner.
  The palette has 8 pixels, so each pixel is stretched to 32 pixels,
  to ensure the total 256 pixels.
* 2x4 palette, index=32: the top right corner
* 2x4 palette, index=63: the top right corner
* 2x4 palette, index=64: the pixel below the top left corner

#### Using palettes with items
When registering an item, set the item definition's `palette` field to
a texture. You can also use texture modifiers.

The `ItemStack`'s color depends on the `palette_index` field of the
stack's metadata. `palette_index` is an integer, which specifies the
index of the pixel to use.

#### Linking palettes with nodes
When registering a node, set the item definition's `palette` field to
a texture. You can also use texture modifiers.
The node's color depends on its `param2`, so you also must set an
appropriate `drawtype`:
* `drawtype = "color"` for nodes which use their full `param2` for
  palette indexing. These nodes can have 256 different colors.
  The palette should contain 256 pixels.
* `drawtype = "colorwallmounted"` for nodes which use the first
  five bits (most significant) of `param2` for palette indexing.
  The remaining three bits are describing rotation, as in `wallmounted`
  draw type. Division by 8 yields the palette index (without stretching the
  palette). These nodes can have 32 different colors, and the palette
  should contain 32 pixels.
  Examples:
    * `param2 = 17` is 2 * 8 + 1, so the rotation is 1 and the third (= 2 + 1)
      pixel will be picked from the palette.
    * `param2 = 35` is 4 * 8 + 3, so the rotation is 3 and the fifth (= 4 + 1)
      pixel will be picked from the palette.
* `drawtype = "colorfacedir"` for nodes which use the first
  three bits of `param2` for palette indexing. The remaining
  five bits are describing rotation, as in `facedir` draw type.
  Division by 32 yields the palette index (without stretching the
  palette). These nodes can have 8 different colors, and the
  palette should contain 8 pixels.
  Examples:
    * `param2 = 17` is 0 * 32 + 17, so the rotation is 17 and the
      first (= 0 + 1) pixel will be picked from the palette.
    * `param2 = 35` is 1 * 32 + 3, so the rotation is 3 and the
      second (= 1 + 1) pixel will be picked from the palette.

To colorize a node on the map, set its `param2` value (according
to the node's draw type).

### Conversion between nodes in the inventory and the on the map
Static coloring is the same for both cases, there is no need
for conversion.

If the `ItemStack`'s metadata contains the `color` field, it will be
lost on placement, because nodes on the map can only use palettes.

If the `ItemStack`'s metadata contains the `palette_index` field, it is
automatically transferred between node and item forms by the engine,
when a player digs or places a colored node.
You can disable this feature by setting the `drop` field of the node
to itself (without metadata).
To transfer the color to a special drop, you need a drop table.
Example:

    minetest.register_node("mod:stone", {
        description = "Stone",
        tiles = {"default_stone.png"},
        paramtype2 = "color",
        palette = "palette.png",
        drop = {
            items = {
                -- assume that mod:cobblestone also has the same palette
                {items = {"mod:cobblestone"}, inherit_color = true },
            }
        }
    })

### Colored items in craft recipes
Craft recipes only support item strings, but fortunately item strings
can also contain metadata. Example craft recipe registration:

    minetest.register_craft({
        output = minetest.itemstring_with_palette("wool:block", 3),
        type = "shapeless",
        recipe = {
            "wool:block",
            "dye:red",
        },
    })

To set the `color` field, you can use `minetest.itemstring_with_color`.

Metadata field filtering in the `recipe` field are not supported yet,
so the craft output is independent of the color of the ingredients.

Soft texture overlay
--------------------
Sometimes hardware coloring is not enough, because it affects the
whole tile. Soft texture overlays were added to Minetest to allow
the dynamic coloring of only specific parts of the node's texture.
For example a grass block may have colored grass, while keeping the
dirt brown.

These overlays are 'soft', because unlike texture modifiers, the layers
are not merged in the memory, but they are simply drawn on top of each
other. This allows different hardware coloring, but also means that
tiles with overlays are drawn slower. Using too much overlays might
cause FPS loss.

For inventory and wield images you can specify overlays which
hardware coloring does not modify. You have to set `inventory_overlay`
and `wield_overlay` fields to an image name.

To define a node overlay, simply set the `overlay_tiles` field of the node
definition. These tiles are defined in the same way as plain tiles:
they can have a texture name, color etc.
To skip one face, set that overlay tile to an empty string.

Example (colored grass block):

    minetest.register_node("default:dirt_with_grass", {
        description = "Dirt with Grass",
        -- Regular tiles, as usual
        -- The dirt tile disables palette coloring
        tiles = {{name = "default_grass.png"},
            {name = "default_dirt.png", color = "white"}},
        -- Overlay tiles: define them in the same style
        -- The top and bottom tile does not have overlay
        overlay_tiles = {"", "",
            {name = "default_grass_side.png", tileable_vertical = false}},
        -- Global color, used in inventory
        color = "green",
        -- Palette in the world
        paramtype2 = "color",
        palette = "default_foilage.png",
    })

Sounds
------
Only Ogg Vorbis files are supported.

For positional playing of sounds, only single-channel (mono) files are
supported. Otherwise OpenAL will play them non-positionally.

Mods should generally prefix their sounds with `modname_`, e.g. given
the mod name "`foomod`", a sound could be called:

    foomod_foosound.ogg

Sounds are referred to by their name with a dot, a single digit and the
file extension stripped out. When a sound is played, the actual sound file
is chosen randomly from the matching sounds.

When playing the sound `foomod_foosound`, the sound is chosen randomly
from the available ones of the following files:

* `foomod_foosound.ogg`
* `foomod_foosound.0.ogg`
* `foomod_foosound.1.ogg`
* (...)
* `foomod_foosound.9.ogg`

Examples of sound parameter tables:

    -- Play locationless on all clients
    {
        gain = 1.0, -- default
        fade = 0.0, -- default, change to a value > 0 to fade the sound in
        pitch = 1.0, -- default
    }
    -- Play locationless to one player
    {
        to_player = name,
        gain = 1.0, -- default
        fade = 0.0, -- default, change to a value > 0 to fade the sound in
        pitch = 1.0, -- default
    }
    -- Play locationless to one player, looped
    {
        to_player = name,
        gain = 1.0, -- default
        loop = true,
    }
    -- Play in a location
    {
        pos = {x = 1, y = 2, z = 3},
        gain = 1.0, -- default
        max_hear_distance = 32, -- default, uses an euclidean metric
    }
    -- Play connected to an object, looped
    {
        object = <an ObjectRef>,
        gain = 1.0, -- default
        max_hear_distance = 32, -- default, uses an euclidean metric
        loop = true,
    }

Looped sounds must either be connected to an object or played locationless to
one player using `to_player = name,`

### `SimpleSoundSpec`
* e.g. `""`
* e.g. `"default_place_node"`
* e.g. `{}`
* e.g. `{name = "default_place_node"}`
* e.g. `{name = "default_place_node", gain = 1.0}`
* e.g. `{name = "default_place_node", gain = 1.0, pitch = 1.0}`

Registered definitions of stuff
-------------------------------
Anything added using certain `minetest.register_*` functions get added to
the global `minetest.registered_*` tables.

* `minetest.register_entity(name, prototype table)`
    * added to `minetest.registered_entities[name]`

* `minetest.register_node(name, node definition)`
    * added to `minetest.registered_items[name]`
    * added to `minetest.registered_nodes[name]`

* `minetest.register_tool(name, item definition)`
    * added to `minetest.registered_items[name]`

* `minetest.register_craftitem(name, item definition)`
    * added to `minetest.registered_items[name]`

* `minetest.unregister_item(name)`
    * Unregisters the item name from engine, and deletes the entry with key
    * `name` from `minetest.registered_items` and from the associated item
    * table according to its nature: `minetest.registered_nodes[]` etc

* `minetest.register_biome(biome definition)`
    * returns an integer uniquely identifying the registered biome
    * added to `minetest.registered_biome` with the key of `biome.name`
    * if `biome.name` is nil, the key is the returned ID

* `minetest.unregister_biome(name)`
    * Unregisters the biome name from engine, and deletes the entry with key
    * `name` from `minetest.registered_biome`

* `minetest.register_ore(ore definition)`
    * returns an integer uniquely identifying the registered ore
    * added to `minetest.registered_ores` with the key of `ore.name`
    * if `ore.name` is nil, the key is the returned ID

* `minetest.register_decoration(decoration definition)`
    * returns an integer uniquely identifying the registered decoration
    * added to `minetest.registered_decorations` with the key of `decoration.name`
    * if `decoration.name` is nil, the key is the returned ID

* `minetest.register_schematic(schematic definition)`
    * returns an integer uniquely identifying the registered schematic
    * added to `minetest.registered_schematic` with the key of `schematic.name`
    * if `schematic.name` is nil, the key is the returned ID
    * if the schematic is loaded from a file, schematic.name is set to the filename
    * if the function is called when loading the mod, and schematic.name is a relative
      path, then the current mod path will be prepended to the schematic filename

* `minetest.clear_registered_biomes()`
    * clears all biomes currently registered

* `minetest.clear_registered_ores()`
    * clears all ores currently registered

* `minetest.clear_registered_decorations()`
    * clears all decorations currently registered

* `minetest.clear_registered_schematics()`
    * clears all schematics currently registered

Note that in some cases you will stumble upon things that are not contained
in these tables (e.g. when a mod has been removed). Always check for
existence before trying to access the fields.

Example: If you want to check the drawtype of a node, you could do:

    local function get_nodedef_field(nodename, fieldname)
        if not minetest.registered_nodes[nodename] then
            return nil
        end
        return minetest.registered_nodes[nodename][fieldname]
    end
    local drawtype = get_nodedef_field(nodename, "drawtype")

Example: `minetest.get_item_group(name, group)` has been implemented as:

    function minetest.get_item_group(name, group)
        if not minetest.registered_items[name] or not
                minetest.registered_items[name].groups[group] then
            return 0
        end
        return minetest.registered_items[name].groups[group]
    end

Nodes
-----
Nodes are the bulk data of the world: cubes and other things that take the
space of a cube. Huge amounts of them are handled efficiently, but they
are quite static.

The definition of a node is stored and can be accessed by name in

    minetest.registered_nodes[node.name]

See "Registered definitions of stuff".

Nodes are passed by value between Lua and the engine.
They are represented by a table:

    {name="name", param1=num, param2=num}

`param1` and `param2` are 8-bit integers ranging from 0 to 255. The engine uses
them for certain automated functions. If you don't use these functions, you can
use them to store arbitrary values.

The functions of `param1` and `param2` are determined by certain fields in the
node definition:

`param1` is reserved for the engine when `paramtype != "none"`:

    paramtype = "light"
    ^ The value stores light with and without sun in its upper and lower 4 bits
      respectively. Allows light to propagate from or through the node with
      light value falling by 1 per node. This is essential for a light source
      node to spread its light.

`param2` is reserved for the engine when any of these are used:

    liquidtype == "flowing"
    ^ The level and some flags of the liquid is stored in param2
    drawtype == "flowingliquid"
    ^ The drawn liquid level is read from param2
    drawtype == "torchlike"
    drawtype == "signlike"
    paramtype2 == "wallmounted"
    ^ The rotation of the node is stored in param2. You can make this value
      by using minetest.dir_to_wallmounted().
    paramtype2 == "facedir"
    ^ The rotation of the node is stored in param2. Furnaces and chests are
      rotated this way. Can be made by using minetest.dir_to_facedir().
      Values range 0 - 23
      facedir / 4 = axis direction:
      0 = y+    1 = z+    2 = z-    3 = x+    4 = x-    5 = y-
      facedir modulo 4 = rotation around that axis
    paramtype2 == "leveled"
    ^ Only valid for "nodebox" with 'type = "leveled"', and "plantlike_rooted".
      Leveled nodebox:
        The level of the top face of the nodebox is stored in param2.
        The other faces are defined by 'fixed = {}' like 'type = "fixed"' nodeboxes.
        The nodebox height is (param2 / 64) nodes.
        The maximum accepted value of param2 is 127.
      Rooted plantlike:
        The height of the 'plantlike' section is stored in param2.
        The height is (param2 / 16) nodes.
    paramtype2 == "degrotate"
    ^ The rotation of this node is stored in param2. Plants are rotated this way.
      Values range 0 - 179. The value stored in param2 is multiplied by two to
      get the actual rotation of the node.
    paramtype2 == "meshoptions"
    ^ Only valid for "plantlike". The value of param2 becomes a bitfield which can
      be used to change how the client draws plantlike nodes. Bits 0, 1 and 2 form
      a mesh selector. Currently the following meshes are choosable:
        0 = a "x" shaped plant (ordinary plant)
        1 = a "+" shaped plant (just rotated 45 degrees)
        2 = a "*" shaped plant with 3 faces instead of 2
        3 = a "#" shaped plant with 4 faces instead of 2
        4 = a "#" shaped plant with 4 faces that lean outwards
        5-7 are unused and reserved for future meshes.
      Bits 3 through 7 are optional flags that can be combined and give these
      effects:
        bit 3 (0x08) - Makes the plant slightly vary placement horizontally
        bit 4 (0x10) - Makes the plant mesh 1.4x larger
        bit 5 (0x20) - Moves each face randomly a small bit down (1/8 max)
        bits 6-7 are reserved for future use.
    paramtype2 == "color"
    ^ `param2` tells which color is picked from the palette.
      The palette should have 256 pixels.
    paramtype2 == "colorfacedir"
    ^ Same as `facedir`, but with colors.
      The first three bits of `param2` tells which color
      is picked from the palette.
      The palette should have 8 pixels.
    paramtype2 == "colorwallmounted"
    ^ Same as `wallmounted`, but with colors.
      The first five bits of `param2` tells which color
      is picked from the palette.
      The palette should have 32 pixels.
    paramtype2 == "glasslikeliquidlevel"
    ^ Only valid for "glasslike_framed" or "glasslike_framed_optional" drawtypes.
      param2 values 0-63 define 64 levels of internal liquid, 0 being empty and
      63 being full.
      Liquid texture is defined using `special_tiles = {"modname_tilename.png"},`

Nodes can also contain extra data. See "Node Metadata".

Node drawtypes
--------------
There are a bunch of different looking node types.

Look for examples in `games/minimal` or `games/minetest_game`.

* `normal`
* `airlike`
* `liquid`
* `flowingliquid`
* `glasslike`
* `glasslike_framed`
* `glasslike_framed_optional`
* `allfaces`
* `allfaces_optional`
* `torchlike`
* `signlike`
* `plantlike`
* `firelike`
* `fencelike`
* `raillike`
* `nodebox` -- See below
* `mesh` -- Use models for nodes, see below
* `plantlike_rooted` -- See below

`*_optional` drawtypes need less rendering time if deactivated (always client side).

Node boxes
----------
Node selection boxes are defined using "node boxes"

The `nodebox` node drawtype allows defining nodes consisting of an arbitrary
number of boxes. It allows defining stuff like stairs and slabs.

A nodebox is defined as any of:

    {
        -- A normal cube; the default in most things
        type = "regular"
    }
    {
        -- A fixed box (or boxes) (facedir param2 is used, if applicable)
        type = "fixed",
        fixed = box OR {box1, box2, ...}
    }
    {
        -- A variable height box (or boxes) with the top face position defined by
        -- the node parameter 'leveled = ', or if 'paramtype2 == "leveled"' by
        -- param2.
        -- Other faces are defined by 'fixed = {}' as with 'type = "fixed"'.
        type = "leveled",
        fixed = box OR {box1, box2, ...}
    }
    {
        -- A box like the selection box for torches
        -- (wallmounted param2 is used, if applicable)
        type = "wallmounted",
        wall_top = box,
        wall_bottom = box,
        wall_side = box
    }
    {
        -- A node that has optional boxes depending on neighbouring nodes'
        -- presence and type. See also `connects_to`.
        type = "connected",
        fixed = box OR {box1, box2, ...}
        connect_top = box OR {box1, box2, ...}
        connect_bottom = box OR {box1, box2, ...}
        connect_front = box OR {box1, box2, ...}
        connect_left = box OR {box1, box2, ...}
        connect_back = box OR {box1, box2, ...}
        connect_right = box OR {box1, box2, ...}
        -- The following `disconnected_*` boxes are the opposites of the
        -- `connect_*` ones above, i.e. when a node has no suitable neighbour
        -- on the respective side, the corresponding disconnected box is drawn.
        disconnected_top = box OR {box1, box2, ...}
        disconnected_bottom = box OR {box1, box2, ...}
        disconnected_front = box OR {box1, box2, ...}
        disconnected_left = box OR {box1, box2, ...}
        disconnected_back = box OR {box1, box2, ...}
        disconnected_right = box OR {box1, box2, ...}
        disconnected = box OR {box1, box2, ...} -- when there is *no* neighbour
        disconnected_sides = box OR {box1, box2, ...} -- when there are *no* neighbours to the sides
    }

A `box` is defined as:

    {x1, y1, z1, x2, y2, z2}

A box of a regular node would look like:

    {-0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5},

Meshes
------
If drawtype `mesh` is used, tiles should hold model materials textures.
Only static meshes are implemented.
For supported model formats see Irrlicht engine documentation.

Rooted plantlike drawtype
-------------------------
The `plantlike_rooted` drawtype was developed to enable underwater plants
without air bubbles around the plants.
It consists of a base cube at the co-ordinates of the node (the seabed /
lakebed / riverbed node) plus a 'plantlike' extension above with a height
defined by param2 (maximum height 16 nodes). This extension visually passes
through any nodes above the base cube without affecting them.
The node is dug by digging the base cube.
The base cube texture tiles are defined as normal, the plantlike extension
uses the defined 'special tile', for example:
`special_tiles = {{name = "default_papyrus.png", tileable_vertical = true}},`

Noise Parameters
----------------
Noise Parameters, or commonly called "`NoiseParams`", define the properties of
perlin noise.

### `offset`
Offset that the noise is translated by (i.e. added) after calculation.

### `scale`
Factor that the noise is scaled by (i.e. multiplied) after calculation.

### `spread`
Vector containing values by which each coordinate is divided by before calculation.
Higher spread values result in larger noise features.

A value of `{x=250, y=250, z=250}` is common.

### `seed`
Random seed for the noise. Add the world seed to a seed offset for world-unique noise.
In the case of `minetest.get_perlin()`, this value has the world seed automatically added.

### `octaves`
Number of times the noise gradient is accumulated into the noise.

Increase this number to increase the amount of detail in the resulting noise.

A value of `6` is common.

### `persistence`
Factor by which the effect of the noise gradient function changes with each successive octave.

Values less than `1` make the details of successive octaves' noise diminish, while values
greater than `1` make successive octaves stronger.

A value of `0.6` is common.

### `lacunarity`
Factor by which the noise feature sizes change with each successive octave.

A value of `2.0` is common.

### `flags`
Leave this field unset for no special handling.

Currently supported are `defaults`, `eased` and `absvalue`.

#### `defaults`
Specify this if you would like to keep auto-selection of eased/not-eased while specifying
some other flags.

#### `eased`
Maps noise gradient values onto a quintic S-curve before performing interpolation.
This results in smooth, rolling noise. Disable this (`noeased`) for sharp-looking noise.
If no flags are specified (or defaults is), 2D noise is eased and 3D noise is not eased.

#### `absvalue`
Accumulates the absolute value of each noise gradient result.

Noise parameters format example for 2D or 3D perlin noise or perlin noise maps:

    np_terrain = {
        offset = 0,
        scale = 1,
        spread = {x=500, y=500, z=500},
        seed = 571347,
        octaves = 5,
        persist = 0.63,
        lacunarity = 2.0,
        flags = "defaults, absvalue"
    }
    ^ A single noise parameter table can be used to get 2D or 3D noise,
      when getting 2D noise spread.z is ignored.


Ore types
---------
These tell in what manner the ore is generated.

All default ores are of the uniformly-distributed scatter type.

### `scatter`
Randomly chooses a location and generates a cluster of ore.

If `noise_params` is specified, the ore will be placed if the 3D perlin noise at
that point is greater than the `noise_threshold`, giving the ability to create
a non-equal distribution of ore.

### `sheet`
Creates a sheet of ore in a blob shape according to the 2D perlin noise
described by `noise_params` and `noise_threshold`. This is essentially an
improved version of the so-called "stratus" ore seen in some unofficial mods.

This sheet consists of vertical columns of uniform randomly distributed height,
varying between the inclusive range `column_height_min` and `column_height_max`.
If `column_height_min` is not specified, this parameter defaults to 1.
If `column_height_max` is not specified, this parameter defaults to `clust_size`
for reverse compatibility.  New code should prefer `column_height_max`.

The `column_midpoint_factor` parameter controls the position of the column at which
ore emanates from.  If 1, columns grow upward.  If 0, columns grow downward.  If 0.5,
columns grow equally starting from each direction.  `column_midpoint_factor` is a
decimal number ranging in value from 0 to 1.  If this parameter is not specified,
the default is 0.5.

The ore parameters `clust_scarcity` and `clust_num_ores` are ignored for this ore type.

### `puff`
Creates a sheet of ore in a cloud-like puff shape.

As with the `sheet` ore type, the size and shape of puffs are described by
`noise_params` and `noise_threshold` and are placed at random vertical positions
within the currently generated chunk.

The vertical top and bottom displacement of each puff are determined by the noise
parameters `np_puff_top` and `np_puff_bottom`, respectively.

### `blob`
Creates a deformed sphere of ore according to 3d perlin noise described by
`noise_params`.  The maximum size of the blob is `clust_size`, and
`clust_scarcity` has the same meaning as with the `scatter` type.

### `vein`
Creates veins of ore varying in density by according to the intersection of two
instances of 3d perlin noise with different seeds, both described by
`noise_params`.

`random_factor` varies the influence random chance has on placement of an ore
inside the vein, which is `1` by default. Note that modifying this parameter may
require adjusting `noise_threshold`.

The parameters `clust_scarcity`, `clust_num_ores`, and `clust_size` are ignored
by this ore type.

This ore type is difficult to control since it is sensitive to small changes.
The following is a decent set of parameters to work from:

    noise_params = {
        offset  = 0,
        scale   = 3,
        spread  = {x=200, y=200, z=200},
        seed    = 5390,
        octaves = 4,
        persist = 0.5,
        flags = "eased",
    },
    noise_threshold = 1.6

**WARNING**: Use this ore type *very* sparingly since it is ~200x more
computationally expensive than any other ore.

### `stratum`
Creates a single undulating ore stratum that is continuous across mapchunk
borders and horizontally spans the world.

The 2D perlin noise described by `noise_params` defines the Y co-ordinate of the
stratum midpoint. The 2D perlin noise described by `np_stratum_thickness`
defines the stratum's vertical thickness (in units of nodes). Due to being
continuous across mapchunk borders the stratum's vertical thickness is
unlimited.

If the noise parameter `noise_params` is omitted the ore will occur from y_min
to y_max in a simple horizontal stratum.

A parameter `stratum_thickness` can be provided instead of the noise parameter
`np_stratum_thickness`, to create a constant thickness.

Leaving out one or both noise parameters makes the ore generation less intensive,
useful when adding multiple strata.

`y_min` and `y_max` define the limits of the ore generation and for performance
reasons should be set as close together as possible but without clipping the
stratum's Y variation.

Each node in the stratum has a 1-in-`clust_scarcity` chance of being ore, so a
solid-ore stratum would require a `clust_scarcity` of 1.

The parameters `clust_num_ores`, `clust_size`, `noise_threshold` and
`random_factor` are ignored by this ore type.

Ore attributes
--------------
See section "Flag Specifier Format".

Currently supported flags:
`puff_cliffs`, `puff_additive_composition`.

### `puff_cliffs`
If set, puff ore generation will not taper down large differences in displacement
when approaching the edge of a puff.  This flag has no effect for ore types other
than `puff`.

### `puff_additive_composition`
By default, when noise described by `np_puff_top` or `np_puff_bottom` results in a
negative displacement, the sub-column at that point is not generated.  With this
attribute set, puff ore generation will instead generate the absolute difference in
noise displacement values.  This flag has no effect for ore types other than `puff`.

Decoration types
----------------
The varying types of decorations that can be placed.

### `simple`
Creates a 1 times `H` times 1 column of a specified node (or a random node from
a list, if a decoration list is specified). Can specify a certain node it must
spawn next to, such as water or lava, for example. Can also generate a
decoration of random height between a specified lower and upper bound.
This type of decoration is intended for placement of grass, flowers, cacti,
papyri, waterlilies and so on.

### `schematic`
Copies a box of `MapNodes` from a specified schematic file (or raw description).
Can specify a probability of a node randomly appearing when placed.
This decoration type is intended to be used for multi-node sized discrete
structures, such as trees, cave spikes, rocks, and so on.


Schematic specifier
--------------------
A schematic specifier identifies a schematic by either a filename to a
Minetest Schematic file (`.mts`) or through raw data supplied through Lua,
in the form of a table.  This table specifies the following fields:

* The `size` field is a 3D vector containing the dimensions of the provided schematic. (required)
* The `yslice_prob` field is a table of {ypos, prob} which sets the `ypos`th vertical slice
  of the schematic to have a `prob / 256 * 100` chance of occurring. (default: 255)
* The `data` field is a flat table of MapNode tables making up the schematic,
  in the order of `[z [y [x]]]`. (required)
  Each MapNode table contains:
    * `name`: the name of the map node to place (required)
    * `prob` (alias `param1`): the probability of this node being placed (default: 255)
    * `param2`: the raw param2 value of the node being placed onto the map (default: 0)
    * `force_place`: boolean representing if the node should forcibly overwrite any
    previous contents (default: false)

About probability values:

* A probability value of `0` or `1` means that node will never appear (0% chance).
* A probability value of `254` or `255` means the node will always appear (100% chance).
* If the probability value `p` is greater than `1`, then there is a
  `(p / 256 * 100)` percent chance that node will appear when the schematic is
  placed on the map.


Schematic attributes
--------------------
See section "Flag Specifier Format".

Currently supported flags: `place_center_x`, `place_center_y`, `place_center_z`,
                           `force_placement`.

* `place_center_x`: Placement of this decoration is centered along the X axis.
* `place_center_y`: Placement of this decoration is centered along the Y axis.
* `place_center_z`: Placement of this decoration is centered along the Z axis.
* `force_placement`: Schematic nodes other than "ignore" will replace existing nodes.


HUD element types
-----------------
The position field is used for all element types.

To account for differing resolutions, the position coordinates are the percentage
of the screen, ranging in value from `0` to `1`.

The name field is not yet used, but should contain a description of what the
HUD element represents. The direction field is the direction in which something
is drawn.

`0` draws from left to right, `1` draws from right to left, `2` draws from
top to bottom, and `3` draws from bottom to top.

The `alignment` field specifies how the item will be aligned. It ranges from `-1` to `1`,
with `0` being the center, `-1` is moved to the left/up, and `1` is to the right/down.
Fractional values can be used.

The `offset` field specifies a pixel offset from the position. Contrary to position,
the offset is not scaled to screen size. This allows for some precisely-positioned
items in the HUD.

**Note**: `offset` _will_ adapt to screen DPI as well as user defined scaling factor!

Below are the specific uses for fields in each type; fields not listed for that type are ignored.

**Note**: Future revisions to the HUD API may be incompatible; the HUD API is still
in the experimental stages.

### `image`
Displays an image on the HUD.

* `scale`: The scale of the image, with 1 being the original texture size.
  Only the X coordinate scale is used (positive values).
  Negative values represent that percentage of the screen it
  should take; e.g. `x=-100` means 100% (width).
* `text`: The name of the texture that is displayed.
* `alignment`: The alignment of the image.
* `offset`: offset in pixels from position.

### `text`
Displays text on the HUD.

* `scale`: Defines the bounding rectangle of the text.
  A value such as `{x=100, y=100}` should work.
* `text`: The text to be displayed in the HUD element.
* `number`: An integer containing the RGB value of the color used to draw the text.
  Specify `0xFFFFFF` for white text, `0xFF0000` for red, and so on.
* `alignment`: The alignment of the text.
* `offset`: offset in pixels from position.

### `statbar`
Displays a horizontal bar made up of half-images.

* `text`: The name of the texture that is used.
* `number`: The number of half-textures that are displayed.
  If odd, will end with a vertically center-split texture.
* `direction`
* `offset`: offset in pixels from position.
* `size`: If used, will force full-image size to this value (override texture pack image size)

### `inventory`
* `text`: The name of the inventory list to be displayed.
* `number`: Number of items in the inventory to be displayed.
* `item`: Position of item that is selected.
* `direction`
* `offset`: offset in pixels from position.

### `waypoint`
Displays distance to selected world position.

* `name`: The name of the waypoint.
* `text`: Distance suffix. Can be blank.
* `number:` An integer containing the RGB value of the color used to draw the text.
* `world_pos`: World position of the waypoint.

Representations of simple things
--------------------------------

### Position/vector

    {x=num, y=num, z=num}

For helper functions see "Vector helpers".

### `pointed_thing`
* `{type="nothing"}`
* `{type="node", under=pos, above=pos}`
* `{type="object", ref=ObjectRef}`

Flag Specifier Format
---------------------
Flags using the standardized flag specifier format can be specified in either of
two ways, by string or table.

The string format is a comma-delimited set of flag names; whitespace and
unrecognized flag fields are ignored. Specifying a flag in the string sets the
flag, and specifying a flag prefixed by the string `"no"` explicitly
clears the flag from whatever the default may be.

In addition to the standard string flag format, the schematic flags field can
also be a table of flag names to boolean values representing whether or not the
flag is set. Additionally, if a field with the flag name prefixed with `"no"`
is present, mapped to a boolean of any value, the specified flag is unset.

E.g. A flag field of value

    {place_center_x = true, place_center_y=false, place_center_z=true}

is equivalent to

    {place_center_x = true, noplace_center_y=true, place_center_z=true}

which is equivalent to

    "place_center_x, noplace_center_y, place_center_z"

or even

    "place_center_x, place_center_z"

since, by default, no schematic attributes are set.

Items
-----

### Item types
There are three kinds of items: nodes, tools and craftitems.

* Node (`register_node`): A node from the world.
* Tool (`register_tool`): A tool/weapon that can dig and damage
  things according to `tool_capabilities`.
* Craftitem (`register_craftitem`): A miscellaneous item.

### Amount and wear
All item stacks have an amount between 0 to 65535. It is 1 by
default. Tool item stacks can not have an amount greater than 1.

Tools use a wear (=damage) value ranging from 0 to 65535. The
value 0 is the default and used is for unworn tools. The values
1 to 65535 are used for worn tools, where a higher value stands for
a higher wear. Non-tools always have a wear value of 0.

### Item formats
Items and item stacks can exist in three formats: Serializes, table format
and `ItemStack`.

#### Serialized
This is called "stackstring" or "itemstring". It is a simple string with
1-3 components: the full item identifier, an optional amount and an optional
wear value. Syntax:

    <identifier> [<amount>[ <wear>]]

Examples:

* `'default:apple'`: 1 apple
* `'default:dirt 5'`: 5 dirt
* `'default:pick_stone'`: a new stone pickaxe
* `'default:pick_wood 1 21323'`: a wooden pickaxe, ca. 1/3 worn out

#### Table format
Examples:

5 dirt nodes:

    {name="default:dirt", count=5, wear=0, metadata=""}

A wooden pick about 1/3 worn out:

    {name="default:pick_wood", count=1, wear=21323, metadata=""}

An apple:

    {name="default:apple", count=1, wear=0, metadata=""}

#### `ItemStack`
A native C++ format with many helper methods. Useful for converting
between formats. See the Class reference section for details.

When an item must be passed to a function, it can usually be in any of
these formats.


Groups
------
In a number of places, there is a group table. Groups define the
properties of a thing (item, node, armor of entity, capabilities of
tool) in such a way that the engine and other mods can can interact with
the thing without actually knowing what the thing is.

### Usage
Groups are stored in a table, having the group names with keys and the
group ratings as values. For example:

    groups = {crumbly=3, soil=1}
    -- ^ Default dirt

    groups = {crumbly=2, soil=1, level=2, outerspace=1}
    -- ^ A more special dirt-kind of thing

Groups always have a rating associated with them. If there is no
useful meaning for a rating for an enabled group, it shall be `1`.

When not defined, the rating of a group defaults to `0`. Thus when you
read groups, you must interpret `nil` and `0` as the same value, `0`.

You can read the rating of a group for an item or a node by using

    minetest.get_item_group(itemname, groupname)

### Groups of items
Groups of items can define what kind of an item it is (e.g. wool).

### Groups of nodes
In addition to the general item things, groups are used to define whether
a node is destroyable and how long it takes to destroy by a tool.

### Groups of entities
For entities, groups are, as of now, used only for calculating damage.
The rating is the percentage of damage caused by tools with this damage group.
See "Entity damage mechanism".

    object.get_armor_groups() --> a group-rating table (e.g. {fleshy=100})
    object.set_armor_groups({fleshy=30, cracky=80})

### Groups of tools
Groups in tools define which groups of nodes and entities they are
effective towards.

### Groups in crafting recipes
An example: Make meat soup from any meat, any water and any bowl:

    {
        output = 'food:meat_soup_raw',
        recipe = {
            {'group:meat'},
            {'group:water'},
            {'group:bowl'},
        },
        -- preserve = {'group:bowl'}, -- Not implemented yet (TODO)
    }

Another example: Make red wool from white wool and red dye:

    {
        type = 'shapeless',
        output = 'wool:red',
        recipe = {'wool:white', 'group:dye,basecolor_red'},
    }

### Special groups
* `immortal`: Disables the group damage system for an entity
* `punch_operable`: For entities; disables the regular damage mechanism for
  players punching it by hand or a non-tool item, so that it can do something
  else than take damage.
* `level`: Can be used to give an additional sense of progression in the game.
     * A larger level will cause e.g. a weapon of a lower level make much less
       damage, and get worn out much faster, or not be able to get drops
       from destroyed nodes.
     * `0` is something that is directly accessible at the start of gameplay
     * There is no upper limit
* `dig_immediate`: (player can always pick up node without reducing tool wear)
    * `2`: the node always gets the digging time 0.5 seconds (rail, sign)
    * `3`: the node always gets the digging time 0 seconds (torch)
* `disable_jump`: Player (and possibly other things) cannot jump from node
* `fall_damage_add_percent`: damage speed = `speed * (1 + value/100)`
* `bouncy`: value is bounce speed in percent
* `falling_node`: if there is no walkable block under the node it will fall
* `attached_node`: if the node under it is not a walkable block the node will be
  dropped as an item. If the node is wallmounted the wallmounted direction is
  checked.
* `soil`: saplings will grow on nodes in this group
* `connect_to_raillike`: makes nodes of raillike drawtype with same group value
  connect to each other
* `slippery`: Players and items will slide on the node.
  Slipperiness rises steadily with `slippery` value, starting at 1.


### Known damage and digging time defining groups
* `crumbly`: dirt, sand
* `cracky`: tough but crackable stuff like stone.
* `snappy`: something that can be cut using fine tools; e.g. leaves, small
  plants, wire, sheets of metal
* `choppy`: something that can be cut using force; e.g. trees, wooden planks
* `fleshy`: Living things like animals and the player. This could imply
  some blood effects when hitting.
* `explody`: Especially prone to explosions
* `oddly_breakable_by_hand`:
   Can be added to nodes that shouldn't logically be breakable by the
   hand but are. Somewhat similar to `dig_immediate`, but times are more
   like `{[1]=3.50,[2]=2.00,[3]=0.70}` and this does not override the
   speed of a tool if the tool can dig at a faster speed than this
   suggests for the hand.

### Examples of custom groups
Item groups are often used for defining, well, _groups of items_.

* `meat`: any meat-kind of a thing (rating might define the size or healing
  ability or be irrelevant -- it is not defined as of yet)
* `eatable`: anything that can be eaten. Rating might define HP gain in half
  hearts.
* `flammable`: can be set on fire. Rating might define the intensity of the
  fire, affecting e.g. the speed of the spreading of an open fire.
* `wool`: any wool (any origin, any color)
* `metal`: any metal
* `weapon`: any weapon
* `heavy`: anything considerably heavy

### Digging time calculation specifics
Groups such as `crumbly`, `cracky` and `snappy` are used for this
purpose. Rating is `1`, `2` or `3`. A higher rating for such a group implies
faster digging time.

The `level` group is used to limit the toughness of nodes a tool can dig
and to scale the digging times / damage to a greater extent.

**Please do understand this**, otherwise you cannot use the system to it's
full potential.

Tools define their properties by a list of parameters for groups. They
cannot dig other groups; thus it is important to use a standard bunch of
groups to enable interaction with tools.

#### Tools definition
Tools define:

* Full punch interval
* Maximum drop level
* For an arbitrary list of groups:
    * Uses (until the tool breaks)
        * Maximum level (usually `0`, `1`, `2` or `3`)
        * Digging times
        * Damage groups

#### Full punch interval
When used as a weapon, the tool will do full damage if this time is spent
between punches. If e.g. half the time is spent, the tool will do half
damage.

#### Maximum drop level
Suggests the maximum level of node, when dug with the tool, that will drop
it's useful item. (e.g. iron ore to drop a lump of iron).

This is not automated; it is the responsibility of the node definition
to implement this.

#### Uses
Determines how many uses the tool has when it is used for digging a node,
of this group, of the maximum level. For lower leveled nodes, the use count
is multiplied by `3^leveldiff`.

* `uses=10, leveldiff=0`: actual uses: 10
* `uses=10, leveldiff=1`: actual uses: 30
* `uses=10, leveldiff=2`: actual uses: 90

#### Maximum level
Tells what is the maximum level of a node of this group that the tool will
be able to dig.

#### Digging times
List of digging times for different ratings of the group, for nodes of the
maximum level.

For example, as a Lua table, `times={2=2.00, 3=0.70}`. This would
result in the tool to be able to dig nodes that have a rating of `2` or `3`
for this group, and unable to dig the rating `1`, which is the toughest.
Unless there is a matching group that enables digging otherwise.

If the result digging time is 0, a delay of 0.15 seconds is added between
digging nodes; If the player releases LMB after digging, this delay is set to 0,
i.e. players can more quickly click the nodes away instead of holding LMB.

#### Damage groups
List of damage for groups of entities. See "Entity damage mechanism".

#### Example definition of the capabilities of a tool

    tool_capabilities = {
        full_punch_interval=1.5,
        max_drop_level=1,
        groupcaps={
            crumbly={maxlevel=2, uses=20, times={[1]=1.60, [2]=1.20, [3]=0.80}}
        }
        damage_groups = {fleshy=2},
    }

This makes the tool be able to dig nodes that fulfil both of these:

* Have the `crumbly` group
* Have a `level` group less or equal to `2`

Table of resulting digging times:

    crumbly        0     1     2     3     4  <- level
         ->  0     -     -     -     -     -
             1  0.80  1.60  1.60     -     -
             2  0.60  1.20  1.20     -     -
             3  0.40  0.80  0.80     -     -

    level diff:    2     1     0    -1    -2

Table of resulting tool uses:

    ->  0     -     -     -     -     -
        1   180    60    20     -     -
        2   180    60    20     -     -
        3   180    60    20     -     -

**Notes**:

* At `crumbly==0`, the node is not diggable.
* At `crumbly==3`, the level difference digging time divider kicks in and makes
  easy nodes to be quickly breakable.
* At `level > 2`, the node is not diggable, because it's `level > maxlevel`

Entity damage mechanism
-----------------------
Damage calculation:

    damage = 0
    foreach group in cap.damage_groups:
        damage += cap.damage_groups[group] * limit(actual_interval /
               cap.full_punch_interval, 0.0, 1.0)
            * (object.armor_groups[group] / 100.0)
            -- Where object.armor_groups[group] is 0 for inexistent values
    return damage

Client predicts damage based on damage groups. Because of this, it is able to
give an immediate response when an entity is damaged or dies; the response is
pre-defined somehow (e.g. by defining a sprite animation) (not implemented;
TODO).
Currently a smoke puff will appear when an entity dies.

The group `immortal` completely disables normal damage.

Entities can define a special armor group, which is `punch_operable`. This
group disables the regular damage mechanism for players punching it by hand or
a non-tool item, so that it can do something else than take damage.

On the Lua side, every punch calls:

    entity:on_punch(puncher, time_from_last_punch, tool_capabilities, direction, damage)

This should never be called directly, because damage is usually not handled by
the entity itself.

* `puncher` is the object performing the punch. Can be `nil`. Should never be
  accessed unless absolutely required, to encourage interoperability.
* `time_from_last_punch` is time from last punch (by `puncher`) or `nil`.
* `tool_capabilities` can be `nil`.
* `direction` is a unit vector, pointing from the source of the punch to
   the punched object.
* `damage` damage that will be done to entity
Return value of this function will determine if damage is done by this function
(retval true) or shall be done by engine (retval false)

To punch an entity/object in Lua, call:

    object:punch(puncher, time_from_last_punch, tool_capabilities, direction)

* Return value is tool wear.
* Parameters are equal to the above callback.
* If `direction` equals `nil` and `puncher` does not equal `nil`,
  `direction` will be automatically filled in based on the location of `puncher`.

Node Metadata
-------------
The instance of a node in the world normally only contains the three values
mentioned in "Nodes". However, it is possible to insert extra data into a
node. It is called "node metadata"; See `NodeMetaRef`.

Node metadata contains two things:

* A key-value store
* An inventory

Some of the values in the key-value store are handled specially:

* `formspec`: Defines a right-click inventory menu. See "Formspec".
* `infotext`: Text shown on the screen when the node is pointed at

Example stuff:

    local meta = minetest.get_meta(pos)
    meta:set_string("formspec",
            "size[8,9]"..
            "list[context;main;0,0;8,4;]"..
            "list[current_player;main;0,5;8,4;]")
    meta:set_string("infotext", "Chest");
    local inv = meta:get_inventory()
    inv:set_size("main", 8*4)
    print(dump(meta:to_table()))
    meta:from_table({
        inventory = {
            main = {[1] = "default:dirt", [2] = "", [3] = "", [4] = "",
                    [5] = "", [6] = "", [7] = "", [8] = "", [9] = "",
                    [10] = "", [11] = "", [12] = "", [13] = "",
                    [14] = "default:cobble", [15] = "", [16] = "", [17] = "",
                    [18] = "", [19] = "", [20] = "default:cobble", [21] = "",
                    [22] = "", [23] = "", [24] = "", [25] = "", [26] = "",
                    [27] = "", [28] = "", [29] = "", [30] = "", [31] = "",
                    [32] = ""}
        },
        fields = {
            formspec = "size[8,9]list[context;main;0,0;8,4;]list[current_player;main;0,5;8,4;]",
            infotext = "Chest"
        }
    })

Item Metadata
-------------
Item stacks can store metadata too. See `ItemStackMetaRef`.

Item metadata only contains a key-value store.

Some of the values in the key-value store are handled specially:

* `description`: Set the item stack's description. Defaults to `idef.description`
* `color`: A `ColorString`, which sets the stack's color.
* `palette_index`: If the item has a palette, this is used to get the
  current color from the palette.

Example stuff:

    local meta = stack:get_meta()
    meta:set_string("key", "value")
    print(dump(meta:to_table()))

Formspec
--------
Formspec defines a menu. Currently not much else than inventories are
supported. It is a string, with a somewhat strange format.

Spaces and newlines can be inserted between the blocks, as is used in the
examples.

### Examples

#### Chest

    size[8,9]
    list[context;main;0,0;8,4;]
    list[current_player;main;0,5;8,4;]

#### Furnace

    size[8,9]
    list[context;fuel;2,3;1,1;]
    list[context;src;2,1;1,1;]
    list[context;dst;5,1;2,2;]
    list[current_player;main;0,5;8,4;]

#### Minecraft-like player inventory

    size[8,7.5]
    image[1,0.6;1,2;player.png]
    list[current_player;main;0,3.5;8,4;]
    list[current_player;craft;3,0;3,3;]
    list[current_player;craftpreview;7,1;1,1;]

### Elements

#### `size[<W>,<H>,<fixed_size>]`
* Define the size of the menu in inventory slots
* `fixed_size`: `true`/`false` (optional)
* deprecated: `invsize[<W>,<H>;]`

#### `position[<X>,<Y>]`
* Must be used after `size` element.
* Defines the position on the game window of the formspec's `anchor` point.
* For X and Y, 0.0 and 1.0 represent opposite edges of the game window, for example:
    * [0.0, 0.0] sets the position to the top left corner of the game window.
    * [1.0, 1.0] sets the position to the bottom right of the game window.
* Defaults to the center of the game window [0.5, 0.5].

#### `anchor[<X>,<Y>]`
* Must be used after both `size` and `position` (if present) elements.
* Defines the location of the anchor point within the formspec.
* For X and Y, 0.0 and 1.0 represent opposite edges of the formspec, for example:
    * [0.0, 1.0] sets the anchor to the bottom left corner of the formspec.
    * [1.0, 0.0] sets the anchor to the top right of the formspec.
* Defaults to the center of the formspec [0.5, 0.5].

* `position` and `anchor` elements need suitable values to avoid a formspec
  extending off the game window due to particular game window sizes.

#### `container[<X>,<Y>]`
* Start of a container block, moves all physical elements in the container by (X, Y)
* Must have matching `container_end`
* Containers can be nested, in which case the offsets are added
  (child containers are relative to parent containers)

#### `container_end[]`
* End of a container, following elements are no longer relative to this container

#### `list[<inventory location>;<list name>;<X>,<Y>;<W>,<H>;]`
* Show an inventory list

#### `list[<inventory location>;<list name>;<X>,<Y>;<W>,<H>;<starting item index>]`
* Show an inventory list

#### `listring[<inventory location>;<list name>]`
* Allows to create a ring of inventory lists
* Shift-clicking on items in one element of the ring
  will send them to the next inventory list inside the ring
* The first occurrence of an element inside the ring will
  determine the inventory where items will be sent to

#### `listring[]`
* Shorthand for doing `listring[<inventory location>;<list name>]`
  for the last two inventory lists added by list[...]

#### `listcolors[<slot_bg_normal>;<slot_bg_hover>]`
* Sets background color of slots as `ColorString`
* Sets background color of slots on mouse hovering

#### `listcolors[<slot_bg_normal>;<slot_bg_hover>;<slot_border>]`
* Sets background color of slots as `ColorString`
* Sets background color of slots on mouse hovering
* Sets color of slots border

#### `listcolors[<slot_bg_normal>;<slot_bg_hover>;<slot_border>;<tooltip_bgcolor>;<tooltip_fontcolor>]`
* Sets background color of slots as `ColorString`
* Sets background color of slots on mouse hovering
* Sets color of slots border
* Sets default background color of tooltips
* Sets default font color of tooltips

#### `tooltip[<gui_element_name>;<tooltip_text>;<bgcolor>;<fontcolor>]`
* Adds tooltip for an element
* `<bgcolor>` tooltip background color as `ColorString` (optional)
* `<fontcolor>` tooltip font color as `ColorString` (optional)

#### `image[<X>,<Y>;<W>,<H>;<texture name>]`
* Show an image
* Position and size units are inventory slots

#### `item_image[<X>,<Y>;<W>,<H>;<item name>]`
* Show an inventory image of registered item/node
* Position and size units are inventory slots

#### `bgcolor[<color>;<fullscreen>]`
* Sets background color of formspec as `ColorString`
* If `true`, the background color is drawn fullscreen (does not effect the size of the formspec)

#### `background[<X>,<Y>;<W>,<H>;<texture name>]`
* Use a background. Inventory rectangles are not drawn then.
* Position and size units are inventory slots
* Example for formspec 8x4 in 16x resolution: image shall be sized
  8 times 16px  times  4 times 16px.

#### `background[<X>,<Y>;<W>,<H>;<texture name>;<auto_clip>]`
* Use a background. Inventory rectangles are not drawn then.
* Position and size units are inventory slots
* Example for formspec 8x4 in 16x resolution:
  image shall be sized 8 times 16px  times  4 times 16px
* If `true` the background is clipped to formspec size
  (`x` and `y` are used as offset values, `w` and `h` are ignored)

#### `pwdfield[<X>,<Y>;<W>,<H>;<name>;<label>]`
* Textual password style field; will be sent to server when a button is clicked
* When enter is pressed in field, fields.key_enter_field will be sent with the name
  of this field.
* `x` and `y` position the field relative to the top left of the menu
* `w` and `h` are the size of the field
* Fields are a set height, but will be vertically centred on `h`
* Position and size units are inventory slots
* `name` is the name of the field as returned in fields to `on_receive_fields`
* `label`, if not blank, will be text printed on the top left above the field
* See field_close_on_enter to stop enter closing the formspec

#### `field[<X>,<Y>;<W>,<H>;<name>;<label>;<default>]`
* Textual field; will be sent to server when a button is clicked
* When enter is pressed in field, `fields.key_enter_field` will be sent with the name
  of this field.
* `x` and `y` position the field relative to the top left of the menu
* `w` and `h` are the size of the field
* Fields are a set height, but will be vertically centred on `h`
* Position and size units are inventory slots
* `name` is the name of the field as returned in fields to `on_receive_fields`
* `label`, if not blank, will be text printed on the top left above the field
* `default` is the default value of the field
    * `default` may contain variable references such as `${text}'` which
      will fill the value from the metadata value `text`
    * **Note**: no extra text or more than a single variable is supported ATM.
* See `field_close_on_enter` to stop enter closing the formspec

#### `field[<name>;<label>;<default>]`
* As above, but without position/size units
* When enter is pressed in field, `fields.key_enter_field` will be sent with the name
  of this field.
* Special field for creating simple forms, such as sign text input
* Must be used without a `size[]` element
* A "Proceed" button will be added automatically
* See `field_close_on_enter` to stop enter closing the formspec

#### `field_close_on_enter[<name>;<close_on_enter>]`
* <name> is the name of the field
* if <close_on_enter> is false, pressing enter in the field will submit the form but not close it
* defaults to true when not specified (ie: no tag for a field)

#### `textarea[<X>,<Y>;<W>,<H>;<name>;<label>;<default>]`
* Same as fields above, but with multi-line input
* if the text overflows a vertical scrollbar is added
* if the name is empty the textarea is readonly. The label is not displayed then

#### `label[<X>,<Y>;<label>]`
* `x` and `y` work as per field
* `label` is the text on the label
* Position and size units are inventory slots

#### `vertlabel[<X>,<Y>;<label>]`
* Textual label drawn vertically
* `x` and `y` work as per field
* `label` is the text on the label
* Position and size units are inventory slots

#### `button[<X>,<Y>;<W>,<H>;<name>;<label>]`
* Clickable button. When clicked, fields will be sent.
* `x`, `y` and `name` work as per field
* `w` and `h` are the size of the button
* Fixed button height. It will be vertically centred on `h`
* `label` is the text on the button
* Position and size units are inventory slots

#### `image_button[<X>,<Y>;<W>,<H>;<texture name>;<name>;<label>]`
* `x`, `y`, `w`, `h`, and `name` work as per button
* `texture name` is the filename of an image
* Position and size units are inventory slots

#### `image_button[<X>,<Y>;<W>,<H>;<texture name>;<name>;<label>;<noclip>;<drawborder>;<pressed texture name>]`
* `x`, `y`, `w`, `h`, and `name` work as per button
* `texture name` is the filename of an image
* Position and size units are inventory slots
* `noclip=true` means the image button doesn't need to be within specified formsize
* `drawborder`: draw button border or not
* `pressed texture name` is the filename of an image on pressed state

#### `item_image_button[<X>,<Y>;<W>,<H>;<item name>;<name>;<label>]`
* `x`, `y`, `w`, `h`, `name` and `label` work as per button
* `item name` is the registered name of an item/node,
  tooltip will be made out of its description
  to override it use tooltip element
* Position and size units are inventory slots

#### `button_exit[<X>,<Y>;<W>,<H>;<name>;<label>]`
* When clicked, fields will be sent and the form will quit.

#### `image_button_exit[<X>,<Y>;<W>,<H>;<texture name>;<name>;<label>]`
* When clicked, fields will be sent and the form will quit.

#### `textlist[<X>,<Y>;<W>,<H>;<name>;<listelem 1>,<listelem 2>,...,<listelem n>]`
* Scrollable item list showing arbitrary text elements
* `x` and `y` position the itemlist relative to the top left of the menu
* `w` and `h` are the size of the itemlist
* `name` fieldname sent to server on doubleclick value is current selected element
* `listelements` can be prepended by #color in hexadecimal format RRGGBB (only),
    * if you want a listelement to start with "#" write "##".

#### `textlist[<X>,<Y>;<W>,<H>;<name>;<listelem 1>,<listelem 2>,...,<listelem n>;<selected idx>;<transparent>]`
* Scrollable itemlist showing arbitrary text elements
* `x` and `y` position the item list relative to the top left of the menu
* `w` and `h` are the size of the item list
* `name` fieldname sent to server on doubleclick value is current selected element
* `listelements` can be prepended by #RRGGBB (only) in hexadecimal format
    * if you want a listelement to start with "#" write "##"
* Index to be selected within textlist
* `true`/`false`: draw transparent background
* See also `minetest.explode_textlist_event` (main menu: `engine.explode_textlist_event`)

#### `tabheader[<X>,<Y>;<name>;<caption 1>,<caption 2>,...,<caption n>;<current_tab>;<transparent>;<draw_border>]`
* Show a tab**header** at specific position (ignores formsize)
* `x` and `y` position the itemlist relative to the top left of the menu
* `name` fieldname data is transferred to Lua
* `caption 1`...: name shown on top of tab
* `current_tab`: index of selected tab 1...
* `transparent` (optional): show transparent
* `draw_border` (optional): draw border

#### `box[<X>,<Y>;<W>,<H>;<color>]`
* Simple colored semitransparent box
* `x` and `y` position the box relative to the top left of the menu
* `w` and `h` are the size of box
* `color` is color specified as a `ColorString`

#### `dropdown[<X>,<Y>;<W>;<name>;<item 1>,<item 2>, ...,<item n>;<selected idx>]`
* Show a dropdown field
* **Important note**: There are two different operation modes:
    1. handle directly on change (only changed dropdown is submitted)
    2. read the value on pressing a button (all dropdown values are available)
* `x` and `y` position of dropdown
* Width of dropdown
* Fieldname data is transferred to Lua
* Items to be shown in dropdown
* Index of currently selected dropdown item

#### `checkbox[<X>,<Y>;<name>;<label>;<selected>]`
* Show a checkbox
* `x` and `y`: position of checkbox
* `name` fieldname data is transferred to Lua
* `label` to be shown left of checkbox
* `selected` (optional): `true`/`false`

#### `scrollbar[<X>,<Y>;<W>,<H>;<orientation>;<name>;<value>]`
* Show a scrollbar
* There are two ways to use it:
    1. handle the changed event (only changed scrollbar is available)
    2. read the value on pressing a button (all scrollbars are available)
* `x` and `y`: position of trackbar
* `w` and `h`: width and height
* `orientation`:  `vertical`/`horizontal`
* Fieldname data is transferred to Lua
* Value this trackbar is set to (`0`-`1000`)
* See also `minetest.explode_scrollbar_event` (main menu: `engine.explode_scrollbar_event`)

#### `table[<X>,<Y>;<W>,<H>;<name>;<cell 1>,<cell 2>,...,<cell n>;<selected idx>]`
* Show scrollable table using options defined by the previous `tableoptions[]`
* Displays cells as defined by the previous `tablecolumns[]`
* `x` and `y`: position the itemlist relative to the top left of the menu
* `w` and `h` are the size of the itemlist
* `name`: fieldname sent to server on row select or doubleclick
* `cell 1`...`cell n`: cell contents given in row-major order
* `selected idx`: index of row to be selected within table (first row = `1`)
* See also `minetest.explode_table_event` (main menu: `engine.explode_table_event`)

#### `tableoptions[<opt 1>;<opt 2>;...]`
* Sets options for `table[]`
* `color=#RRGGBB`
    * default text color (`ColorString`), defaults to `#FFFFFF`
* `background=#RRGGBB`
    * table background color (`ColorString`), defaults to `#000000`
* `border=<true/false>`
    * should the table be drawn with a border? (default: `true`)
* `highlight=#RRGGBB`
    * highlight background color (`ColorString`), defaults to `#466432`
* `highlight_text=#RRGGBB`
    * highlight text color (`ColorString`), defaults to `#FFFFFF`
* `opendepth=<value>`
    * all subtrees up to `depth < value` are open (default value = `0`)
    * only useful when there is a column of type "tree"

#### `tablecolumns[<type 1>,<opt 1a>,<opt 1b>,...;<type 2>,<opt 2a>,<opt 2b>;...]`
* Sets columns for `table[]`
* Types: `text`, `image`, `color`, `indent`, `tree`
    * `text`:   show cell contents as text
    * `image`:  cell contents are an image index, use column options to define images
    * `color`:  cell contents are a ColorString and define color of following cell
    * `indent`: cell contents are a number and define indentation of following cell
    * `tree`:   same as indent, but user can open and close subtrees (treeview-like)
* Column options:
    * `align=<value>`
        * for `text` and `image`: content alignment within cells.
          Available values: `left` (default), `center`, `right`, `inline`
    * `width=<value>`
        * for `text` and `image`: minimum width in em (default: `0`)
        * for `indent` and `tree`: indent width in em (default: `1.5`)
    * `padding=<value>`: padding left of the column, in em (default `0.5`).
      Exception: defaults to 0 for indent columns
    * `tooltip=<value>`: tooltip text (default: empty)
    * `image` column options:
        * `0=<value>` sets image for image index 0
        * `1=<value>` sets image for image index 1
        * `2=<value>` sets image for image index 2
        * and so on; defined indices need not be contiguous empty or
          non-numeric cells are treated as `0`.
    * `color` column options:
        * `span=<value>`: number of following columns to affect (default: infinite)

**Note**: do _not_ use a element name starting with `key_`; those names are reserved to
pass key press events to formspec!

Inventory locations
-------------------
* `"context"`: Selected node metadata (deprecated: `"current_name"`)
* `"current_player"`: Player to whom the menu is shown
* `"player:<name>"`: Any player
* `"nodemeta:<X>,<Y>,<Z>"`: Any node metadata
* `"detached:<name>"`: A detached inventory

Player Inventory lists
----------------------
* `main`: list containing the default inventory
* `craft`: list containing the craft input
* `craftpreview`: list containing the craft output
* `hand`: list containing an override for the empty hand

`ColorString`
-------------
`#RGB` defines a color in hexadecimal format.

`#RGBA` defines a color in hexadecimal format and alpha channel.

`#RRGGBB` defines a color in hexadecimal format.

`#RRGGBBAA` defines a color in hexadecimal format and alpha channel.

Named colors are also supported and are equivalent to
[CSS Color Module Level 4](http://dev.w3.org/csswg/css-color/#named-colors).
To specify the value of the alpha channel, append `#AA` to the end of the color name
(e.g. `colorname#08`). For named colors the hexadecimal string representing the alpha
value must (always) be two hexadecimal digits.

`ColorSpec`
-----------
A ColorSpec specifies a 32-bit color.  It can be written in either:
table form, each element ranging from 0..255 (a, if absent, defaults to 255):
    `colorspec = {a=255, r=0, g=255, b=0}`
numerical form, the raw integer value of an ARGB8 quad:
    `colorspec = 0xFF00FF00`
or string form, a ColorString (defined above):
    `colorspec = "green"`

Escape sequences
----------------
Most text can contain escape sequences, that can for example color the text.
There are a few exceptions: tab headers, dropdowns and vertical labels can't.
The following functions provide escape sequences:

* `minetest.get_color_escape_sequence(color)`:
    * `color` is a ColorString
    * The escape sequence sets the text color to `color`
* `minetest.colorize(color, message)`:
    * Equivalent to:
      `minetest.get_color_escape_sequence(color) ..
      message ..
      minetest.get_color_escape_sequence("#ffffff")`
* `minetest.get_background_escape_sequence(color)`
    * `color` is a ColorString
    * The escape sequence sets the background of the whole text element to
      `color`. Only defined for item descriptions and tooltips.
* `minetest.strip_foreground_colors(str)`
    * Removes foreground colors added by `get_color_escape_sequence`.
* `minetest.strip_background_colors(str)`
    * Removes background colors added by `get_background_escape_sequence`.
* `minetest.strip_colors(str)`
    * Removes all color escape sequences.

Spatial Vectors
---------------
For the following functions, `v`, `v1`, `v2` are vectors, `p1`, `p2` are positions:

* `vector.new(a[, b, c])`:
    * Returns a vector.
    * A copy of `a` if `a` is a vector.
    * `{x = a, y = b, z = c}`, if all of `a`, `b`, `c` are defined numbers.
* `vector.direction(p1, p2)`:
    * Returns a vector of length 1 with direction `p1` to `p2`.
    * If `p1` and `p2` are identical, returns `{x = 0, y = 0, z = 0}`.
* `vector.distance(p1, p2)`:
    * Returns zero or a positive number, the distance between `p1` and `p2`.
* `vector.length(v)`:
    * Returns zero or a positive number, the length of vector `v`.
* `vector.normalize(v)`:
    * Returns a vector of length 1 with direction of vector `v`.
    * If `v` has zero length, returns `{x = 0, y = 0, z = 0}`.
* `vector.floor(v)`:
    * Returns a vector, each dimension rounded down.
* `vector.round(v)`:
    * Returns a vector, each dimension rounded to nearest integer.
* `vector.apply(v, func)`:
    * Returns a vector where the function `func` has been applied to each component.
* `vector.equals(v1, v2)`:
    * Returns a boolean, `true` if the vectors are identical.
* `vector.sort(v1, v2)`:
    * Returns in order minp, maxp vectors of the cuboid defined by `v1`, `v2`.

For the following functions `x` can be either a vector or a number:

* `vector.add(v, x)`:
    * Returns a vector.
* `vector.subtract(v, x)`:
    * Returns a vector.
* `vector.multiply(v, x)`:
    * Returns a scaled vector or Schur product.
* `vector.divide(v, x)`:
    * Returns a scaled vector or Schur quotient.

Helper functions
----------------
* `dump2(obj, name, dumped)`: returns a string which makes `obj` human readable,
  handles reference loops
    * `obj`: arbitrary variable
    * `name`: string, default: `"_"`
    * `dumped`: table, default: `{}`
* `dump(obj, dumped)`: returns a string which makes `obj` human readable
    * `obj`: arbitrary variable
    * `dumped`: table, default: `{}`
* `math.hypot(x, y)`
    * Get the hypotenuse of a triangle with legs x and y.
      Useful for distance calculation.
* `math.sign(x, tolerance)`: returns `-1`, `0` or `1`
    * Get the sign of a number.
    * tolerance: number, default: `0.0`
    * If the absolute value of `x` is within the `tolerance` or `x` is NaN,
      `0` is returned.
* `string.split(str, separator, include_empty, max_splits, sep_is_pattern)`
    * `separator`: string, default: `","`
    * `include_empty`: boolean, default: `false`
    * `max_splits`: number, if it's positive, splits aren't limited,
      default: `-1`
    * `sep_is_pattern`: boolean, it specifies whether separator is a plain
      string or a pattern (regex), default: `false`
    * e.g. `"a,b":split","` returns `{"a","b"}`
* `string:trim()`: returns the string whithout whitespace pre- and suffixes
    * e.g. `"\n \t\tfoo bar\t ":trim()` returns `"foo bar"`
* `minetest.wrap_text(str, limit, as_table)`: returns a string or table
    * Adds newlines to the string to keep it within the specified character
      limit
    * Note that the returned lines may be longer than the limit since it only
      splits at word borders.
    * `limit`: number, maximal amount of characters in one line
    * `as_table`: boolean, if set to true, a table of lines instead of a string
      is returned, default: `false`
* `minetest.pos_to_string(pos, decimal_places)`: returns string `"(X,Y,Z)"`
    * `pos`: table {x=X, y=Y, z=Z}
    * Converts the position `pos` to a human-readable, printable string
    * `decimal_places`: number, if specified, the x, y and z values of
      the position are rounded to the given decimal place.
* `minetest.string_to_pos(string)`: returns a position or `nil`
    * Same but in reverse.
    * If the string can't be parsed to a position, nothing is returned.
* `minetest.string_to_area("(X1, Y1, Z1) (X2, Y2, Z2)")`: returns two positions
    * Converts a string representing an area box into two positions
* `minetest.formspec_escape(string)`: returns a string
    * escapes the characters "[", "]", "\", "," and ";", which can not be used in formspecs
* `minetest.is_yes(arg)`
    * returns true if passed 'y', 'yes', 'true' or a number that isn't zero.
* `minetest.get_us_time()`
    * returns time with microsecond precision. May not return wall time.
* `table.copy(table)`: returns a table
    * returns a deep copy of `table`
* `minetest.pointed_thing_to_face_pos(placer, pointed_thing)`: returns a position
    * returns the exact position on the surface of a pointed node

Translations
------------

Texts can be translated client-side with the help of `minetest.translate` and translation files.

### Translating a string
Two functions are provided to translate strings: `minetest.translate` and `minetest.get_translator`.

* `minetest.get_translator(textdomain)` is a simple wrapper around `minetest.translate`, and
  `minetest.get_translator(textdomain)(str, ...)` is equivalent to `minetest.translate(textdomain, str, ...)`.
  It is intended to be used in the following way, so that it avoids verbose repetitions of `minetest.translate`:

    local S = minetest.get_translator(textdomain)
    S(str, ...)

  As an extra commodity, if `textdomain` is nil, it is assumed to be "" instead.

* `minetest.translate(textdomain, str, ...)` translates the string `str` with the given `textdomain`
  for disambiguation. The textdomain must match the textdomain specified in the translation file in order
  to get the string translated. This can be used so that a string is translated differently in different contexts.
  It is advised to use the name of the mod as textdomain whenever possible, to avoid clashes with other mods.
  This function must be given a number of arguments equal to the number of arguments the translated string expects.
  Arguments are literal strings -- they will not be translated, so if you want them to be, they need to come as
  outputs of `minetest.translate` as well.

  For instance, suppose we want to translate "@1 Wool" with "@1" being replaced by the translation of "Red".
  We can do the following:

    local S = minetest.get_translator()
    S("@1 Wool", S("Red"))

  This will be displayed as "Red Wool" on old clients and on clients that do not have localization enabled.
  However, if we have for instance a translation file named `wool.fr.tr` containing the following:

    @1 Wool=Laine @1
    Red=Rouge

  this will be displayed as "Laine Rouge" on clients with a French locale.

### Operations on translated strings

The output of `minetest.translate` is a string, with escape sequences adding additional information to that string
so that it can be translated on the different clients. In particular, you can't expect operations like string.length
to work on them like you would expect them to, or string.gsub to work in the expected manner. However, string
concatenation will still work as expected (note that you should only use this for things like formspecs; do not
translate sentences by breaking them into parts; arguments should be used instead), and operations such as
`minetest.colorize` which are only concatenation under the hood as well.

### Translation file format
A translation file has the suffix `.[lang].tr`, where `[lang]` is the language it corresponds to.
The file should be a text file, with the following format:

* Lines beginning with `# textdomain:` (the space is significant) can be used to specify the text
  domain of all following translations in the file.
* All other empty lines or lines beginning with `#` are ignored.
* Other lines should be in the format `original=translated`. Both `original` and `translated` can
  contain escape sequences beginning with `@` to insert arguments, literal `@`, `=` or newline
  (See ### Escapes below). There must be no extraneous whitespace around the `=` or at the beginning
  or the end of the line.

### Escapes
Strings that need to be translated can contain several escapes, preceded by `@`.
* `@@` acts as a literal `@`.
* `@n`, where `n` is a digit between 1 and 9, is an argument for the translated string that will be inlined
  when translation. Due to how translations are implemented, the original translation string **must** have
  its arguments in increasing order, without gaps or repetitions, starting from 1.
* `@=` acts as a literal `=`. It is not required in strings given to `minetest.translate`, but is in translation
  files to avoid being confused with the `=` separating the original from the translation.
* `@\n` (where the `\n` is a literal newline) acts as a literal newline. As with `@=`, this escape is not required
  in strings given to `minetest.translate`, but is in translation files.
* `@n` acts as a literal newline as well.

`minetest` namespace reference
------------------------------

### Utilities

* `minetest.get_current_modname()`: returns the currently loading mod's name, when we are loading a mod
* `minetest.get_modpath(modname)`: returns e.g. `"/home/user/.minetest/usermods/modname"`
    * Useful for loading additional `.lua` modules or static data from mod
* `minetest.get_modnames()`: returns a list of installed mods
    * Return a list of installed mods, sorted alphabetically
* `minetest.get_worldpath()`: returns e.g. `"/home/user/.minetest/world"`
    * Useful for storing custom data
* `minetest.is_singleplayer()`
* `minetest.features`: Table containing API feature flags

        {
           glasslike_framed = true,
           nodebox_as_selectionbox = true,
           chat_send_player_param3 = true,
           get_all_craft_recipes_works = true,
           use_texture_alpha = true,
        -- ^ The transparency channel of textures can be used optionally
           no_legacy_abms = true,
        -- ^ Tree and grass ABMs are no longer done from C++
           texture_names_parens = true,
        -- ^ Texture grouping is possible using parentheses
           area_store_custom_ids = true,
        -- ^ Unique Area ID for AreaStore:insert_area
           add_entity_with_staticdata = true,
        -- ^ add_entity supports passing initial staticdata to on_activate
           no_chat_message_prediction = true,
        -- ^ Chat messages are no longer predicted
        }
* `minetest.has_feature(arg)`: returns `boolean, missing_features`
    * `arg`: string or table in format `{foo=true, bar=true}`
    * `missing_features`: `{foo=true, bar=true}`
* `minetest.get_player_information(player_name)`:
    * Returns a table containing information about a player. Example return value:

            {
                address = "127.0.0.1",     -- IP address of client
                ip_version = 4,            -- IPv4 / IPv6
                min_rtt = 0.01,            -- minimum round trip time
                max_rtt = 0.2,             -- maximum round trip time
                avg_rtt = 0.02,            -- average round trip time
                min_jitter = 0.01,         -- minimum packet time jitter
                max_jitter = 0.5,          -- maximum packet time jitter
                avg_jitter = 0.03,         -- average packet time jitter
                connection_uptime = 200,   -- seconds since client connected
                protocol_version = 32,     -- protocol version used by client
                -- following information is available on debug build only!!!
                -- DO NOT USE IN MODS
                --ser_vers = 26,             -- serialization version used by client
                --major = 0,                 -- major version number
                --minor = 4,                 -- minor version number
                --patch = 10,                -- patch version number
                --vers_string = "0.4.9-git", -- full version string
                --state = "Active"           -- current client state
            }
* `minetest.mkdir(path)`: returns success.
    * Creates a directory specified by `path`, creating parent directories
      if they don't exist.
* `minetest.get_dir_list(path, [is_dir])`: returns list of entry names
    * is_dir is one of:
        * nil: return all entries,
        * true: return only subdirectory names, or
        * false: return only file names.
* `minetest.safe_file_write(path, content)`: returns boolean indicating success
    * Replaces contents of file at path with new contents in a safe (atomic) way.
      Use this instead of below code when writing e.g. database files:
      `local f = io.open(path, "wb"); f:write(content); f:close()`
* `minetest.get_version()`: returns a table containing components of the
   engine version.  Components:
    * `project`: Name of the project, eg, "Minetest"
    * `string`: Simple version, eg, "1.2.3-dev"
    * `hash`: Full git version (only set if available), eg, "1.2.3-dev-01234567-dirty"
  Use this for informational purposes only. The information in the returned
  table does not represent the capabilities of the engine, nor is it
  reliable or verifiable. Compatible forks will have a different name and
  version entirely. To check for the presence of engine features, test
  whether the functions exported by the wanted features exist. For example:
  `if minetest.check_for_falling then ... end`.
* `minetest.sha1(data, [raw])`: returns the sha1 hash of data
    * `data`: string of data to hash
    * `raw`: return raw bytes instead of hex digits, default: false

### Logging
* `minetest.debug(...)`
    * Equivalent to `minetest.log(table.concat({...}, "\t"))`
* `minetest.log([level,] text)`
    * `level` is one of `"none"`, `"error"`, `"warning"`, `"action"`,
      `"info"`, or `"verbose"`.  Default is `"none"`.

### Registration functions
Call these functions only at load time!

* `minetest.register_entity(name, prototype table)`
* `minetest.register_abm(abm definition)`
* `minetest.register_lbm(lbm definition)`
* `minetest.register_node(name, node definition)`
* `minetest.register_tool(name, item definition)`
* `minetest.register_craftitem(name, item definition)`
* `minetest.unregister_item(name)`
* `minetest.register_alias(name, convert_to)`
    * Also use this to set the 'mapgen aliases' needed in a game for the core
    * mapgens. See 'Mapgen aliases' section above.
* `minetest.register_alias_force(name, convert_to)`
* `minetest.register_craft(recipe)`
    * Check recipe table syntax for different types below.
* `minetest.clear_craft(recipe)`
    * Will erase existing craft based either on output item or on input recipe.
    * Specify either output or input only. If you specify both, input will be ignored. For input use the same recipe table
      syntax as for `minetest.register_craft(recipe)`. For output specify only the item, without a quantity.
    * If no erase candidate could be found, Lua exception will be thrown.
    * **Warning**! The type field ("shaped","cooking" or any other) will be ignored if the recipe
      contains output. Erasing is then done independently from the crafting method.
* `minetest.register_ore(ore definition)`
* `minetest.register_biome(biome definition)`
* `minetest.register_decoration(decoration definition)`
* `minetest.override_item(name, redefinition)`
    * Overrides fields of an item registered with register_node/tool/craftitem.
    * Note: Item must already be defined, (opt)depend on the mod defining it.
    * Example: `minetest.override_item("default:mese", {light_source=LIGHT_MAX})`
* `minetest.clear_registered_ores()`
* `minetest.clear_registered_biomes()`
* `minetest.clear_registered_decorations()`

### Global callback registration functions
Call these functions only at load time!

* `minetest.register_globalstep(func(dtime))`
    * Called every server step, usually interval of 0.1s
* `minetest.register_on_shutdown(func())`
    * Called before server shutdown
    * **Warning**: If the server terminates abnormally (i.e. crashes), the registered
      callbacks **will likely not be run**. Data should be saved at
      semi-frequent intervals as well as on server shutdown.
* `minetest.register_on_placenode(func(pos, newnode, placer, oldnode, itemstack, pointed_thing))`
    * Called when a node has been placed
    * If return `true` no item is taken from `itemstack`
    * `placer` may be any valid ObjectRef or nil.
    * **Not recommended**; use `on_construct` or `after_place_node` in node definition
      whenever possible
* `minetest.register_on_dignode(func(pos, oldnode, digger))`
    * Called when a node has been dug.
    * **Not recommended**; Use `on_destruct` or `after_dig_node` in node definition
      whenever possible
* `minetest.register_on_punchnode(func(pos, node, puncher, pointed_thing))`
    * Called when a node is punched
* `minetest.register_on_generated(func(minp, maxp, blockseed))`
    * Called after generating a piece of world. Modifying nodes inside the area
      is a bit faster than usually.
* `minetest.register_on_newplayer(func(ObjectRef))`
    * Called after a new player has been created
* `minetest.register_on_dieplayer(func(ObjectRef))`
    * Called when a player dies
* `minetest.register_on_punchplayer(func(player, hitter, time_from_last_punch, tool_capabilities, dir, damage))`
    * Called when a player is punched
    * `player` - ObjectRef - Player that was punched
    * `hitter` - ObjectRef - Player that hit
    * `time_from_last_punch`: Meant for disallowing spamming of clicks (can be nil)
    * `tool_capabilities`: capability table of used tool (can be nil)
    * `dir`: unit vector of direction of punch. Always defined. Points from
      the puncher to the punched.
    * `damage` - number that represents the damage calculated by the engine
    * should return `true` to prevent the default damage mechanism
* `minetest.register_on_player_hpchange(func(player, hp_change), modifier)`
    * Called when the player gets damaged or healed
    * `player`: ObjectRef of the player
    * `hp_change`: the amount of change. Negative when it is damage.
    * `modifier`: when true, the function should return the actual `hp_change`.
      Note: modifiers only get a temporary hp_change that can be modified by later modifiers.
      modifiers can return true as a second argument to stop the execution of further functions.
      Non-modifiers receive the final hp change calculated by the modifiers.
* `minetest.register_on_respawnplayer(func(ObjectRef))`
    * Called when player is to be respawned
    * Called _before_ repositioning of player occurs
    * return true in func to disable regular player placement
* `minetest.register_on_prejoinplayer(func(name, ip))`
    * Called before a player joins the game
    * If it returns a string, the player is disconnected with that string as reason
* `minetest.register_on_joinplayer(func(ObjectRef))`
    * Called when a player joins the game
* `minetest.register_on_leaveplayer(func(ObjectRef, timed_out))`
    * Called when a player leaves the game
    * `timed_out`: True for timeout, false for other reasons.
* `minetest.register_on_cheat(func(ObjectRef, cheat))`
    * Called when a player cheats
    * `cheat`: `{type=<cheat_type>}`, where `<cheat_type>` is one of:
        * `moved_too_fast`
        * `interacted_too_far`
        * `interacted_while_dead`
        * `finished_unknown_dig`
        * `dug_unbreakable`
        * `dug_too_fast`
* `minetest.register_on_chat_message(func(name, message))`
    * Called always when a player says something
    * Return `true` to mark the message as handled, which means that it will not be sent to other players
* `minetest.register_on_player_receive_fields(func(player, formname, fields))`
    * Called when a button is pressed in player's inventory form
    * Newest functions are called first
    * If function returns `true`, remaining functions are not called
* `minetest.register_on_craft(func(itemstack, player, old_craft_grid, craft_inv))`
    * Called when `player` crafts something
    * `itemstack` is the output
    * `old_craft_grid` contains the recipe (Note: the one in the inventory is cleared)
    * `craft_inv` is the inventory with the crafting grid
    * Return either an `ItemStack`, to replace the output, or `nil`, to not modify it
* `minetest.register_craft_predict(func(itemstack, player, old_craft_grid, craft_inv))`
    * The same as before, except that it is called before the player crafts, to make
   craft prediction, and it should not change anything.
* `minetest.register_on_protection_violation(func(pos, name))`
    * Called by `builtin` and mods when a player violates protection at a position
      (eg, digs a node or punches a protected entity).
    * The registered functions can be called using `minetest.record_protection_violation`
    * The provided function should check that the position is protected by the mod
      calling this function before it prints a message, if it does, to allow for
      multiple protection mods.
* `minetest.register_on_item_eat(func(hp_change, replace_with_item, itemstack, user, pointed_thing))`
    * Called when an item is eaten, by `minetest.item_eat`
    * Return `true` or `itemstack` to cancel the default item eat response (i.e.: hp increase)
* `minetest.register_on_priv_grant(function(name, granter, priv))`
    * Called when `granter` grants the priv `priv` to `name`.
    * Note that the callback will be called twice if it's done by a player, once with granter being the player name,
      and again with granter being nil.
* `minetest.register_on_priv_revoke(function(name, revoker, priv))`
    * Called when `revoker` revokes the priv `priv` from `name`.
    * Note that the callback will be called twice if it's done by a player, once with revoker being the player name,
      and again with revoker being nil.
* `minetest.register_can_bypass_userlimit(function(name, ip))`
    * Called when `name` user connects with `ip`.
    * Return `true` to by pass the player limit
* `minetest.register_on_modchannel_message(func(channel_name, sender, message))`
    * Called when an incoming mod channel message is received
    * You should have joined  some channels to receive events.
    * If message comes from a server mod, `sender` field is an empty string.

### Other registration functions
* `minetest.register_chatcommand(cmd, chatcommand definition)`
    * Adds definition to `minetest.registered_chatcommands`
* `minetest.override_chatcommand(name, redefinition)`
    * Overrides fields of a chatcommand registered with `register_chatcommand`.
* `minetest.unregister_chatcommand(name)`
    * Unregisters a chatcommands registered with `register_chatcommand`.
* `minetest.register_privilege(name, definition)`
    * `definition`: `"description text"`
    * `definition`: `{ description = "description text", give_to_singleplayer = boolean}`
      the default of `give_to_singleplayer` is true
    * To allow players with `basic_privs` to grant, see `basic_privs` minetest.conf setting.
    * `on_grant(name, granter_name)`: Called when given to player `name` by `granter_name`.
      `granter_name` will be nil if the priv was granted by a mod.
    * `on_revoke(name, revoker_name)`: Called when taken from player `name` by `revoker_name`.
      `revoker_name` will be nil if the priv was revoked by a mod
    * Note that the above two callbacks will be called twice if a player is responsible -
      once with the player name, and then with a nil player name.
    * Return true in the above callbacks to stop register_on_priv_grant or revoke being called.
* `minetest.register_authentication_handler(authentication handler definition)`
    * Registers an auth handler that overrides the builtin one
    * This function can be called by a single mod once only.

### Setting-related
* `minetest.settings`: Settings object containing all of the settings from the
  main config file (`minetest.conf`).
* `minetest.setting_get_pos(name)`: Loads a setting from the main settings and
  parses it as a position (in the format `(1,2,3)`). Returns a position or nil.

### Authentication
* `minetest.string_to_privs(str)`: returns `{priv1=true,...}`
* `minetest.privs_to_string(privs)`: returns `"priv1,priv2,..."`
    * Convert between two privilege representations
* `minetest.get_player_privs(name) -> {priv1=true,...}`
* `minetest.check_player_privs(player_or_name, ...)`: returns `bool, missing_privs`
    * A quickhand for checking privileges.
    * `player_or_name`: Either a Player object or the name of a player.
    * `...` is either a list of strings, e.g. `"priva", "privb"` or
      a table, e.g. `{ priva = true, privb = true }`.

* `minetest.check_password_entry(name, entry, password)`
    * Returns true if the "password entry" for a player with name matches given
      password, false otherwise.
    * The "password entry" is the password representation generated by the engine
      as returned as part of a `get_auth()` call on the auth handler.
    * Only use this function for making it possible to log in via password from
      external protocols such as IRC, other uses are frowned upon.
* `minetest.get_password_hash(name, raw_password)`
    * Convert a name-password pair to a password hash that Minetest can use.
    * The returned value alone is not a good basis for password checks based
      on comparing the password hash in the database with the password hash
      from the function, with an externally provided password, as the hash
      in the db might use the new SRP verifier format.
    * For this purpose, use `minetest.check_password_entry` instead.
* `minetest.get_player_ip(name)`: returns an IP address string for the player `name`
    * The player needs to be online for this to be successful.

* `minetest.get_auth_handler()`: Return the currently active auth handler
    * See the `Authentication handler definition`
    * Use this to e.g. get the authentication data for a player:
      `local auth_data = minetest.get_auth_handler().get_auth(playername)`
* `minetest.notify_authentication_modified(name)`
    * Must be called by the authentication handler for privilege changes.
    * `name`: string; if omitted, all auth data should be considered modified
* `minetest.set_player_password(name, password_hash)`: Set password hash of player `name`
* `minetest.set_player_privs(name, {priv1=true,...})`: Set privileges of player `name`
* `minetest.auth_reload()`
    * See `reload()` in authentication handler definition

`minetest.set_player_password`, `minetest_set_player_privs`, `minetest_get_player_privs`
and `minetest.auth_reload` call the authentication handler.

### Chat
* `minetest.chat_send_all(text)`
* `minetest.chat_send_player(name, text)`

### Environment access
* `minetest.set_node(pos, node)`
* `minetest.add_node(pos, node): alias to `minetest.set_node`
    * Set node at position `pos`
    * `node`: table `{name=string, param1=number, param2=number}`
    * If param1 or param2 is omitted, it's set to `0`.
    * e.g. `minetest.set_node({x=0, y=10, z=0}, {name="default:wood"})`
* `minetest.swap_node(pos, node)`
    * Set node at position, but don't remove metadata
* `minetest.remove_node(pos)`
    * By default it does the same as `minetest.set_node(pos, {name="air"})`
* `minetest.get_node(pos)`
    * Returns the node at the given position as table in the format
      `{name="node_name", param1=0, param2=0}`, returns `{name="ignore", param1=0, param2=0}`
      for unloaded areas.
* `minetest.get_node_or_nil(pos)`
    * Same as `get_node` but returns `nil` for unloaded areas.
* `minetest.get_node_light(pos, timeofday)`
    * Gets the light value at the given position. Note that the light value
      "inside" the node at the given position is returned, so you usually want
      to get the light value of a neighbor.
    * `pos`: The position where to measure the light.
    * `timeofday`: `nil` for current time, `0` for night, `0.5` for day
    * Returns a number between `0` and `15` or `nil`
* `minetest.place_node(pos, node)`
    * Place node with the same effects that a player would cause
* `minetest.dig_node(pos)`
    * Dig node with the same effects that a player would cause
    * Returns `true` if successful, `false` on failure (e.g. protected location)
* `minetest.punch_node(pos)`
    * Punch node with the same effects that a player would cause
* `minetest.spawn_falling_node(pos)`
    * Change node into falling node
    * Returns `true` if successful, `false` on failure

* `minetest.find_nodes_with_meta(pos1, pos2)`
    * Get a table of positions of nodes that have metadata within a region {pos1, pos2}
* `minetest.get_meta(pos)`
    * Get a `NodeMetaRef` at that position
* `minetest.get_node_timer(pos)`
    * Get `NodeTimerRef`

* `minetest.add_entity(pos, name, [staticdata])`: Spawn Lua-defined entity at position
    * Returns `ObjectRef`, or `nil` if failed
* `minetest.add_item(pos, item)`: Spawn item
    * Returns `ObjectRef`, or `nil` if failed
* `minetest.get_player_by_name(name)`: Get an `ObjectRef` to a player
* `minetest.get_objects_inside_radius(pos, radius)`: returns a list of ObjectRefs
    * `radius`: using an euclidean metric
* `minetest.set_timeofday(val)`
    * `val` is between `0` and `1`; `0` for midnight, `0.5` for midday
* `minetest.get_timeofday()`
* `minetest.get_gametime()`: returns the time, in seconds, since the world was created
* `minetest.get_day_count()`: returns number days elapsed since world was created,
    * accounting for time changes.
* `minetest.find_node_near(pos, radius, nodenames, [search_center])`: returns pos or `nil`
    * `radius`: using a maximum metric
    * `nodenames`: e.g. `{"ignore", "group:tree"}` or `"default:dirt"`
    * `search_center` is an optional boolean (default: `false`)
      If true `pos` is also checked for the nodes
* `minetest.find_nodes_in_area(pos1, pos2, nodenames)`: returns a list of positions
    * `nodenames`: e.g. `{"ignore", "group:tree"}` or `"default:dirt"`
    * First return value: Table with all node positions
    * Second return value: Table with the count of each node with the node name as index
* `minetest.find_nodes_in_area_under_air(pos1, pos2, nodenames)`: returns a list of positions
    * `nodenames`: e.g. `{"ignore", "group:tree"}` or `"default:dirt"`
    * Return value: Table with all node positions with a node air above
* `minetest.get_perlin(noiseparams)`
* `minetest.get_perlin(seeddiff, octaves, persistence, scale)`
    * Return world-specific perlin noise (`int(worldseed)+seeddiff`)
* `minetest.get_voxel_manip([pos1, pos2])`
    * Return voxel manipulator object.
    * Loads the manipulator from the map if positions are passed.
* `minetest.set_gen_notify(flags, {deco_ids})`
    * Set the types of on-generate notifications that should be collected.
    * `flags` is a flag field with the available flags:
        * dungeon
        * temple
        * cave_begin
        * cave_end
        * large_cave_begin
        * large_cave_end
        * decoration
    * The second parameter is a list of IDS of decorations which notification
      is requested for.
* `get_gen_notify()`
    * Returns a flagstring and a table with the `deco_id`s.
* `minetest.get_mapgen_object(objectname)`
    * Return requested mapgen object if available (see "Mapgen objects")
* `minetest.get_heat(pos)`
    * Returns the heat at the position, or `nil` on failure.
* `minetest.get_humidity(pos)`
    * Returns the humidity at the position, or `nil` on failure.
* `minetest.get_biome_data(pos)`
    * Returns a table containing:
        * `biome` the biome id of the biome at that position
        * `heat` the heat at the position
        * `humidity` the humidity at the position
    * Or returns `nil` on failure.
* `minetest.get_biome_id(biome_name)`
    * Returns the biome id, as used in the biomemap Mapgen object and returned
      by `minetest.get_biome_data(pos)`, for a given biome_name string.
* `minetest.get_mapgen_params()`
    * Deprecated: use `minetest.get_mapgen_setting(name)` instead.
    * Returns a table containing:
        * `mgname`
        * `seed`
        * `chunksize`
        * `water_level`
        * `flags`
* `minetest.set_mapgen_params(MapgenParams)`
    * Deprecated: use `minetest.set_mapgen_setting(name, value, override)`
      instead.
    * Set map generation parameters.
    * Function cannot be called after the registration period; only
      initialization and `on_mapgen_init`.
    * Takes a table as an argument with the fields:
        * `mgname`
        * `seed`
        * `chunksize`
        * `water_level`
        * `flags`
    * Leave field unset to leave that parameter unchanged.
    * `flags` contains a comma-delimited string of flags to set, or if the
      prefix `"no"` is attached, clears instead.
    * `flags` is in the same format and has the same options as `mg_flags` in
      `minetest.conf`.
* `minetest.get_mapgen_setting(name)`
    * Gets the *active* mapgen setting (or nil if none exists) in string
      format with the following order of precedence:
        1) Settings loaded from map_meta.txt or overrides set during mod execution
        2) Settings set by mods without a metafile override
        3) Settings explicitly set in the user config file, minetest.conf
        4) Settings set as the user config default
* `minetest.get_mapgen_setting_noiseparams(name)`
    * Same as above, but returns the value as a NoiseParams table if the
      setting `name` exists and is a valid NoiseParams.
* `minetest.set_mapgen_setting(name, value, [override_meta])`
    * Sets a mapgen param to `value`, and will take effect if the corresponding
      mapgen setting is not already present in map_meta.txt.
    * `override_meta` is an optional boolean (default: `false`). If this is set
      to true, the setting will become the active setting regardless of the map
      metafile contents.
    * Note: to set the seed, use `"seed"`, not `"fixed_map_seed"`.
* `minetest.set_mapgen_setting_noiseparams(name, value, [override_meta])`
    * Same as above, except value is a NoiseParams table.
* `minetest.set_noiseparams(name, noiseparams, set_default)`
    * Sets the noiseparams setting of `name` to the noiseparams table specified
      in `noiseparams`.
    * `set_default` is an optional boolean (default: `true`) that specifies
      whether the setting should be applied to the default config or current
      active config.
* `minetest.get_noiseparams(name)`
    * Returns a table of the noiseparams for name.
* `minetest.generate_ores(vm, pos1, pos2)`
    * Generate all registered ores within the VoxelManip `vm` and in the area
      from `pos1` to `pos2`.
    * `pos1` and `pos2` are optional and default to mapchunk minp and maxp.
* `minetest.generate_decorations(vm, pos1, pos2)`
    * Generate all registered decorations within the VoxelManip `vm` and in the
      area from `pos1` to `pos2`.
    * `pos1` and `pos2` are optional and default to mapchunk minp and maxp.
* `minetest.clear_objects([options])`
    * Clear all objects in the environment
    * Takes an optional table as an argument with the field `mode`.
        * mode = `"full"`: Load and go through every mapblock, clearing objects (default).
        * mode = `"quick"`: Clear objects immediately in loaded mapblocks;
          clear objects in unloaded mapblocks only when the mapblocks are next activated.
* `minetest.emerge_area(pos1, pos2, [callback], [param])`
    * Queue all blocks in the area from `pos1` to `pos2`, inclusive, to be asynchronously
      fetched from memory, loaded from disk, or if inexistent, generates them.
    * If `callback` is a valid Lua function, this will be called for each block emerged.
    * The function signature of callback is:
        * `function EmergeAreaCallback(blockpos, action, calls_remaining, param)`
            * `blockpos` is the *block* coordinates of the block that had been emerged
            * `action` could be one of the following constant values:
                * `minetest.EMERGE_CANCELLED`
                * `minetest.EMERGE_ERRORED`
                * `minetest.EMERGE_FROM_MEMORY`
                * `minetest.EMERGE_FROM_DISK`
                * `minetest.EMERGE_GENERATED`
            * `calls_remaining` is the number of callbacks to be expected after this one
            * `param` is the user-defined parameter passed to emerge_area (or nil if the
              parameter was absent)
* `minetest.delete_area(pos1, pos2)`
    * delete all mapblocks in the area from pos1 to pos2, inclusive
* `minetest.line_of_sight(pos1, pos2)`: returns `boolean, pos`
    * Checks if there is anything other than air between pos1 and pos2.
    * Returns false if something is blocking the sight.
    * Returns the position of the blocking node when `false`
    * `pos1`: First position
    * `pos2`: Second position
* `minetest.raycast(pos1, pos2, objects, liquids)`: returns `Raycast`
    * Creates a `Raycast` object.
    * `pos1`: start of the ray
    * `pos2`: end of the ray
    * `objects` : if false, only nodes will be returned. Default is `true`.
    * `liquids' : if false, liquid nodes won't be returned. Default is `false`.
* `minetest.find_path(pos1,pos2,searchdistance,max_jump,max_drop,algorithm)`
    * returns table containing path
    * returns a table of 3D points representing a path from `pos1` to `pos2` or `nil`
    * `pos1`: start position
    * `pos2`: end position
    * `searchdistance`: number of blocks to search in each direction using a maximum metric
    * `max_jump`: maximum height difference to consider walkable
    * `max_drop`: maximum height difference to consider droppable
    * `algorithm`: One of `"A*_noprefetch"` (default), `"A*"`, `"Dijkstra"`
* `minetest.spawn_tree (pos, {treedef})`
    * spawns L-system tree at given `pos` with definition in `treedef` table
* `minetest.transforming_liquid_add(pos)`
    * add node to liquid update queue
* `minetest.get_node_max_level(pos)`
    * get max available level for leveled node
* `minetest.get_node_level(pos)`
    * get level of leveled node (water, snow)
* `minetest.set_node_level(pos, level)`
    * set level of leveled node, default `level` equals `1`
    * if `totallevel > maxlevel`, returns rest (`total-max`).
* `minetest.add_node_level(pos, level)`
    * increase level of leveled node by level, default `level` equals `1`
    * if `totallevel > maxlevel`, returns rest (`total-max`)
    * can be negative for decreasing
* `minetest.fix_light(pos1, pos2)`: returns `true`/`false`
    * resets the light in a cuboid-shaped part of
      the map and removes lighting bugs.
    * Loads the area if it is not loaded.
    * `pos1` is the corner of the cuboid with the least coordinates
      (in node coordinates), inclusive.
    * `pos2` is the opposite corner of the cuboid, inclusive.
    * The actual updated cuboid might be larger than the specified one,
      because only whole map blocks can be updated.
      The actual updated area consists of those map blocks that intersect
      with the given cuboid.
    * However, the neighborhood of the updated area might change
      as well, as light can spread out of the cuboid, also light
      might be removed.
    * returns `false` if the area is not fully generated,
      `true` otherwise
* `minetest.check_single_for_falling(pos)`
    * causes an unsupported `group:falling_node` node to fall and causes an
      unattached `group:attached_node` node to fall.
    * does not spread these updates to neighbours.
* `minetest.check_for_falling(pos)`
    * causes an unsupported `group:falling_node` node to fall and causes an
      unattached `group:attached_node` node to fall.
    * spread these updates to neighbours and can cause a cascade
      of nodes to fall.

### Mod channels
You can find mod channels communication scheme in `docs/mod_channels.png`.

* `minetest.mod_channel_join(channel_name)`
    * Server joins channel `channel_name`, and creates it if necessary. You
      should listen from incoming messages with `minetest.register_on_modchannel_message`
      call to receive incoming messages

### Inventory
`minetest.get_inventory(location)`: returns an `InvRef`

* `location` = e.g.
    * `{type="player", name="celeron55"}`
    * `{type="node", pos={x=, y=, z=}}`
    * `{type="detached", name="creative"}`
* `minetest.create_detached_inventory(name, callbacks, [player_name])`: returns an `InvRef`
    * callbacks: See "Detached inventory callbacks"
    * `player_name`: Make detached inventory available to one player exclusively,
      by default they will be sent to every player (even if not used).
      Note that this parameter is mostly just a workaround and will be removed in future releases.
    * Creates a detached inventory. If it already exists, it is cleared.
* `minetest.do_item_eat(hp_change, replace_with_item, itemstack, user, pointed_thing)`:
  returns left over ItemStack
    * See `minetest.item_eat` and `minetest.register_on_item_eat`

### Formspec
* `minetest.show_formspec(playername, formname, formspec)`
    * `playername`: name of player to show formspec
    * `formname`: name passed to `on_player_receive_fields` callbacks.
      It should follow the `"modname:<whatever>"` naming convention
    * `formspec`: formspec to display
* `minetest.close_formspec(playername, formname)`
    * `playername`: name of player to close formspec
    * `formname`: has to exactly match the one given in `show_formspec`, or the formspec will
      not close.
    * calling `show_formspec(playername, formname, "")` is equal to this expression
    * to close a formspec regardless of the formname, call
      `minetest.close_formspec(playername, "")`. **USE THIS ONLY WHEN ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY!**
* `minetest.formspec_escape(string)`: returns a string
    * escapes the characters "[", "]", "\", "," and ";", which can not be used in formspecs
* `minetest.explode_table_event(string)`: returns a table
    * returns e.g. `{type="CHG", row=1, column=2}`
    * `type` is one of:
        * `"INV"`: no row selected)
        * `"CHG"`: selected)
        * `"DCL"`: double-click
* `minetest.explode_textlist_event(string)`: returns a table
    * returns e.g. `{type="CHG", index=1}`
    * `type` is one of:
        * `"INV"`: no row selected)
        * `"CHG"`: selected)
        * `"DCL"`: double-click
* `minetest.explode_scrollbar_event(string)`: returns a table
    * returns e.g. `{type="CHG", value=500}`
    * `type` is one of:
        * `"INV"`: something failed
        * `"CHG"`: has been changed
        * `"VAL"`: not changed

### Item handling
* `minetest.inventorycube(img1, img2, img3)`
    * Returns a string for making an image of a cube (useful as an item image)
* `minetest.get_pointed_thing_position(pointed_thing, above)`
    * Get position of a `pointed_thing` (that you can get from somewhere)
* `minetest.dir_to_facedir(dir, is6d)`
    * Convert a vector to a facedir value, used in `param2` for `paramtype2="facedir"`;
    * passing something non-`nil`/`false` for the optional second parameter causes it to
      take the y component into account
* `minetest.facedir_to_dir(facedir)`
    * Convert a facedir back into a vector aimed directly out the "back" of a node
* `minetest.dir_to_wallmounted(dir)`
    * Convert a vector to a wallmounted value, used for `paramtype2="wallmounted"`
* `minetest.wallmounted_to_dir(wallmounted)`
    * Convert a wallmounted value back into a vector aimed directly out the "back" of a node
* `minetest.dir_to_yaw(dir)`
    * Convert a vector into a yaw (angle)
* `minetest.yaw_to_dir(yaw)`
    * Convert yaw (angle) to a vector
* `minetest.is_colored_paramtype(ptype)`
    * Returns a boolean. Returns `true` if the given `paramtype2` contains color
      information (`color`, `colorwallmounted` or `colorfacedir`).
* `minetest.strip_param2_color(param2, paramtype2)`
    * Removes everything but the color information from the
      given `param2` value.
    * Returns `nil` if the given `paramtype2` does not contain color information
* `minetest.get_node_drops(nodename, toolname)`
    * Returns list of item names.
    * **Note**: This will be removed or modified in a future version.
* `minetest.get_craft_result(input)`: returns `output, decremented_input`
    * `input.method` = `"normal"` or `"cooking"` or `"fuel"`
    * `input.width` = for example `3`
    * `input.items` = for example
      `{ stack1, stack2, stack3, stack4, stack 5, stack 6, stack 7, stack 8, stack 9 }`
    * `output.item` = `ItemStack`, if unsuccessful: empty `ItemStack`
    * `output.time` = a number, if unsuccessful: `0`
    * `output.replacements` = list of `ItemStack`s that couldn't be placed in
      `decremented_input.items`
    * `decremented_input` = like `input`
* `minetest.get_craft_recipe(output)`: returns input
    * returns last registered recipe for output item (node)
    * `output` is a node or item type such as `"default:torch"`
    * `input.method` = `"normal"` or `"cooking"` or `"fuel"`
    * `input.width` = for example `3`
    * `input.items` = for example
      `{ stack1, stack2, stack3, stack4, stack 5, stack 6, stack 7, stack 8, stack 9 }`
        * `input.items` = `nil` if no recipe found
* `minetest.get_all_craft_recipes(query item)`: returns a table or `nil`
    * returns indexed table with all registered recipes for query item (node)
      or `nil` if no recipe was found
    * recipe entry table:

            {
                method = 'normal' or 'cooking' or 'fuel'
                width = 0-3, 0 means shapeless recipe
                items = indexed [1-9] table with recipe items
                output = string with item name and quantity
            }
    * Example query for `"default:gold_ingot"` will return table:

            {
                [1]={method = "cooking", width = 3, output = "default:gold_ingot",
                items = {1 = "default:gold_lump"}},
                [2]={method = "normal", width = 1, output = "default:gold_ingot 9",
                items = {1 = "default:goldblock"}}
            }
* `minetest.handle_node_drops(pos, drops, digger)`
    * `drops`: list of itemstrings
    * Handles drops from nodes after digging: Default action is to put them into
      digger's inventory
    * Can be overridden to get different functionality (e.g. dropping items on
      ground)
* `minetest.itemstring_with_palette(item, palette_index)`: returns an item string
    * Creates an item string which contains palette index information
      for hardware colorization. You can use the returned string
      as an output in a craft recipe.
    * `item`: the item stack which becomes colored. Can be in string,
      table and native form.
    * `palette_index`: this index is added to the item stack
* `minetest.itemstring_with_color(item, colorstring)`: returns an item string
    * Creates an item string which contains static color information
      for hardware colorization. Use this method if you wish to colorize
      an item that does not own a palette. You can use the returned string
      as an output in a craft recipe.
    * `item`: the item stack which becomes colored. Can be in string,
      table and native form.
    * `colorstring`: the new color of the item stack

### Rollback
* `minetest.rollback_get_node_actions(pos, range, seconds, limit)`:
  returns `{{actor, pos, time, oldnode, newnode}, ...}`
    * Find who has done something to a node, or near a node
    * `actor`: `"player:<name>"`, also `"liquid"`.
* `minetest.rollback_revert_actions_by(actor, seconds)`: returns `boolean, log_messages`
    * Revert latest actions of someone
    * `actor`: `"player:<name>"`, also `"liquid"`.

### Defaults for the `on_*` item definition functions
These functions return the leftover itemstack.

* `minetest.item_place_node(itemstack, placer, pointed_thing, param2)`
    * Place item as a node
    * `param2` overrides `facedir` and wallmounted `param2`
    * returns `itemstack, success`
* `minetest.item_place_object(itemstack, placer, pointed_thing)`
    * Place item as-is
* `minetest.item_place(itemstack, placer, pointed_thing, param2)`
    * Use one of the above based on what the item is.
    * Calls `on_rightclick` of `pointed_thing.under` if defined instead
    * **Note**: is not called when wielded item overrides `on_place`
    * `param2` overrides `facedir` and wallmounted `param2`
    * returns `itemstack, success`
* `minetest.item_drop(itemstack, dropper, pos)`
    * Drop the item
* `minetest.item_eat(hp_change, replace_with_item)`
    * Eat the item.
    * `replace_with_item` is the itemstring which is added to the inventory.
      If the player is eating a stack, then replace_with_item goes to a
      different spot. Can be `nil`
    * See `minetest.do_item_eat`

### Defaults for the `on_punch` and `on_dig` node definition callbacks
* `minetest.node_punch(pos, node, puncher, pointed_thing)`
    * Calls functions registered by `minetest.register_on_punchnode()`
* `minetest.node_dig(pos, node, digger)`
    * Checks if node can be dug, puts item into inventory, removes node
    * Calls functions registered by `minetest.registered_on_dignodes()`

### Sounds
* `minetest.sound_play(spec, parameters)`: returns a handle
    * `spec` is a `SimpleSoundSpec`
    * `parameters` is a sound parameter table
* `minetest.sound_stop(handle)`
* `minetest.sound_fade(handle, step, gain)`
    * `handle` is a handle returned by `minetest.sound_play`
    * `step` determines how fast a sound will fade.
      Negative step will lower the sound volume, positive step will increase the sound volume
    * `gain` the target gain for the fade.

### Timing
* `minetest.after(time, func, ...)`
    * Call the function `func` after `time` seconds, may be fractional
    * Optional: Variable number of arguments that are passed to `func`

### Server
* `minetest.request_shutdown([message],[reconnect],[delay])`: request for server shutdown. Will display `message` to clients.
    * `reconnect` == true displays a reconnect button
    * `delay` adds an optional delay (in seconds) before shutdown.
      Negative delay cancels the current active shutdown.
      Zero delay triggers an immediate shutdown.
* `minetest.cancel_shutdown_requests()`: cancel current delayed shutdown
* `minetest.get_server_status()`: returns server status string
* `minetest.get_server_uptime()`: returns the server uptime in seconds
* `minetest.remove_player(name)`: remove player from database (if he is not connected).
    * As auth data is not removed, minetest.player_exists will continue to return true.
      Call the below method as well if you want to remove auth data too.
    * Returns a code (0: successful, 1: no such player, 2: player is connected)
* `minetest.remove_player_auth(name)`: remove player authentication data
    * Returns boolean indicating success (false if player nonexistant)

### Bans
* `minetest.get_ban_list()`: returns the ban list (same as `minetest.get_ban_description("")`)
* `minetest.get_ban_description(ip_or_name)`: returns ban description (string)
* `minetest.ban_player(name)`: ban a player
* `minetest.unban_player_or_ip(name)`: unban player or IP address
* `minetest.kick_player(name, [reason])`: disconnect a player with a optional reason

### Particles
* `minetest.add_particle(particle definition)`
    * Deprecated: `minetest.add_particle(pos, velocity, acceleration, expirationtime,
      size, collisiondetection, texture, playername)`

* `minetest.add_particlespawner(particlespawner definition)`
    * Add a `ParticleSpawner`, an object that spawns an amount of particles over `time` seconds
    * Returns an `id`, and -1 if adding didn't succeed
    * `Deprecated: minetest.add_particlespawner(amount, time,
      minpos, maxpos,
      minvel, maxvel,
      minacc, maxacc,
      minexptime, maxexptime,
      minsize, maxsize,
      collisiondetection, texture, playername)`

* `minetest.delete_particlespawner(id, player)`
    * Delete `ParticleSpawner` with `id` (return value from `minetest.add_particlespawner`)
    * If playername is specified, only deletes on the player's client, otherwise on all clients

### Schematics
* `minetest.create_schematic(p1, p2, probability_list, filename, slice_prob_list)`
    * Create a schematic from the volume of map specified by the box formed by p1 and p2.
    * Apply the specified probability and per-node force-place to the specified nodes
      according to the `probability_list`.
        * `probability_list` is an array of tables containing two fields, `pos` and `prob`.
            * `pos` is the 3D vector specifying the absolute coordinates of the
              node being modified,
            * `prob` is an integer value from `0` to `255` that encodes probability and
              per-node force-place. Probability has levels 0-127, then 128 is added to
              encode per-node force-place.
              For probability stated as 0-255, divide by 2 and round down to get values
              0-127, then add 128 to apply per-node force-place.
            * If there are two or more entries with the same pos value, the
              last entry is used.
            * If `pos` is not inside the box formed by `p1` and `p2`, it is ignored.
            * If `probability_list` equals `nil`, no probabilities are applied.
    * Apply the specified probability to the specified horizontal slices according to the
      `slice_prob_list`.
        * `slice_prob_list` is an array of tables containing two fields, `ypos` and `prob`.
            * `ypos` indicates the y position of the slice with a probability applied,
              the lowest slice being `ypos = 0`.
            * If slice probability list equals `nil`, no slice probabilities are applied.
    * Saves schematic in the Minetest Schematic format to filename.

* `minetest.place_schematic(pos, schematic, rotation, replacements, force_placement)`
    * Place the schematic specified by schematic (see: Schematic specifier) at `pos`.
    * `rotation` can equal `"0"`, `"90"`, `"180"`, `"270"`, or `"random"`.
    * If the `rotation` parameter is omitted, the schematic is not rotated.
    * `replacements` = `{["old_name"] = "convert_to", ...}`
    * `force_placement` is a boolean indicating whether nodes other than `air` and
      `ignore` are replaced by the schematic
    * Returns nil if the schematic could not be loaded.
    * **Warning**: Once you have loaded a schematic from a file, it will be cached. Future calls
      will always use the cached version and the replacement list defined for it,
      regardless of whether the file or the replacement list parameter have changed.
      The only way to load the file anew is to restart the server.

* `minetest.place_schematic_on_vmanip(vmanip, pos, schematic, rotation, replacement, force_placement)`:
    * This function is analogous to minetest.place_schematic, but places a schematic onto the
      specified VoxelManip object `vmanip` instead of the whole map.
    * Returns false if any part of the schematic was cut-off due to the VoxelManip not
      containing the full area required, and true if the whole schematic was able to fit.
    * Returns nil if the schematic could not be loaded.
    * After execution, any external copies of the VoxelManip contents are invalidated.

* `minetest.serialize_schematic(schematic, format, options)`
    * Return the serialized schematic specified by schematic (see: Schematic specifier)
    * in the `format` of either "mts" or "lua".
    * "mts" - a string containing the binary MTS data used in the MTS file format
    * "lua" - a string containing Lua code representing the schematic in table format
    * `options` is a table containing the following optional parameters:
    * If `lua_use_comments` is true and `format` is "lua", the Lua code generated will have (X, Z)
    * position comments for every X row generated in the schematic data for easier reading.
    * If `lua_num_indent_spaces` is a nonzero number and `format` is "lua", the Lua code generated
    * will use that number of spaces as indentation instead of a tab character.

### HTTP Requests:
* `minetest.request_http_api()`:
    * returns `HTTPApiTable` containing http functions if the calling mod has been granted
      access by being listed in the `secure.http_mods` or `secure.trusted_mods` setting,
      otherwise returns `nil`.
    * The returned table contains the functions `fetch`, `fetch_async` and `fetch_async_get`
      described below.
    * Only works at init time and must be called from the mod's main scope (not from a function).
    * Function only exists if minetest server was built with cURL support.
    * **DO NOT ALLOW ANY OTHER MODS TO ACCESS THE RETURNED TABLE, STORE IT IN
      A LOCAL VARIABLE!**
* `HTTPApiTable.fetch(HTTPRequest req, callback)`
    * Performs given request asynchronously and calls callback upon completion
    * callback: `function(HTTPRequestResult res)`
    * Use this HTTP function if you are unsure, the others are for advanced use.
* `HTTPApiTable.fetch_async(HTTPRequest req)`: returns handle
    * Performs given request asynchronously and returns handle for `HTTPApiTable.fetch_async_get`
* `HTTPApiTable.fetch_async_get(handle)`: returns HTTPRequestResult
    * Return response data for given asynchronous HTTP request

### Storage API:
* `minetest.get_mod_storage()`:
    * returns reference to mod private `StorageRef`
    * must be called during mod load time

### Misc.
* `minetest.get_connected_players()`: returns list of `ObjectRefs`
* `minetest.player_exists(name)`: boolean, whether player exists (regardless of online status)
* `minetest.hud_replace_builtin(name, hud_definition)`
    * Replaces definition of a builtin hud element
    * `name`: `"breath"` or `"health"`
    * `hud_definition`: definition to replace builtin definition
* `minetest.send_join_message(player_name)`
    * This function can be overridden by mods to change the join message.
* `minetest.send_leave_message(player_name, timed_out)`
    * This function can be overridden by mods to change the leave message.
* `minetest.hash_node_position(pos)`: returns an 48-bit integer
    * `pos`: table {x=number, y=number, z=number},
    * Gives a unique hash number for a node position (16+16+16=48bit)
* `minetest.get_position_from_hash(hash)`: returns a position
    * Inverse transform of `minetest.hash_node_position`
* `minetest.get_item_group(name, group)`: returns a rating
    * Get rating of a group of an item. (`0` means: not in group)
* `minetest.get_node_group(name, group)`: returns a rating
    * Deprecated: An alias for the former.
* `minetest.raillike_group(name)`: returns a rating
    * Returns rating of the connect_to_raillike group corresponding to name
    * If name is not yet the name of a connect_to_raillike group, a new group id
    * is created, with that name
* `minetest.get_content_id(name)`: returns an integer
    * Gets the internal content ID of `name`
* `minetest.get_name_from_content_id(content_id)`: returns a string
    * Gets the name of the content with that content ID
* `minetest.parse_json(string[, nullvalue])`: returns something
    * Convert a string containing JSON data into the Lua equivalent
    * `nullvalue`: returned in place of the JSON null; defaults to `nil`
    * On success returns a table, a string, a number, a boolean or `nullvalue`
    * On failure outputs an error message and returns `nil`
    * Example: `parse_json("[10, {\"a\":false}]")`, returns `{10, {a = false}}`
* `minetest.write_json(data[, styled])`: returns a string or `nil` and an error message
    * Convert a Lua table into a JSON string
    * styled: Outputs in a human-readable format if this is set, defaults to false
    * Unserializable things like functions and userdata will cause an error.
    * **Warning**: JSON is more strict than the Lua table format.
        1. You can only use strings and positive integers of at least one as keys.
        2. You can not mix string and integer keys.
           This is due to the fact that JSON has two distinct array and object values.
    * Example: `write_json({10, {a = false}})`, returns `"[10, {\"a\": false}]"`
* `minetest.serialize(table)`: returns a string
    * Convert a table containing tables, strings, numbers, booleans and `nil`s
      into string form readable by `minetest.deserialize`
    * Example: `serialize({foo='bar'})`, returns `'return { ["foo"] = "bar" }'`
* `minetest.deserialize(string)`: returns a table
    * Convert a string returned by `minetest.deserialize` into a table
    * `string` is loaded in an empty sandbox environment.
    * Will load functions, but they cannot access the global environment.
    * Example: `deserialize('return { ["foo"] = "bar" }')`, returns `{foo='bar'}`
    * Example: `deserialize('print("foo")')`, returns `nil` (function call fails)
        * `error:[string "print("foo")"]:1: attempt to call global 'print' (a nil value)`
* `minetest.compress(data, method, ...)`: returns `compressed_data`
    * Compress a string of data.
    * `method` is a string identifying the compression method to be used.
    * Supported compression methods:
        * Deflate (zlib): `"deflate"`
    * `...` indicates method-specific arguments.  Currently defined arguments are:
        * Deflate: `level` - Compression level, `0`-`9` or `nil`.
* `minetest.decompress(compressed_data, method, ...)`: returns data
    * Decompress a string of data (using ZLib).
    * See documentation on `minetest.compress()` for supported compression methods.
    * currently supported.
    * `...` indicates method-specific arguments. Currently, no methods use this.
* `minetest.rgba(red, green, blue[, alpha])`: returns a string
    * Each argument is a 8 Bit unsigned integer
    * Returns the ColorString from rgb or rgba values
    * Example: `minetest.rgba(10, 20, 30, 40)`, returns `"#0A141E28"`
* `minetest.encode_base64(string)`: returns string encoded in base64
    * Encodes a string in base64.
* `minetest.decode_base64(string)`: returns string
    * Decodes a string encoded in base64.
* `minetest.is_protected(pos, name)`: returns boolean
    * Returns true, if player `name` shouldn't be abled to dig at `pos` or do other
      actions, definable by mods, due to some mod-defined ownership-like concept.
      Returns false or nil, if the player is allowed to do such actions.
    * `name` will be "" for non-players or unknown players.
    * This function should be overridden by protection mods and should be used to
      check if a player can interact at a position.
    * This function should call the old version of itself if the position is not
      protected by the mod.
    * Example:

            local old_is_protected = minetest.is_protected
            function minetest.is_protected(pos, name)
                if mymod:position_protected_from(pos, name) then
                    return true
                end
                    return old_is_protected(pos, name)
            end
* `minetest.record_protection_violation(pos, name)`
    * This function calls functions registered with
      `minetest.register_on_protection_violation`.
* `minetest.rotate_and_place(itemstack, placer, pointed_thing, infinitestacks, orient_flags)`
    * Attempt to predict the desired orientation of the facedir-capable node
      defined by `itemstack`, and place it accordingly (on-wall, on the floor, or
      hanging from the ceiling). Stacks are handled normally if the `infinitestacks`
      field is false or omitted (else, the itemstack is not changed). `orient_flags`
      is an optional table containing extra tweaks to the placement code:
        * `invert_wall`:   if `true`, place wall-orientation on the ground and ground-
          orientation on the wall.
        * `force_wall` :   if `true`, always place the node in wall orientation.
        * `force_ceiling`: if `true`, always place on the ceiling.
        * `force_floor`:   if `true`, always place the node on the floor.
        * `force_facedir`: if `true`, forcefully reset the facedir to north when placing on
          the floor or ceiling
        * The first four options are mutually-exclusive; the last in the list takes
          precedence over the first.
* `minetest.rotate_node(itemstack, placer, pointed_thing)`
    * calls `rotate_and_place()` with infinitestacks set according to the state of
      the creative mode setting, and checks for "sneak" to set the `invert_wall`
      parameter.

* `minetest.forceload_block(pos[, transient])`
    * forceloads the position `pos`.
    * returns `true` if area could be forceloaded
    * If `transient` is `false` or absent, the forceload will be persistent
      (saved between server runs). If `true`, the forceload will be transient
      (not saved between server runs).

* `minetest.forceload_free_block(pos[, transient])`
    * stops forceloading the position `pos`
    * If `transient` is `false` or absent, frees a persistent forceload.
      If `true`, frees a transient forceload.

* `minetest.request_insecure_environment()`: returns an environment containing
  insecure functions if the calling mod has been listed as trusted in the
  `secure.trusted_mods` setting or security is disabled, otherwise returns `nil`.
    * Only works at init time and must be called from the mod's main scope (not from a function).
    * **DO NOT ALLOW ANY OTHER MODS TO ACCESS THE RETURNED ENVIRONMENT, STORE IT IN
      A LOCAL VARIABLE!**

* `minetest.global_exists(name)`
    * Checks if a global variable has been set, without triggering a warning.

### Global objects
* `minetest.env`: `EnvRef` of the server environment and world.
    * Any function in the minetest namespace can be called using the syntax
      `minetest.env:somefunction(somearguments)`
      instead of `minetest.somefunction(somearguments)`
    * Deprecated, but support is not to be dropped soon

### Global tables
* `minetest.registered_items`
    * Map of registered items, indexed by name
* `minetest.registered_nodes`
    * Map of registered node definitions, indexed by name
* `minetest.registered_craftitems`
    * Map of registered craft item definitions, indexed by name
* `minetest.registered_tools`
    * Map of registered tool definitions, indexed by name
* `minetest.registered_entities`
    * Map of registered entity prototypes, indexed by name
* `minetest.object_refs`
    * Map of object references, indexed by active object id
* `minetest.luaentities`
    * Map of Lua entities, indexed by active object id
* `minetest.registered_chatcommands`
    * Map of registered chat command definitions, indexed by name
* `minetest.registered_ores`
    * List of registered ore definitions.
* `minetest.registered_biomes`
    * List of registered biome definitions.
* `minetest.registered_decorations`
    * List of registered decoration definitions.

Class reference
---------------

### ModChannel

An interface to use mod channels on client and server

#### Methods
* `leave()`: leave the mod channel.
    * Server leaves channel `channel_name`.
    * No more incoming or outgoing messages can be sent to this channel from server mods.
    * This invalidate all future object usage
    * Ensure your set mod_channel to nil after that to free Lua resources
* `is_writeable()`: returns true if channel is writeable and mod can send over it.
* `send_all(message)`: Send `message` though the mod channel.
    * If mod channel is not writeable or invalid, message will be dropped.
    * Message size is limited to 65535 characters by protocol.

### `MetaDataRef`
See `StorageRef`, `NodeMetaRef` and `ItemStackMetaRef`.

#### Methods
* `set_string(name, value)`
* `get_string(name)`
* `set_int(name, value)`
* `get_int(name)`
* `set_float(name, value)`
* `get_float(name)`
* `to_table()`: returns `nil` or a table with keys:
    * `fields`: key-value storage
    * `inventory`: `{list1 = {}, ...}}` (NodeMetaRef only)
* `from_table(nil or {})`
    * Any non-table value will clear the metadata
    * See "Node Metadata" for an example
    * returns `true` on success
* `equals(other)`
    * returns `true` if this metadata has the same key-value pairs as `other`

### `NodeMetaRef`
Node metadata: reference extra data and functionality stored in a node.
Can be obtained via `minetest.get_meta(pos)`.

#### Methods
* All methods in MetaDataRef
* `get_inventory()`: returns `InvRef`
* `mark_as_private(name or {name1, name2, ...})`: Mark specific vars as private
  This will prevent them from being sent to the client. Note that the "private"
  status will only be remembered if an associated key-value pair exists, meaning
  it's best to call this when initializing all other meta (e.g. `on_construct`).

### `ItemStackMetaRef`
ItemStack metadata: reference extra data and functionality stored in a stack.
Can be obtained via `item:get_meta()`.

#### Methods
* All methods in MetaDataRef
* `set_tool_capabilities([tool_capabilities])`
    * overrides the item's tool capabilities
    * a nil value will clear the override data and restore the original behavior

### `StorageRef`
Mod metadata: per mod metadata, saved automatically.
Can be obtained via `minetest.get_mod_storage()` during load time.

#### Methods
* All methods in MetaDataRef

### `NodeTimerRef`
Node Timers: a high resolution persistent per-node timer.
Can be gotten via `minetest.get_node_timer(pos)`.

#### Methods
* `set(timeout,elapsed)`
    * set a timer's state
    * `timeout` is in seconds, and supports fractional values (0.1 etc)
    * `elapsed` is in seconds, and supports fractional values (0.1 etc)
    * will trigger the node's `on_timer` function after `(timeout - elapsed)` seconds
* `start(timeout)`
    * start a timer
    * equivalent to `set(timeout,0)`
* `stop()`
    * stops the timer
* `get_timeout()`: returns current timeout in seconds
    * if `timeout` equals `0`, timer is inactive
* `get_elapsed()`: returns current elapsed time in seconds
    * the node's `on_timer` function will be called after `(timeout - elapsed)` seconds
* `is_started()`: returns boolean state of timer
    * returns `true` if timer is started, otherwise `false`

### `ObjectRef`
Moving things in the game are generally these.

This is basically a reference to a C++ `ServerActiveObject`

#### Methods
* `remove()`: remove object (after returning from Lua)
    * Note: Doesn't work on players, use `minetest.kick_player` instead
* `get_pos()`: returns `{x=num, y=num, z=num}`
* `set_pos(pos)`; `pos`=`{x=num, y=num, z=num}`
* `move_to(pos, continuous=false)`: interpolated move
* `punch(puncher, time_from_last_punch, tool_capabilities, direction)`
    * `puncher` = another `ObjectRef`,
    * `time_from_last_punch` = time since last punch action of the puncher
    * `direction`: can be `nil`
* `right_click(clicker)`; `clicker` is another `ObjectRef`
* `get_hp()`: returns number of hitpoints (2 * number of hearts)
* `set_hp(hp)`: set number of hitpoints (2 * number of hearts)
* `get_inventory()`: returns an `InvRef`
* `get_wield_list()`: returns the name of the inventory list the wielded item is in
* `get_wield_index()`: returns the index of the wielded item
* `get_wielded_item()`: returns an `ItemStack`
* `set_wielded_item(item)`: replaces the wielded item, returns `true` if successful
* `set_armor_groups({group1=rating, group2=rating, ...})`
* `get_armor_groups()`: returns a table with the armor group ratings
* `set_animation(frame_range, frame_speed, frame_blend, frame_loop)`
    * `frame_range`: table {x=num, y=num}, default: `{x=1, y=1}`
    * `frame_speed`: number, default: `15.0`
    * `frame_blend`: number, default: `0.0`
    * `frame_loop`: boolean, default: `true`
* `get_animation()`: returns `range`, `frame_speed`, `frame_blend` and `frame_loop`
* `set_animation_frame_speed(frame_speed)`
    * `frame_speed`: number, default: `15.0`
* `set_attach(parent, bone, position, rotation)`
    * `bone`: string
    * `position`: `{x=num, y=num, z=num}` (relative)
    * `rotation`: `{x=num, y=num, z=num}` = Rotation on each axis, in degrees
* `get_attach()`: returns parent, bone, position, rotation or nil if it isn't attached
* `set_detach()`
* `set_bone_position(bone, position, rotation)`
    * `bone`: string
    * `position`: `{x=num, y=num, z=num}` (relative)
    * `rotation`: `{x=num, y=num, z=num}`
* `get_bone_position(bone)`: returns position and rotation of the bone
* `set_properties(object property table)`
* `get_properties()`: returns object property table
* `is_player()`: returns true for players, false otherwise
* `get_nametag_attributes()`
    * returns a table with the attributes of the nametag of an object
    * {
        color = {a=0..255, r=0..255, g=0..255, b=0..255},
        text = "",
      }
* `set_nametag_attributes(attributes)`
    * sets the attributes of the nametag of an object
    * `attributes`:
      {
        color = ColorSpec,
        text = "My Nametag",
      }

##### LuaEntitySAO-only (no-op for other objects)
* `set_velocity(vel)`
    * `vel` is a vector, e.g. `{x=0.0, y=2.3, z=1.0}`
* `get_velocity()`: returns the velocity, a vector
* `set_acceleration(acc)`
    * `acc` is a vector
* `get_acceleration()`: returns the acceleration, a vector
* `set_yaw(radians)`
* `get_yaw()`: returns number in radians
* `set_texture_mod(mod)`
* `get_texture_mod()` returns current texture modifier
* `set_sprite(p, num_frames, framelength, select_horiz_by_yawpitch)`
    * Select sprite from spritesheet with optional animation and Dungeon Master
      style texture selection based on yaw relative to camera
    * `p`: {x=number, y=number}, the coordinate of the first frame
      (x: column, y: row), default: `{x=0, y=0}`
    * `num_frames`: number, default: `1`
    * `framelength`: number, default: `0.2`
    * `select_horiz_by_yawpitch`: boolean, this was once used for the Dungeon
      Master mob, default: `false`
* `get_entity_name()` (**Deprecated**: Will be removed in a future version)
* `get_luaentity()`

##### Player-only (no-op for other objects)
* `get_player_name()`: returns `""` if is not a player
* `get_player_velocity()`: returns `nil` if is not a player, otherwise a
  table {x, y, z} representing the player's instantaneous velocity in nodes/s
* `get_look_dir()`: get camera direction as a unit vector
* `get_look_vertical()`: pitch in radians
    * Angle ranges between -pi/2 and pi/2, which are straight up and down respectively.
* `get_look_horizontal()`: yaw in radians
    * Angle is counter-clockwise from the +z direction.
* `set_look_vertical(radians)`: sets look pitch
    * radians - Angle from looking forward, where positive is downwards.
* `set_look_horizontal(radians)`: sets look yaw
    * radians - Angle from the +z direction, where positive is counter-clockwise.
* `get_look_pitch()`: pitch in radians - Deprecated as broken. Use `get_look_vertical`.
    * Angle ranges between -pi/2 and pi/2, which are straight down and up respectively.
* `get_look_yaw()`: yaw in radians - Deprecated as broken. Use `get_look_horizontal`.
    * Angle is counter-clockwise from the +x direction.
* `set_look_pitch(radians)`: sets look pitch - Deprecated. Use `set_look_vertical`.
* `set_look_yaw(radians)`: sets look yaw - Deprecated. Use `set_look_horizontal`.
* `get_breath()`: returns players breath
* `set_breath(value)`: sets players breath
    * values:
        * `0`: player is drowning
        * max: bubbles bar is not shown
        * See Object Properties for more information
* `set_attribute(attribute, value)`:
    * Sets an extra attribute with value on player.
    * `value` must be a string, or a number which will be converted to a string.
    * If `value` is `nil`, remove attribute from player.
* `get_attribute(attribute)`:
    * Returns value (a string) for extra attribute.
    * Returns `nil` if no attribute found.
* `set_inventory_formspec(formspec)`
    * Redefine player's inventory form
    * Should usually be called in `on_joinplayer`
* `get_inventory_formspec()`: returns a formspec string
* `get_player_control()`: returns table with player pressed keys
    * The table consists of fields with boolean value representing the pressed
      keys, the fields are jump, right, left, LMB, RMB, sneak, aux1, down and up
    * example: `{jump=false, right=true, left=false, LMB=false, RMB=false,
      sneak=true, aux1=false, down=false, up=false}`
* `get_player_control_bits()`: returns integer with bit packed player pressed keys
    * bit nr/meaning: 0/up, 1/down, 2/left, 3/right, 4/jump, 5/aux1, 6/sneak,
      7/LMB, 8/RMB
* `set_physics_override(override_table)`
    * `override_table` is a table with the following fields:
        * `speed`: multiplier to default walking speed value (default: `1`)
        * `jump`: multiplier to default jump value (default: `1`)
        * `gravity`: multiplier to default gravity value (default: `1`)
        * `sneak`: whether player can sneak (default: `true`)
        * `sneak_glitch`: whether player can use the new move code replications
          of the old sneak side-effects: sneak ladders and 2 node sneak jump
          (default: `false`)
        * `new_move`: use new move/sneak code. When `false` the exact old code
          is used for the specific old sneak behaviour (default: `true`)
* `get_physics_override()`: returns the table given to `set_physics_override`
* `hud_add(hud definition)`: add a HUD element described by HUD def, returns ID
   number on success
* `hud_remove(id)`: remove the HUD element of the specified id
* `hud_change(id, stat, value)`: change a value of a previously added HUD element
    * element `stat` values: `position`, `name`, `scale`, `text`, `number`, `item`, `dir`
* `hud_get(id)`: gets the HUD element definition structure of the specified ID
* `hud_set_flags(flags)`: sets specified HUD flags to `true`/`false`
    * `flags`: (is visible) `hotbar`, `healthbar`, `crosshair`, `wielditem`, `breathbar`,
      `minimap`, `minimap_radar`
    * pass a table containing a `true`/`false` value of each flag to be set or unset
    * if a flag equals `nil`, the flag is not modified
    * note that setting `minimap` modifies the client's permission to view the minimap -
    * the client may locally elect to not view the minimap
    * minimap `radar` is only usable when `minimap` is true
* `hud_get_flags()`: returns a table containing status of hud flags
    * returns `{hotbar=true, healthbar=true, crosshair=true, wielditem=true,
      breathbar=true, minimap=true, minimap_radar=true}`
* `hud_set_hotbar_itemcount(count)`: sets number of items in builtin hotbar
    * `count`: number of items, must be between `1` and `23`
* `hud_get_hotbar_itemcount`: returns number of visible items
* `hud_set_hotbar_image(texturename)`
    * sets background image for hotbar
* `hud_get_hotbar_image`: returns texturename
* `hud_set_hotbar_selected_image(texturename)`
    * sets image for selected item of hotbar
* `hud_get_hotbar_selected_image`: returns texturename
* `set_sky(bgcolor, type, {texture names}, clouds)`
    * `bgcolor`: ColorSpec, defaults to white
    * `type`: Available types:
        * `"regular"`: Uses 0 textures, `bgcolor` ignored
        * `"skybox"`: Uses 6 textures, `bgcolor` used
        * `"plain"`: Uses 0 textures, `bgcolor` used
    * `clouds`: Boolean for whether clouds appear in front of `"skybox"` or
      `"plain"` custom skyboxes (default: `true`)
* `get_sky()`: returns bgcolor, type, table of textures, clouds
* `set_clouds(parameters)`: set cloud parameters
    * `parameters` is a table with the following optional fields:
        * `density`: from `0` (no clouds) to `1` (full clouds) (default `0.4`)
        * `color`: basic cloud color with alpha channel, ColorSpec (default `#fff0f0e5`)
        * `ambient`: cloud color lower bound, use for a "glow at night" effect.
          ColorSpec (alpha ignored, default `#000000`)
        * `height`: cloud height, i.e. y of cloud base (default per conf, usually `120`)
        * `thickness`: cloud thickness in nodes (default `16`)
        * `speed`: 2D cloud speed + direction in nodes per second (default `{x=0, z=-2}`)
* `get_clouds()`: returns a table with the current cloud parameters as in `set_clouds`
* `override_day_night_ratio(ratio or nil)`
    * `0`...`1`: Overrides day-night ratio, controlling sunlight to a specific amount
    * `nil`: Disables override, defaulting to sunlight based on day-night cycle
* `get_day_night_ratio()`: returns the ratio or nil if it isn't overridden
* `set_local_animation(stand/idle, walk, dig, walk+dig, frame_speed=frame_speed)`:
  set animation for player model in third person view

        set_local_animation({x=0, y=79}, -- < stand/idle animation key frames
            {x=168, y=187}, -- < walk animation key frames
            {x=189, y=198}, -- <  dig animation key frames
            {x=200, y=219}, -- <  walk+dig animation key frames
            frame_speed=30): -- <  animation frame speed
* `get_local_animation()`: returns stand, walk, dig, dig+walk tables and `frame_speed`
* `set_eye_offset({x=0,y=0,z=0},{x=0,y=0,z=0})`: defines offset value for camera per player
    * in first person view
    * in third person view (max. values `{x=-10/10,y=-10,15,z=-5/5}`)
* `get_eye_offset()`: returns `offset_first` and `offset_third`

### `InvRef`
An `InvRef` is a reference to an inventory.

#### Methods
* `is_empty(listname)`: return `true` if list is empty
* `get_size(listname)`: get size of a list
* `set_size(listname, size)`: set size of a list
    * returns `false` on error (e.g. invalid `listname` or `size`)
* `get_width(listname)`: get width of a list
* `set_width(listname, width)`: set width of list; currently used for crafting
* `get_stack(listname, i)`: get a copy of stack index `i` in list
* `set_stack(listname, i, stack)`: copy `stack` to index `i` in list
* `get_list(listname)`: return full list
* `set_list(listname, list)`: set full list (size will not change)
* `get_lists()`: returns list of inventory lists
* `set_lists(lists)`: sets inventory lists (size will not change)
* `add_item(listname, stack)`: add item somewhere in list, returns leftover `ItemStack`
* `room_for_item(listname, stack):` returns `true` if the stack of items
  can be fully added to the list
* `contains_item(listname, stack, [match_meta])`: returns `true` if
  the stack of items can be fully taken from the list.
  If `match_meta` is false, only the items' names are compared (default: `false`).
* `remove_item(listname, stack)`: take as many items as specified from the list,
  returns the items that were actually removed (as an `ItemStack`) -- note that
  any item metadata is ignored, so attempting to remove a specific unique
  item this way will likely remove the wrong one -- to do that use `set_stack`
  with an empty `ItemStack`
* `get_location()`: returns a location compatible to `minetest.get_inventory(location)`
    * returns `{type="undefined"}` in case location is not known

### `AreaStore`
A fast access data structure to store areas, and find areas near a given position or area.
Every area has a `data` string attribute to store additional information.
You can create an empty `AreaStore` by calling `AreaStore()`, or `AreaStore(type_name)`.
If you chose the parameter-less constructor, a fast implementation will be automatically
chosen for you.

#### Methods
* `get_area(id, include_borders, include_data)`: returns the area with the id `id`.
  (optional) Boolean values `include_borders` and `include_data` control what's copied.
  Returns nil if specified area id does not exist.
* `get_areas_for_pos(pos, include_borders, include_data)`: returns all areas that contain
  the position `pos`. (optional) Boolean values `include_borders` and `include_data` control
  what's copied.
* `get_areas_in_area(edge1, edge2, accept_overlap, include_borders, include_data)`:
  returns all areas that contain all nodes inside the area specified by `edge1` and `edge2` (inclusive).
  If `accept_overlap` is true, also areas are returned that have nodes in common with the specified area.
  (optional) Boolean values `include_borders` and `include_data` control what's copied.
* `insert_area(edge1, edge2, data, [id])`: inserts an area into the store. Returns the new area's ID,
  or nil if the insertion failed. The (inclusive) positions `edge1` and `edge2` describe the area.
  `data` is a string stored with the area.  If passed, `id` will be used as the internal area ID,
  it must be a unique number between 0 and 2^32-2. If you use the `id` parameter you must always use it,
  or insertions are likely to fail due to conflicts.
* `reserve(count)`: reserves resources for at most `count` many contained areas.
  Only needed for efficiency, and only some implementations profit.
* `remove_area(id)`: removes the area with the given id from the store, returns success.
* `set_cache_params(params)`: sets params for the included prefiltering cache.
  Calling invalidates the cache, so that its elements have to be newly generated.
    * `params`:
      {
        enabled = boolean, -- whether to enable, default true
        block_radius = number, -- the radius (in nodes) of the areas the cache generates
                                  prefiltered lists for, minimum 16, default 64
        limit = number, -- the cache's size, minimum 20, default 1000
      }
* `to_string()`: Experimental. Returns area store serialized as a (binary) string.
* `to_file(filename)`: Experimental. Like `to_string()`, but writes the data to a file.
* `from_string(str)`: Experimental. Deserializes string and loads it into the AreaStore.
  Returns success and, optionally, an error message.
* `from_file(filename)`: Experimental. Like `from_string()`, but reads the data from a file.

### `ItemStack`
An `ItemStack` is a stack of items.

It can be created via `ItemStack(x)`, where x is an `ItemStack`,
an itemstring, a table or `nil`.

#### Methods
* `is_empty()`: returns `true` if stack is empty.
* `get_name()`: returns item name (e.g. `"default:stone"`).
* `set_name(item_name)`: returns a boolean indicating whether the item was cleared
* `get_count()`: Returns number of items on the stack.
* `set_count(count)`: returns a boolean indicating whether the item was cleared
    * `count`: number, unsigned 16 bit integer
* `get_wear()`: returns tool wear (`0`-`65535`), `0` for non-tools.
* `set_wear(wear)`: returns boolean indicating whether item was cleared
    * `wear`: number, unsigned 16 bit integer
* `get_meta()`: returns ItemStackMetaRef. See section for more details
* `get_metadata()`: (DEPRECATED) Returns metadata (a string attached to an item stack).
* `set_metadata(metadata)`: (DEPRECATED) Returns true.
* `clear()`: removes all items from the stack, making it empty.
* `replace(item)`: replace the contents of this stack.
    * `item` can also be an itemstring or table.
* `to_string()`: returns the stack in itemstring form.
* `to_table()`: returns the stack in Lua table form.
* `get_stack_max()`: returns the maximum size of the stack (depends on the item).
* `get_free_space()`: returns `get_stack_max() - get_count()`.
* `is_known()`: returns `true` if the item name refers to a defined item type.
* `get_definition()`: returns the item definition table.
* `get_tool_capabilities()`: returns the digging properties of the item,
  or those of the hand if none are defined for this item type
* `add_wear(amount)`
    * Increases wear by `amount` if the item is a tool
    * `amount`: number, integer
* `add_item(item)`: returns leftover `ItemStack`
    * Put some item or stack onto this stack
* `item_fits(item)`: returns `true` if item or stack can be fully added to
  this one.
* `take_item(n)`: returns taken `ItemStack`
    * Take (and remove) up to `n` items from this stack
    * `n`: number, default: `1`
* `peek_item(n)`: returns taken `ItemStack`
    * Copy (don't remove) up to `n` items from this stack
    * `n`: number, default: `1`

### `PseudoRandom`
A 16-bit pseudorandom number generator.
Uses a well-known LCG algorithm introduced by K&R.

It can be created via `PseudoRandom(seed)`.

#### Methods
* `next()`: return next integer random number [`0`...`32767`]
* `next(min, max)`: return next integer random number [`min`...`max`]
    * `((max - min) == 32767) or ((max-min) <= 6553))` must be true
      due to the simple implementation making bad distribution otherwise.

### `PcgRandom`
A 32-bit pseudorandom number generator.
Uses PCG32, an algorithm of the permuted congruential generator family, offering very strong randomness.

It can be created via `PcgRandom(seed)` or `PcgRandom(seed, sequence)`.

#### Methods
* `next()`: return next integer random number [`-2147483648`...`2147483647`]
* `next(min, max)`: return next integer random number [`min`...`max`]
* `rand_normal_dist(min, max, num_trials=6)`: return normally distributed random number [`min`...`max`]
    * This is only a rough approximation of a normal distribution with:
    * `mean = (max - min) / 2`, and
    * `variance = (((max - min + 1) ^ 2) - 1) / (12 * num_trials)`
    * Increasing `num_trials` improves accuracy of the approximation

### `SecureRandom`
Interface for the operating system's crypto-secure PRNG.

It can be created via `SecureRandom()`.  The constructor returns nil if a secure random device cannot be
be found on the system.

#### Methods
* `next_bytes([count])`: return next `count` (default 1, capped at 2048) many random bytes, as a string.

### `PerlinNoise`
A perlin noise generator.
It can be created via `PerlinNoise(seed, octaves, persistence, scale)`
or `PerlinNoise(noiseparams)`.
Alternatively with `minetest.get_perlin(seeddiff, octaves, persistence, scale)`
or `minetest.get_perlin(noiseparams)`.

#### Methods
* `get_2d(pos)`: returns 2D noise value at `pos={x=,y=}`
* `get_3d(pos)`: returns 3D noise value at `pos={x=,y=,z=}`

### `PerlinNoiseMap`
A fast, bulk perlin noise generator.

It can be created via `PerlinNoiseMap(noiseparams, size)` or
`minetest.get_perlin_map(noiseparams, size)`.

Format of `size` is `{x=dimx, y=dimy, z=dimz}`.  The `z` component is omitted
for 2D noise, and it must be must be larger than 1 for 3D noise (otherwise
`nil` is returned).

For each of the functions with an optional `buffer` parameter:  If `buffer` is not
nil, this table will be used to store the result instead of creating a new table.


#### Methods
* `get_2d_map(pos)`: returns a `<size.x>` times `<size.y>` 2D array of 2D noise
  with values starting at `pos={x=,y=}`
* `get_3d_map(pos)`: returns a `<size.x>` times `<size.y>` times `<size.z>` 3D array
  of 3D noise with values starting at `pos={x=,y=,z=}`
* `get_2d_map_flat(pos, buffer)`: returns a flat `<size.x * size.y>` element array of 2D noise
  with values starting at `pos={x=,y=}`
* `get_3d_map_flat(pos, buffer)`: Same as `get2dMap_flat`, but 3D noise
* `calc_2d_map(pos)`: Calculates the 2d noise map starting at `pos`.  The result is stored internally.
* `calc_3d_map(pos)`: Calculates the 3d noise map starting at `pos`.  The result is stored internally.
* `get_map_slice(slice_offset, slice_size, buffer)`: In the form of an array, returns a slice of the
  most recently computed noise results.  The result slice begins at coordinates `slice_offset` and
  takes a chunk of `slice_size`.
  E.g. to grab a 2-slice high horizontal 2d plane of noise starting at buffer offset y = 20:
  `noisevals = noise:get_map_slice({y=20}, {y=2})`
  It is important to note that `slice_offset` offset coordinates begin at 1, and are relative to
  the starting position of the most recently calculated noise.
  To grab a single vertical column of noise starting at map coordinates x = 1023, y=1000, z = 1000:
  `noise:calc_3d_map({x=1000, y=1000, z=1000})`
  `noisevals = noise:get_map_slice({x=24, z=1}, {x=1, z=1})`

### `VoxelManip`

#### About VoxelManip
VoxelManip is a scripting interface to the internal 'Map Voxel Manipulator' facility.  The purpose of
this object is for fast, low-level, bulk access to reading and writing Map content.  As such, setting
map nodes through VoxelManip will lack many of the higher level features and concepts you may be used
to with other methods of setting nodes.  For example, nodes will not have their construction and
destruction callbacks run, and no rollback information is logged.

It is important to note that VoxelManip is designed for speed, and *not* ease of use or flexibility.
If your mod requires a map manipulation facility that will handle 100% of all edge cases, or the use
of high level node placement features, perhaps `minetest.set_node()` is better suited for the job.

In addition, VoxelManip might not be faster, or could even be slower, for your specific use case.
VoxelManip is most effective when setting very large areas of map at once - for example, if only
setting a 5x5x5 node area, a `minetest.set_node()` loop may be more optimal.  Always profile code
using both methods of map manipulation to determine which is most appropriate for your usage.

#### Using VoxelManip
A VoxelManip object can be created any time using either:
`VoxelManip([p1, p2])`, or `minetest.get_voxel_manip([p1, p2])`.

If the optional position parameters are present for either of these routines, the specified region
will be pre-loaded into the VoxelManip object on creation.  Otherwise, the area of map you wish to
manipulate must first be loaded into the VoxelManip object using `VoxelManip:read_from_map()`.

Note that `VoxelManip:read_from_map()` returns two position vectors.  The region formed by these
positions indicate the minimum and maximum (respectively) positions of the area actually loaded in
the VoxelManip, which may be larger than the area requested.  For convenience, the loaded area
coordinates can also be queried any time after loading map data with `VoxelManip:get_emerged_area()`.

Now that the VoxelManip object is populated with map data, your mod can fetch a copy of this data
using either of two methods.  `VoxelManip:get_node_at()`, which retrieves an individual node in a
MapNode formatted table at the position requested is the simplest method to use, but also the slowest.

Nodes in a VoxelManip object may also be read in bulk to a flat array table using:
`VoxelManip:get_data()` for node content (in Content ID form, see section 'Content IDs'),
`VoxelManip:get_light_data()` for node light levels, and
`VoxelManip:get_param2_data()` for the node type-dependent "param2" values.

See section 'Flat array format' for more details.

It is very important to understand that the tables returned by any of the above three functions
represent a snapshot of the VoxelManip's internal state at the time of the call.  This copy of the
data will *not* magically update itself if another function modifies the internal VoxelManip state.
Any functions that modify a VoxelManip's contents work on the VoxelManip's internal state unless
otherwise explicitly stated.

Once the bulk data has been edited to your liking, the internal VoxelManip state can be set using:
`VoxelManip:set_data()` for node content (in Content ID form, see section 'Content IDs'),
`VoxelManip:set_light_data()` for node light levels, and
`VoxelManip:set_param2_data()` for the node type-dependent `param2` values.

The parameter to each of the above three functions can use any table at all in the same flat array
format as produced by `get_data()` et al. and is *not required* to be a table retrieved from `get_data()`.

Once the internal VoxelManip state has been modified to your liking, the changes can be committed back
to the map by calling `VoxelManip:write_to_map()`.


##### Flat array format
Let
    `Nx = p2.X - p1.X + 1`,
    `Ny = p2.Y - p1.Y + 1`, and
    `Nz = p2.Z - p1.Z + 1`.

Then, for a loaded region of p1..p2, this array ranges from `1` up to and including the value of
the expression `Nx * Ny * Nz`.

Positions offset from p1 are present in the array with the format of:

```
[
    (0, 0, 0),   (1, 0, 0),   (2, 0, 0),   ... (Nx, 0, 0),
    (0, 1, 0),   (1, 1, 0),   (2, 1, 0),   ... (Nx, 1, 0),
    ...
    (0, Ny, 0),  (1, Ny, 0),  (2, Ny, 0),  ... (Nx, Ny, 0),
    (0, 0, 1),   (1, 0, 1),   (2, 0, 1),   ... (Nx, 0, 1),
    ...
    (0, Ny, 2),  (1, Ny, 2),  (2, Ny, 2),  ... (Nx, Ny, 2),
    ...
    (0, Ny, Nz), (1, Ny, Nz), (2, Ny, Nz), ... (Nx, Ny, Nz)
]
```

and the array index for a position p contained completely in p1..p2 is:

`(p.Z - p1.Z) * Ny * Nx + (p.Y - p1.Y) * Nx + (p.X - p1.X) + 1`

Note that this is the same "flat 3D array" format as `PerlinNoiseMap:get3dMap_flat()`.
VoxelArea objects (see section 'VoxelArea') can be used to simplify calculation of the index
for a single point in a flat VoxelManip array.

##### Content IDs
A Content ID is a unique integer identifier for a specific node type.  These IDs are used by VoxelManip
in place of the node name string for `VoxelManip:get_data()` and `VoxelManip:set_data()`.  You can use
`minetest.get_content_id()` to look up the Content ID for the specified node name, and
`minetest.get_name_from_content_id()` to look up the node name string for a given Content ID.
After registration of a node, its Content ID will remain the same throughout execution of the mod.
Note that the node being queried needs to have already been been registered.

The following builtin node types have their Content IDs defined as constants:

* `minetest.CONTENT_UNKNOWN`:   ID for "unknown" nodes
* `minetest.CONTENT_AIR`:       ID for "air" nodes
* `minetest.CONTENT_IGNORE`:    ID for "ignore" nodes

##### Mapgen VoxelManip objects
Inside of `on_generated()` callbacks, it is possible to retrieve the same VoxelManip object used by the
core's Map Generator (commonly abbreviated Mapgen).  Most of the rules previously described still apply
but with a few differences:

* The Mapgen VoxelManip object is retrieved using: `minetest.get_mapgen_object("voxelmanip")`
* This VoxelManip object already has the region of map just generated loaded into it; it's not necessary
  to call `VoxelManip:read_from_map()` before using a Mapgen VoxelManip.
* The `on_generated()` callbacks of some mods may place individual nodes in the generated area using
  non-VoxelManip map modification methods.  Because the same Mapgen VoxelManip object is passed through
  each `on_generated()` callback, it becomes necessary for the Mapgen VoxelManip object to maintain
  consistency with the current map state.  For this reason, calling any of the following functions:
  `minetest.add_node()`, `minetest.set_node()`, or `minetest.swap_node()`
  will also update the Mapgen VoxelManip object's internal state active on the current thread.
* After modifying the Mapgen VoxelManip object's internal buffer, it may be necessary to update lighting
  information using either: `VoxelManip:calc_lighting()` or `VoxelManip:set_lighting()`.

##### Other API functions operating on a VoxelManip
If any VoxelManip contents were set to a liquid node, `VoxelManip:update_liquids()` must be called
for these liquid nodes to begin flowing.  It is recommended to call this function only after having
written all buffered data back to the VoxelManip object, save for special situations where the modder
desires to only have certain liquid nodes begin flowing.

The functions `minetest.generate_ores()` and `minetest.generate_decorations()` will generate all
registered decorations and ores throughout the full area inside of the specified VoxelManip object.

`minetest.place_schematic_on_vmanip()` is otherwise identical to `minetest.place_schematic()`,
except instead of placing the specified schematic directly on the map at the specified position, it
will place the schematic inside of the VoxelManip.

##### Notes
* Attempting to read data from a VoxelManip object before map is read will result in a zero-length
  array table for `VoxelManip:get_data()`, and an "ignore" node at any position for
  `VoxelManip:get_node_at()`.
* If either a region of map has not yet been generated or is out-of-bounds of the map, that region is
  filled with "ignore" nodes.
* Other mods, or the core itself, could possibly modify the area of map currently loaded into a VoxelManip
  object.  With the exception of Mapgen VoxelManips (see above section), the internal buffers are not
  updated.  For this reason, it is strongly encouraged to complete the usage of a particular VoxelManip
  object in the same callback it had been created.
* If a VoxelManip object will be used often, such as in an `on_generated()` callback, consider passing
  a file-scoped table as the optional parameter to `VoxelManip:get_data()`, which serves as a static
  buffer the function can use to write map data to instead of returning a new table each call.  This
  greatly enhances performance by avoiding unnecessary memory allocations.

#### Methods
* `read_from_map(p1, p2)`:  Loads a chunk of map into the VoxelManip object containing
  the region formed by `p1` and `p2`.
    * returns actual emerged `pmin`, actual emerged `pmax`
* `write_to_map([light])`: Writes the data loaded from the `VoxelManip` back to the map.
    * **important**: data must be set using `VoxelManip:set_data()` before calling this
    * if `light` is true, then lighting is automatically recalculated.
      The default value is true.
      If `light` is false, no light calculations happen, and you should correct
      all modified blocks with `minetest.fix_light()` as soon as possible.
      Keep in mind that modifying the map where light is incorrect can cause
      more lighting bugs.
* `get_node_at(pos)`: Returns a `MapNode` table of the node currently loaded in
  the `VoxelManip` at that position
* `set_node_at(pos, node)`: Sets a specific `MapNode` in the `VoxelManip` at that position
* `get_data([buffer])`: Retrieves the node content data loaded into the `VoxelManip` object
    * returns raw node data in the form of an array of node content IDs
    * if the param `buffer` is present, this table will be used to store the result instead
* `set_data(data)`: Sets the data contents of the `VoxelManip` object
* `update_map()`: Does nothing, kept for compatibility.
* `set_lighting(light, [p1, p2])`: Set the lighting within the `VoxelManip` to a uniform value
    * `light` is a table, `{day=<0...15>, night=<0...15>}`
    * To be used only by a `VoxelManip` object from `minetest.get_mapgen_object`
    * (`p1`, `p2`) is the area in which lighting is set;
      defaults to the whole area if left out
* `get_light_data()`: Gets the light data read into the `VoxelManip` object
    * Returns an array (indices 1 to volume) of integers ranging from `0` to `255`
    * Each value is the bitwise combination of day and night light values (`0` to `15` each)
    * `light = day + (night * 16)`
* `set_light_data(light_data)`: Sets the `param1` (light) contents of each node
  in the `VoxelManip`
    * expects lighting data in the same format that `get_light_data()` returns
* `get_param2_data([buffer])`: Gets the raw `param2` data read into the `VoxelManip` object
    * Returns an array (indices 1 to volume) of integers ranging from `0` to `255`
    * If the param `buffer` is present, this table will be used to store the result instead
* `set_param2_data(param2_data)`: Sets the `param2` contents of each node in the `VoxelManip`
* `calc_lighting([p1, p2], [propagate_shadow])`:  Calculate lighting within the `VoxelManip`
    * To be used only by a `VoxelManip` object from `minetest.get_mapgen_object`
    * (`p1`, `p2`) is the area in which lighting is set; defaults to the whole area
      if left out or nil
    * `propagate_shadow` is an optional boolean deciding whether shadows in a generated
      mapchunk above are propagated down into the mapchunk; defaults to `true` if left out
* `update_liquids()`: Update liquid flow
* `was_modified()`: Returns `true` or `false` if the data in the voxel manipulator
  had been modified since the last read from map, due to a call to
  `minetest.set_data()` on the loaded area elsewhere
* `get_emerged_area()`: Returns actual emerged minimum and maximum positions.

### `VoxelArea`
A helper class for voxel areas.
It can be created via `VoxelArea:new{MinEdge=pmin, MaxEdge=pmax}`.
The coordinates are *inclusive*, like most other things in Minetest.

#### Methods
* `getExtent()`: returns a 3D vector containing the size of the area formed by
  `MinEdge` and `MaxEdge`
* `getVolume()`: returns the volume of the area formed by `MinEdge` and `MaxEdge`
* `index(x, y, z)`: returns the index of an absolute position in a flat array starting at `1`
    * useful for things like `VoxelManip`, raw Schematic specifiers,
      `PerlinNoiseMap:get2d`/`3dMap`, and so on
* `indexp(p)`: same as above, except takes a vector
* `position(i)`: returns the absolute position vector corresponding to index `i`
* `contains(x, y, z)`: check if (`x`,`y`,`z`) is inside area formed by `MinEdge` and `MaxEdge`
* `containsp(p)`: same as above, except takes a vector
* `containsi(i)`: same as above, except takes an index `i`
* `iter(minx, miny, minz, maxx, maxy, maxz)`: returns an iterator that returns indices
    * from (`minx`,`miny`,`minz`) to (`maxx`,`maxy`,`maxz`) in the order of `[z [y [x]]]`
* `iterp(minp, maxp)`: same as above, except takes a vector

### `Settings`
An interface to read config files in the format of `minetest.conf`.

It can be created via `Settings(filename)`.

#### Methods
* `get(key)`: returns a value
* `get_bool(key, [default])`: returns a boolean
    * `default` is the value returned if `key` is not found.
    * Returns `nil` if `key` is not found and `default` not specified.
* `get_np_group(key)`: returns a NoiseParams table
* `set(key, value)`
    * Setting names can't contain whitespace or any of `="{}#`.
    * Setting values can't contain the sequence `\n"""`.
    * Setting names starting with "secure." can't be set on the main settings object (`minetest.settings`).
* `set_bool(key, value)`
    * See documentation for set() above.
* `set_np_group(key, value)`
    * `value` is a NoiseParams table.
    * Also, see documentation for set() above.
* `remove(key)`: returns a boolean (`true` for success)
* `get_names()`: returns `{key1,...}`
* `write()`: returns a boolean (`true` for success)
    * Writes changes to file.
* `to_table()`: returns `{[key1]=value1,...}`

### `Raycast`
A raycast on the map. It works with selection boxes.
Can be used as an iterator in a for loop.

The map is loaded as the ray advances. If the
map is modified after the `Raycast` is created,
the changes may or may not have an effect on
the object.

It can be created via `Raycast(pos1, pos2, objects, liquids)` or
`minetest.raycast(pos1, pos2, objects, liquids)` where:
* `pos1`: start of the ray
* `pos2`: end of the ray
* `objects` : if false, only nodes will be returned. Default is true.
* `liquids' : if false, liquid nodes won't be returned. Default is false.

#### Methods
* `next()`: returns a `pointed_thing`
    * Returns the next thing pointed by the ray or nil.

Mapgen objects
--------------
A mapgen object is a construct used in map generation. Mapgen objects can be used
by an `on_generate` callback to speed up operations by avoiding unnecessary
recalculations; these can be retrieved using the `minetest.get_mapgen_object()`
function. If the requested Mapgen object is unavailable, or `get_mapgen_object()`
was called outside of an `on_generate()` callback, `nil` is returned.

The following Mapgen objects are currently available:

### `voxelmanip`
This returns three values; the `VoxelManip` object to be used, minimum and maximum
emerged position, in that order. All mapgens support this object.

### `heightmap`
Returns an array containing the y coordinates of the ground levels of nodes in
the most recently generated chunk by the current mapgen.

### `biomemap`
Returns an array containing the biome IDs of nodes in the most recently
generated chunk by the current mapgen.

### `heatmap`
Returns an array containing the temperature values of nodes in the most
recently generated chunk by the current mapgen.

### `humiditymap`
Returns an array containing the humidity values of nodes in the most recently
generated chunk by the current mapgen.

### `gennotify`
Returns a table mapping requested generation notification types to arrays of
positions at which the corresponding generated structures are located at within
the current chunk. To set the capture of positions of interest to be recorded
on generate, use `minetest.set_gen_notify()`.

Possible fields of the table returned are:

* `dungeon`
* `temple`
* `cave_begin`
* `cave_end`
* `large_cave_begin`
* `large_cave_end`
* `decoration`

Decorations have a key in the format of `"decoration#id"`, where `id` is the
numeric unique decoration ID.

Registered entities
-------------------
* Functions receive a "luaentity" as `self`:
    * It has the member `.name`, which is the registered name `("mod:thing")`
    * It has the member `.object`, which is an `ObjectRef` pointing to the object
    * The original prototype stuff is visible directly via a metatable
* Callbacks:
    * `on_activate(self, staticdata, dtime_s)`
        * Called when the object is instantiated.
        * `dtime_s` is the time passed since the object was unloaded, which can
          be used for updating the entity state.
    * `on_step(self, dtime)`
        * Called on every server tick, after movement and collision processing.
          `dtime` is usually 0.1 seconds, as per the `dedicated_server_step` setting
          `in minetest.conf`.
    * `on_punch(self, puncher, time_from_last_punch, tool_capabilities, dir)`
        * Called when somebody punches the object.
        * Note that you probably want to handle most punches using the
          automatic armor group system.
        * `puncher`: an `ObjectRef` (can be `nil`)
        * `time_from_last_punch`: Meant for disallowing spamming of clicks (can be `nil`)
        * `tool_capabilities`: capability table of used tool (can be `nil`)
        * `dir`: unit vector of direction of punch. Always defined. Points from
          the puncher to the punched.
    * `on_death(self, killer)`
        * Called when the object dies.
        * `killer`: an `ObjectRef` (can be `nil`)
    * `on_rightclick(self, clicker)`
    * `get_staticdata(self)`
        * Should return a string that will be passed to `on_activate` when
          the object is instantiated the next time.

L-system trees
--------------
**Warning**
L-system generation currently creates lighting bugs in the form of mapblock-sized shadows.
Often these bugs appear as subtle shadows in water.

### Tree definition

    treedef={
        axiom,         --string  initial tree axiom
        rules_a,       --string  rules set A
        rules_b,       --string  rules set B
        rules_c,       --string  rules set C
        rules_d,       --string  rules set D
        trunk,         --string  trunk node name
        leaves,        --string  leaves node name
        leaves2,       --string  secondary leaves node name
        leaves2_chance,--num     chance (0-100) to replace leaves with leaves2
        angle,         --num     angle in deg
        iterations,    --num     max # of iterations, usually 2 -5
        random_level,  --num     factor to lower nr of iterations, usually 0 - 3
        trunk_type,    --string  single/double/crossed) type of trunk: 1 node,
                       --        2x2 nodes or 3x3 in cross shape
        thin_branches, --boolean true -> use thin (1 node) branches
        fruit,         --string  fruit node name
        fruit_chance,  --num     chance (0-100) to replace leaves with fruit node
        seed,          --num     random seed; if no seed is provided, the engine will create one
    }

### Key for Special L-System Symbols used in Axioms

* `G`: move forward one unit with the pen up
* `F`: move forward one unit with the pen down drawing trunks and branches
* `f`: move forward one unit with the pen down drawing leaves (100% chance)
* `T`: move forward one unit with the pen down drawing trunks only
* `R`: move forward one unit with the pen down placing fruit
* `A`: replace with rules set A
* `B`: replace with rules set B
* `C`: replace with rules set C
* `D`: replace with rules set D
* `a`: replace with rules set A, chance 90%
* `b`: replace with rules set B, chance 80%
* `c`: replace with rules set C, chance 70%
* `d`: replace with rules set D, chance 60%
* `+`: yaw the turtle right by `angle` parameter
* `-`: yaw the turtle left by `angle` parameter
* `&`: pitch the turtle down by `angle` parameter
* `^`: pitch the turtle up by `angle` parameter
* `/`: roll the turtle to the right by `angle` parameter
* `*`: roll the turtle to the left by `angle` parameter
* `[`: save in stack current state info
* `]`: recover from stack state info

### Example
Spawn a small apple tree:

    pos = {x=230,y=20,z=4}
    apple_tree={
        axiom="FFFFFAFFBF",
        rules_a="[&&&FFFFF&&FFFF][&&&++++FFFFF&&FFFF][&&&----FFFFF&&FFFF]",
        rules_b="[&&&++FFFFF&&FFFF][&&&--FFFFF&&FFFF][&&&------FFFFF&&FFFF]",
        trunk="default:tree",
        leaves="default:leaves",
        angle=30,
        iterations=2,
        random_level=0,
        trunk_type="single",
        thin_branches=true,
        fruit_chance=10,
        fruit="default:apple"
    }
    minetest.spawn_tree(pos,apple_tree)

Definition tables
-----------------

### Object Properties

    {
        hp_max = 1,
    --  ^ For players: Defaults to `minetest.PLAYER_MAX_HP_DEFAULT`
        breath_max = 0,
    --  ^ For players only. Defaults to `minetest.PLAYER_MAX_BREATH_DEFAULT`
        zoom_fov = 0.0,
    --  ^ For players only. Zoom FOV in degrees.
    --    Note that zoom loads and/or generates world beyond the server's maximum
    --    send and generate distances, so acts like a telescope.
    --    Smaller zoomFOV values increase the distance loaded and/or generated.
    --    Defaults to 15 in creative mode, 0 in survival mode.
    --    zoom_fov = 0 disables zooming for the player.
        eye_height = 1.625,
    --  ^ For players only. Camera height above feet position in nodes. Defaults to 1.625
        physical = true,
        collide_with_objects = true, -- collide with other objects if physical = true
        weight = 5,
        collisionbox = {-0.5, 0.0, -0.5, 0.5, 1.0, 0.5},
        selectionbox = {-0.5, 0.0, -0.5, 0.5, 1.0, 0.5},
    --  ^ Default, uses collision box dimensions when not set.
    --  ^ For both boxes: {xmin, ymin, zmin, xmax, ymax, zmax} in nodes from
    --    object position.
        pointable = true, -- overrides selection box when false
        visual = "cube" / "sprite" / "upright_sprite" / "mesh" / "wielditem",
    --  ^ "cube" is a node-sized cube.
    --  ^ "sprite" is a flat texture always facing the player.
    --  ^ "upright_sprite" is a vertical flat texture.
    --  ^ "mesh" uses the defined mesh model.
        visual_size = {x = 1, y = 1},
    --  ^ `x` multiplies horizontal (X and Z) visual size.
    --  ^ `y` multiplies vertical (Y) visual size.
        mesh = "model",
        textures = {}, -- number of required textures depends on visual
    --  ^ "cube" uses 6 textures in the way a node does.
    --  ^ "sprite" uses 1 texture.
    --  ^ "upright_sprite" uses 2 textures: {front, back}.
        colors = {}, -- number of required colors depends on visual
        spritediv = {x = 1, y = 1},
    --  ^ Used with spritesheet textures for animation and/or frame selection according
    --    to position relative to player.
    --  ^ Defines the number of columns and rows in the spritesheet: {columns, rows}.
        initial_sprite_basepos = {x = 0, y = 0},
    --  ^ Used with spritesheet textures.
    --  ^ Defines the {column, row} position of the initially used frame in the
    --    spritesheet.
        is_visible = true,
        makes_footstep_sound = false,
        automatic_rotate = 0,
    --  ^ Set constant rotation in radians per second, positive or negative.
    --  ^ Set to 0 to disable constant rotation.
        stepheight = 0,
        automatic_face_movement_dir = 0.0,
    --  ^ Automatically set yaw to movement direction, offset in degrees,
    --    'false' to disable.
        automatic_face_movement_max_rotation_per_sec = -1,
    --  ^ Limit automatic rotation to this value in degrees per second,
    --    value < 0 no limit.
        backface_culling = true, -- false to disable backface_culling for model
        glow = 0,
    --  ^ Add this much extra lighting when calculating texture color.
    --    Value < 0 disables light's effect on texture color.
    --    For faking self-lighting, UI style entities, or programmatic coloring in mods.
        nametag = "", -- by default empty, for players their name is shown if empty
        nametag_color = <color>, -- sets color of nametag as ColorSpec
        infotext = "", -- by default empty, text to be shown when pointed at object
        static_save = true,
    --  ^ If false, never save this object statically. It will simply be deleted when the
    --    block gets unloaded.
    --    The get_staticdata() callback is never called then.
    --    Defaults to 'true'
    }

### Entity definition (`register_entity`)

    {
    --  Deprecated: Everything in object properties is read directly from here

        initial_properties = --[[<initial object properties>]],

        on_activate = function(self, staticdata, dtime_s),
        on_step = function(self, dtime),
        on_punch = function(self, puncher, time_from_last_punch, tool_capabilities, dir),
        on_rightclick = function(self, clicker),
        get_staticdata = function(self),
    --  ^ Called sometimes; the string returned is passed to on_activate when
    --    the entity is re-activated from static state

        -- Also you can define arbitrary member variables here (see item definition for
        -- more info)
        _custom_field = whatever,
    }

### ABM (ActiveBlockModifier) definition (`register_abm`)

    {
        label = "Lava cooling",
        ^ Descriptive label for profiling purposes (optional).
          Definitions with identical labels will be listed as one.
        nodenames = {"default:lava_source"},
        ^ Apply `action` function to these nodes.
        ^ `group:groupname` can also be used here.
        neighbors = {"default:water_source", "default:water_flowing"},
        ^ Only apply `action` to nodes that have one of, or any
          combination of, these neighbors.
        ^ If left out or empty, any neighbor will do.
        ^ `group:groupname` can also be used here.
        interval = 1.0,
        ^ Operation interval in seconds.
        chance = 1,
        ^ Chance of triggering `action` per-node per-interval is 1.0 / this value.
        catch_up = true,
        ^ If true, catch-up behaviour is enabled: The `chance` value is temporarily
          reduced when returning to an area to simulate time lost by the area being
          unattended. Note that the `chance` value can often be reduced to 1.
        action = function(pos, node, active_object_count, active_object_count_wider),
        ^ Function triggered for each qualifying node.
        ^ `active_object_count` is number of active objects in the node's mapblock.
        ^ `active_object_count_wider` is number of active objects in the node's
          mapblock plus all 26 neighboring mapblocks. If any neighboring mapblocks
          are unloaded an estmate is calculated for them based on loaded mapblocks.
    }

### LBM (LoadingBlockModifier) definition (`register_lbm`)

    {
        label = "Upgrade legacy doors",
    --  ^ Descriptive label for profiling purposes (optional).
    --    Definitions with identical labels will be listed as one.
        name = "modname:replace_legacy_door",
        nodenames = {"default:lava_source"},
    --  ^ List of node names to trigger the LBM on.
    --    Also non-registered nodes will work.
    --    Groups (as of group:groupname) will work as well.
        run_at_every_load = false,
    --  ^ Whether to run the LBM's action every time a block gets loaded,
    --    and not just for blocks that were saved last time before LBMs were
    --    introduced to the world.
        action = func(pos, node),
    }

### Item definition (`register_node`, `register_craftitem`, `register_tool`)

    {
        description = "Steel Axe",
        groups = {}, -- key = name, value = rating; rating = 1..3.
                        if rating not applicable, use 1.
                        e.g. {wool = 1, fluffy = 3}
                            {soil = 2, outerspace = 1, crumbly = 1}
                            {bendy = 2, snappy = 1},
                            {hard = 1, metal = 1, spikes = 1}
        inventory_image = "default_tool_steelaxe.png",
        inventory_overlay = "overlay.png", -- an overlay which does not get colorized
        wield_image = "",
        wield_overlay = "",
        palette = "",
        --[[
        ^ An image file containing the palette of a node.
        ^ You can set the currently used color as the
        ^ "palette_index" field of the item stack metadata.
        ^ The palette is always stretched to fit indices
        ^ between 0 and 255, to ensure compatibility with
        ^ "colorfacedir" and "colorwallmounted" nodes.
        ]]
        color = "0xFFFFFFFF",
        --[[
        ^ The color of the item. The palette overrides this.
        ]]
        wield_scale = {x = 1, y = 1, z = 1},
        stack_max = 99,
        range = 4.0,
        liquids_pointable = false,
        tool_capabilities = {
            full_punch_interval = 1.0,
            max_drop_level = 0,
            groupcaps = {
                -- For example:
                choppy = {times = {[1] = 2.50, [2] = 1.40, [3] = 1.00}, uses = 20, maxlevel = 2},
            },
            damage_groups = {groupname = damage},
        },
        node_placement_prediction = nil,
        --[[
        ^ If nil and item is node, prediction is made automatically
        ^ If nil and item is not a node, no prediction is made
        ^ If "" and item is anything, no prediction is made
        ^ Otherwise should be name of node which the client immediately places
          on ground when the player places the item. Server will always update
          actual result to client in a short moment.
        ]]
        node_dig_prediction = "air",
        --[[
        ^ if "", no prediction is made
        ^ if "air", node is removed
        ^ Otherwise should be name of node which the client immediately places
          upon digging. Server will always update actual result shortly.
        ]]
        sound = {
            breaks = "default_tool_break", -- tools only
            place = --[[<SimpleSoundSpec>]],
        },

        on_place = func(itemstack, placer, pointed_thing),
        --[[
        ^ Shall place item and return the leftover itemstack
        ^ The placer may be any ObjectRef or nil.
        ^ default: minetest.item_place ]]
        on_secondary_use = func(itemstack, user, pointed_thing),
        --[[
        ^ Same as on_place but called when pointing at nothing.
        ^ The user may be any ObjectRef or nil.
        ^ pointed_thing : always { type = "nothing" }
        ]]
        on_drop = func(itemstack, dropper, pos),
        --[[
        ^ Shall drop item and return the leftover itemstack
        ^ The dropper may be any ObjectRef or nil.
        ^ default: minetest.item_drop ]]
        on_use = func(itemstack, user, pointed_thing),
        --[[
        ^  default: nil
        ^ Function must return either nil if no item shall be removed from
          inventory, or an itemstack to replace the original itemstack.
          e.g. itemstack:take_item(); return itemstack
        ^ Otherwise, the function is free to do what it wants.
        ^ The user may be any ObjectRef or nil.
        ^ The default functions handle regular use cases.
        ]]
        after_use = func(itemstack, user, node, digparams),
        --[[
        ^  default: nil
        ^ If defined, should return an itemstack and will be called instead of
          wearing out the tool. If returns nil, does nothing.
          If after_use doesn't exist, it is the same as:
            function(itemstack, user, node, digparams)
              itemstack:add_wear(digparams.wear)
              return itemstack
            end
        ^ The user may be any ObjectRef or nil.
        ]]
        _custom_field = whatever,
        --[[
        ^ Add your own custom fields. By convention, all custom field names
          should start with `_` to avoid naming collisions with future engine
          usage.
        ]]
    }

### Tile definition
* `"image.png"`
* `{name="image.png", animation={Tile Animation definition}}`
* `{name="image.png", backface_culling=bool, tileable_vertical=bool,
    tileable_horizontal=bool, align_style="node"/"world"/"user", scale=int}`
    * backface culling enabled by default for most nodes
    * tileable flags are info for shaders, how they should treat texture
      when displacement mapping is used
      Directions are from the point of view of the tile texture,
      not the node it's on
    * align style determines whether the texture will be rotated with the node
      or kept aligned with its surroundings. "user" means that client
      setting will be used, similar to `glasslike_framed_optional`.
      Note: supported by solid nodes and nodeboxes only.
    * scale is used to make texture span several (exactly `scale`) nodes,
      instead of just one, in each direction. Works for world-aligned
      textures only.
      Note that as the effect is applied on per-mapblock basis, `16` should
      be equally divisible by `scale` or you may get wrong results.
* `{name="image.png", color=ColorSpec}`
    * the texture's color will be multiplied with this color.
    * the tile's color overrides the owning node's color in all cases.
* deprecated, yet still supported field names:
    * `image` (name)

### Tile animation definition

    {
        type = "vertical_frames",
        aspect_w = 16,
        -- ^ specify width of a frame in pixels
        aspect_h = 16,
        -- ^ specify height of a frame in pixels
        length = 3.0,
        -- ^ specify full loop length
    }

    {
        type = "sheet_2d",
        frames_w = 5,
        -- ^ specify width in number of frames
        frames_h = 3,
        -- ^ specify height in number of frames
        frame_length = 0.5,
        -- ^ specify length of a single frame
    }

### Node definition (`register_node`)

    {
        -- <all fields allowed in item definitions>,

        drawtype = "normal", -- See "Node drawtypes"
        visual_scale = 1.0, --[[
        ^ Supported for drawtypes "plantlike", "signlike", "torchlike",
        ^ "firelike", "mesh".
        ^ For plantlike and firelike, the image will start at the bottom of the
        ^ node, for the other drawtypes the image will be centered on the node.
        ^ Note that positioning for "torchlike" may still change. ]]
        tiles = {tile definition 1, def2, def3, def4, def5, def6}, --[[
        ^ Textures of node; +Y, -Y, +X, -X, +Z, -Z (old field name: tile_images)
        ^ List can be shortened to needed length ]]
        overlay_tiles = {tile definition 1, def2, def3, def4, def5, def6}, --[[
        ^ Same as `tiles`, but these textures are drawn on top of the
        ^ base tiles. You can use this to colorize only specific parts of
        ^ your texture. If the texture name is an empty string, that
        ^ overlay is not drawn. Since such tiles are drawn twice, it
        ^ is not recommended to use overlays on very common nodes. ]]
        special_tiles = {tile definition 1, Tile definition 2}, --[[
        ^ Special textures of node; used rarely (old field name: special_materials)
        ^ List can be shortened to needed length ]]
        color = ColorSpec, --[[
        ^ The node's original color will be multiplied with this color.
        ^ If the node has a palette, then this setting only has an effect
        ^ in the inventory and on the wield item. ]]
        use_texture_alpha = false, -- Use texture's alpha channel
        palette = "palette.png", --[[
        ^ The node's `param2` is used to select a pixel from the image
        ^ (pixels are arranged from left to right and from top to bottom).
        ^ The node's color will be multiplied with the selected pixel's
        ^ color. Tiles can override this behavior.
        ^ Only when `paramtype2` supports palettes. ]]
        post_effect_color = "green#0F", -- If player is inside node, see "ColorSpec"
        paramtype = "none", -- See "Nodes" --[[
        ^ paramtype = "light" allows light to propagate from or through the node with light value
        ^ falling by 1 per node. This line is essential for a light source node to spread its light. ]]
        paramtype2 = "none", -- See "Nodes"
        place_param2 = nil, -- Force value for param2 when player places node
        is_ground_content = true, -- If false, the cave generator will not carve through this
        sunlight_propagates = false, -- If true, sunlight will go infinitely through this
        walkable = true, -- If true, objects collide with node
        pointable = true, -- If true, can be pointed at
        diggable = true, -- If false, can never be dug
        climbable = false, -- If true, can be climbed on (ladder)
        buildable_to = false, -- If true, placed nodes can replace this node
        floodable = false, --[[
        ^ If true, liquids flow into and replace this node.
        ^ Warning: making a liquid node 'floodable' does not work and may cause problems. ]]
        liquidtype = "none", -- "none"/"source"/"flowing"
        liquid_alternative_flowing = "", -- Flowing version of source liquid
        liquid_alternative_source = "", -- Source version of flowing liquid
        liquid_viscosity = 0, -- Higher viscosity = slower flow (max. 7)
        liquid_renewable = true, --[[
        ^ If true, a new liquid source can be created by placing two or more sources nearby ]]
        leveled = 16, --[[
        ^ Only valid for "nodebox" drawtype with 'type = "leveled"'.
        ^ Allows defining the nodebox height without using param2.
        ^ The nodebox height is 'leveled' / 64 nodes.
        ^ The maximum value of 'leveled' is 127. ]]
        liquid_range = 8, -- number of flowing nodes around source (max. 8)
        drowning = 0, -- Player will take this amount of damage if no bubbles are left
        light_source = 0, --[[
        ^ Amount of light emitted by node.
        ^ To set the maximum (currently 14), use the value 'minetest.LIGHT_MAX'.
        ^ A value outside the range 0 to minetest.LIGHT_MAX causes undefined behavior.]]
        damage_per_second = 0, -- If player is inside node, this damage is caused
        node_box = {type="regular"}, -- See "Node boxes"
        connects_to = nodenames, --[[
        * Used for nodebox nodes with the type == "connected"
        * Specifies to what neighboring nodes connections will be drawn
        * e.g. `{"group:fence", "default:wood"}` or `"default:stone"` ]]
        connect_sides = { "top", "bottom", "front", "left", "back", "right" }, --[[
        ^ Tells connected nodebox nodes to connect only to these sides of this node. ]]
        mesh = "model",
        selection_box = {type="regular"}, -- See "Node boxes" --[[
        ^ If drawtype "nodebox" is used and selection_box is nil, then node_box is used. ]]
        legacy_facedir_simple = false, -- Support maps made in and before January 2012
        legacy_wallmounted = false, -- Support maps made in and before January 2012
        waving = 0, --[[ valid for mesh, nodebox, plantlike, allfaces_optional nodes
        ^ 1 - wave node like plants (top of node moves, bottom is fixed)
        ^ 2 - wave node like leaves (whole node moves side-to-side synchronously)
        ^ caveats: not all models will properly wave
        ^ plantlike drawtype nodes can only wave like plants
        ^ allfaces_optional drawtype nodes can only wave like leaves --]]
        sounds = {
            footstep = <SimpleSoundSpec>,
            dig = <SimpleSoundSpec>, -- "__group" = group-based sound (default)
            dug = <SimpleSoundSpec>,
            place = <SimpleSoundSpec>,
            place_failed = <SimpleSoundSpec>,
        },
        drop = "",  -- Name of dropped node when dug. Default is the node itself.
        -- Alternatively:
        drop = {
            max_items = 1,  -- Maximum number of items to drop.
            items = { -- Choose max_items randomly from this list.
                {
                    items = {"foo:bar", "baz:frob"},  -- Items to drop.
                    rarity = 1,  -- Probability of dropping is 1 / rarity.
                    inherit_color = true, -- To inherit palette color from the node
                },
            },
        },

        on_construct = func(pos), --[[
        ^ Node constructor; called after adding node
        ^ Can set up metadata and stuff like that
        ^ Not called for bulk node placement (i.e. schematics and VoxelManip)
        ^ default: nil ]]
        on_destruct = func(pos), --[[
        ^ Node destructor; called before removing node
        ^ Not called for bulk node placement (i.e. schematics and VoxelManip)
        ^ default: nil ]]
        after_destruct = func(pos, oldnode), --[[
        ^ Node destructor; called after removing node
        ^ Not called for bulk node placement (i.e. schematics and VoxelManip)
        ^ default: nil ]]
        on_flood = func(pos, oldnode, newnode), --[[
        ^ Called when a liquid (newnode) is about to flood oldnode, if
        ^ it has `floodable = true` in the nodedef. Not called for bulk
        ^ node placement (i.e. schematics and VoxelManip) or air nodes. If
        ^ return true the node is not flooded, but on_flood callback will
        ^ most likely be called over and over again every liquid update
        ^ interval. Default: nil.
        ^ Warning: making a liquid node 'floodable' does not work and may cause problems. ]]

        preserve_metadata = func(pos, oldnode, oldmeta, drops) --[[
        ^ Called when oldnode is about be converted to an item, but before the
          node is deleted from the world or the drops are added.  This is generally
          the result of either the node being dug or an attached node becoming detached.
        ^ drops is a table of ItemStacks, so any metadata to be preserved can be
          added directly to one or more of the dropped items.  See "ItemStackMetaRef".
        ^ default: nil ]]
        after_place_node = func(pos, placer, itemstack, pointed_thing) --[[
        ^ Called after constructing node when node was placed using
          minetest.item_place_node / minetest.place_node
        ^ If return true no item is taken from itemstack
        ^ `placer` may be any valid ObjectRef or nil
        ^ default: nil ]]
        after_dig_node = func(pos, oldnode, oldmetadata, digger), --[[
        ^ oldmetadata is in table format
        ^ Called after destructing node when node was dug using
          minetest.node_dig / minetest.dig_node
        ^ default: nil ]]
        can_dig = function(pos, [player]) --[[
        ^ returns true if node can be dug, or false if not
        ^ default: nil ]]

        on_punch = func(pos, node, puncher, pointed_thing), --[[
        ^ default: minetest.node_punch
        ^ By default: Calls minetest.register_on_punchnode callbacks ]]
        on_rightclick = func(pos, node, clicker, itemstack, pointed_thing), --[[
        ^ default: nil
        ^ itemstack will hold clicker's wielded item
        ^ Shall return the leftover itemstack
        ^ Note: pointed_thing can be nil, if a mod calls this function
          This function does not get triggered by clients <=0.4.16 if the
          "formspec" node metadata field is set ]]

        on_dig = func(pos, node, digger), --[[
        ^ default: minetest.node_dig
        ^ By default: checks privileges, wears out tool and removes node ]]

        on_timer = function(pos,elapsed), --[[
        ^ default: nil
        ^ called by NodeTimers, see minetest.get_node_timer and NodeTimerRef
        ^ elapsed is the total time passed since the timer was started
        ^ return true to run the timer for another cycle with the same timeout value ]]

        on_receive_fields = func(pos, formname, fields, sender), --[[
        ^ fields = {name1 = value1, name2 = value2, ...}
        ^ Called when an UI form (e.g. sign text input) returns data
        ^ default: nil ]]

        allow_metadata_inventory_move = func(pos, from_list, from_index,
                to_list, to_index, count, player), --[[
        ^ Called when a player wants to move items inside the inventory
        ^ Return value: number of items allowed to move ]]

        allow_metadata_inventory_put = func(pos, listname, index, stack, player), --[[
        ^ Called when a player wants to put something into the inventory
        ^ Return value: number of items allowed to put
        ^ Return value: -1: Allow and don't modify item count in inventory ]]

        allow_metadata_inventory_take = func(pos, listname, index, stack, player), --[[
        ^ Called when a player wants to take something out of the inventory
        ^ Return value: number of items allowed to take
        ^ Return value: -1: Allow and don't modify item count in inventory ]]

        on_metadata_inventory_move = func(pos, from_list, from_index,
                to_list, to_index, count, player),
        on_metadata_inventory_put = func(pos, listname, index, stack, player),
        on_metadata_inventory_take = func(pos, listname, index, stack, player), --[[
        ^ Called after the actual action has happened, according to what was allowed.
        ^ No return value ]]

        on_blast = func(pos, intensity), --[[
        ^ intensity: 1.0 = mid range of regular TNT
        ^ If defined, called when an explosion touches the node, instead of
          removing the node ]]
    }

### Recipe for `register_craft` (shaped)

    {
        output = 'default:pick_stone',
        recipe = {
            {'default:cobble', 'default:cobble', 'default:cobble'},
            {'', 'default:stick', ''},
            {'', 'default:stick', ''}, -- Also groups; e.g. 'group:crumbly'
        },
        replacements = --[[<optional list of item pairs,
                        replace one input item with another item on crafting>]]
    }

### Recipe for `register_craft` (shapeless)

    {
       type = "shapeless",
       output = 'mushrooms:mushroom_stew',
       recipe = {
           "mushrooms:bowl",
           "mushrooms:mushroom_brown",
           "mushrooms:mushroom_red",
       },
       replacements = --[[<optional list of item pairs,
                       replace one input item with another item on crafting>]]
   }

### Recipe for `register_craft` (tool repair)

    {
        type = "toolrepair",
        additional_wear = -0.02,
    }

### Recipe for `register_craft` (cooking)

    {
        type = "cooking",
        output = "default:glass",
        recipe = "default:sand",
        cooktime = 3,
    }

### Recipe for `register_craft` (furnace fuel)

    {
        type = "fuel",
        recipe = "default:leaves",
        burntime = 1,
    }

### Ore definition (`register_ore`)

    See 'Ore types' section above for essential information.

    {
        ore_type = "scatter",
        ore = "default:stone_with_coal",
        ore_param2 = 3,
    --  ^ Facedir rotation. Default is 0 (unchanged rotation)
        wherein = "default:stone",
    --  ^ a list of nodenames is supported too
        clust_scarcity = 8 * 8 * 8,
    --  ^ Ore has a 1 out of clust_scarcity chance of spawning in a node
    --  ^ If the desired average distance between ores is 'd', set this to d * d * d.
        clust_num_ores = 8,
    --  ^ Number of ores in a cluster
        clust_size = 3,
    --  ^ Size of the bounding box of the cluster
    --  ^ In this example, there is a 3 * 3 * 3 cluster where 8 out of the 27 nodes
    --  ^ are coal ore.
        y_min = -31000,
        y_max = 64,
    --  ^ Lower and upper limits for ore.
        flags = "",
    --  ^ Attributes for this ore generation, see 'Ore attributes' section above.
        noise_threshold = 0.5,
    --  ^ If noise is above this threshold, ore is placed. Not needed for a
    --  ^ uniform distribution.
        noise_params = {
            offset = 0,
            scale = 1,
            spread = {x = 100, y = 100, z = 100},
            seed = 23,
            octaves = 3,
            persist = 0.7
        },
    --  ^ NoiseParams structure describing one of the perlin noises used for ore
    --  ^ distribution.
    --  ^ Needed by "sheet", "puff", "blob" and "vein" ores.
    --  ^ Omit from "scatter" ore for a uniform ore distribution.
    --  ^ Omit from "stratum ore for a simple horizontal strata from y_min to y_max.
        biomes = {"desert", "rainforest"}
    --  ^ List of biomes in which this decoration occurs.
    --  ^ Occurs in all biomes if this is omitted, and ignored if the Mapgen being
    --  ^ used does not support biomes.
    --  ^ Can be a list of (or a single) biome names, IDs, or definitions.
        column_height_min = 1,
        column_height_max = 16,
        column_midpoint_factor = 0.5,
    --  ^ See 'Ore types' section above.
    --  ^ The above 3 parameters are only valid for "sheet" ore.
        np_puff_top = {
            offset = 4,
            scale = 2,
            spread = {x = 100, y = 100, z = 100},
            seed = 47,
            octaves = 3,
            persist = 0.7
        },
        np_puff_bottom = {
            offset = 4,
            scale = 2,
            spread = {x = 100, y = 100, z = 100},
            seed = 11,
            octaves = 3,
            persist = 0.7
        },
    --  ^ See 'Ore types' section above.
    --  ^ The above 2 parameters are only valid for "puff" ore.
        random_factor = 1.0,
    --  ^ See 'Ore types' section above.
    --  ^ Only valid for "vein" ore.
        np_stratum_thickness = {
            offset = 8,
            scale = 4,
            spread = {x = 100, y = 100, z = 100},
            seed = 17,
            octaves = 3,
            persist = 0.7
        },
        stratum_thickness = 8,
    --  ^ See 'Ore types' section above.
    --  ^ The above 2 parameters are only valid for "stratum" ore.
    }

### Biome definition (`register_biome`)

    {
        name = "tundra",
        node_dust = "default:snow",
    --  ^ Node dropped onto upper surface after all else is generated.
        node_top = "default:dirt_with_snow",
        depth_top = 1,
    --  ^ Node forming surface layer of biome and thickness of this layer.
        node_filler = "default:permafrost",
        depth_filler = 3,
    --  ^ Node forming lower layer of biome and thickness of this layer.
        node_stone = "default:bluestone",
    --  ^ Node that replaces all stone nodes between roughly y_min and y_max.
        node_water_top = "default:ice",
        depth_water_top = 10,
    --  ^ Node forming a surface layer in seawater with the defined thickness.
        node_water = "",
    --  ^ Node that replaces all seawater nodes not in the defined surface layer.
        node_river_water = "default:ice",
    --  ^ Node that replaces river water in mapgens that use default:river_water.
        node_riverbed = "default:gravel",
        depth_riverbed = 2,
    --  ^ Node placed under river water and thickness of this layer.
        y_min = 1,
        y_max = 31000,
    --  ^ Lower and upper limits for biome.
        vertical_blend = 8,
    --  ^ Vertical distance in nodes above 'y_max' over which the biome will
    --  ^ blend with the biome above.
    --  ^ Set to 0 for no vertical blend. Defaults to 0.
        heat_point = 0,
        humidity_point = 50,
    --  ^ Characteristic temperature and humidity for the biome.
    --  ^ These values create 'biome points' on a voronoi diagram with heat and
    --  ^ humidity as axes. The resulting voronoi cells determine the
    --  ^ distribution of the biomes.
    --  ^ Heat and humidity have average values of 50, vary mostly between
    --  ^ 0 and 100 but can exceed these values.
    }

### Decoration definition (`register_decoration`)

    {
        deco_type = "simple", -- See "Decoration types"
        place_on = "default:dirt_with_grass",
    --  ^ Node (or list of nodes) that the decoration can be placed on
        sidelen = 8,
    --  ^ Size of divisions made in the chunk being generated.
    --  ^ If the chunk size is not evenly divisible by sidelen, sidelen is made equal to the chunk size.
        fill_ratio = 0.02,
    --  ^ Ratio of the area to be uniformly filled by the decoration.
    --  ^ Used only if noise_params is not specified.
        noise_params = {offset=0, scale=.45, spread={x=100, y=100, z=100}, seed=354, octaves=3, persist=0.7},
    --  ^ NoiseParams structure describing the perlin noise used for decoration distribution.
    --  ^ The result of this is multiplied by the 2d area of the division being decorated.
        biomes = {"Oceanside", "Hills", "Plains"},
    --  ^ List of biomes in which this decoration occurs.  Occurs in all biomes if this is omitted,
    --  ^ and ignored if the Mapgen being used does not support biomes.
    --  ^ Can be a list of (or a single) biome names, IDs, or definitions.
        y_min = -31000
        y_max = 31000
    --  ^ Lower and upper limits for decoration.
    --  ^ These parameters refer to the Y co-ordinate of the 'place_on' node.
        spawn_by = "default:water",
    --  ^ Node (or list of nodes) that the decoration only spawns next to.
    --  ^ Checks two horizontal planes of neighbouring nodes (including diagonal neighbours),
    --  ^ one plane level with the 'place_on' node and a plane one node above that.
        num_spawn_by = 1,
    --  ^ Number of spawn_by nodes that must be surrounding the decoration position to occur.
    --  ^ If absent or -1, decorations occur next to any nodes.
        flags = "liquid_surface, force_placement, all_floors, all_ceilings",
    --  ^ Flags for all decoration types.
    --  ^ "liquid_surface": Instead of placement on the highest solid surface
    --  ^   in a mapchunk column, placement is on the highest liquid surface.
    --  ^   Placement is disabled if solid nodes are found above the liquid
    --  ^   surface.
    --  ^ "force_placement": Nodes other than "air" and "ignore" are replaced
    --  ^   by the decoration.
    --  ^ "all_floors", "all_ceilings": Instead of placement on the highest
    --  ^   surface in a mapchunk the decoration is placed on all floor and/or
    --  ^   ceiling surfaces, for example in caves.
    --  ^   Ceiling decorations act as an inversion of floor decorations so the
    --  ^   effect of 'place_offset_y' is inverted.
    --  ^   If a single decoration registration has both flags the floor and
    --  ^   ceiling decorations will be aligned vertically and may sometimes
    --  ^   meet to form a column.

        ----- Simple-type parameters
        decoration = "default:grass",
    --  ^ The node name used as the decoration.
    --  ^ If instead a list of strings, a randomly selected node from the list is placed as the decoration.
        height = 1,
    --  ^ Decoration height in nodes.
    --  ^ If height_max is not 0, this is the lower limit of a randomly selected height.
        height_max = 0,
    --  ^ Upper limit of the randomly selected height.
    --  ^ If absent, the parameter 'height' is used as a constant.
        param2 = 0,
    --  ^ Param2 value of decoration nodes.
    --  ^ If param2_max is not 0, this is the lower limit of a randomly selected param2.
        param2_max = 0,
    --  ^ Upper limit of the randomly selected param2.
    --  ^ If absent, the parameter 'param2' is used as a constant.
        place_offset_y = 0,
    --  ^ Y offset of the decoration base node relative to the standard base
    --  ^ node position.
    --  ^ Can be positive or negative. Default is 0.
    --  ^ Effect is inverted for "all_ceilings" decorations.
    --  ^ Ignored by 'y_min', 'y_max' and 'spawn_by' checks, which always refer
    --  ^ to the 'place_on' node.

        ----- Schematic-type parameters
        schematic = "foobar.mts",
    --  ^ If schematic is a string, it is the filepath relative to the current working directory of the
    --  ^ specified Minetest schematic file.
    --  ^  - OR -, could be the ID of a previously registered schematic
    --  ^  - OR -, could instead be a table containing two mandatory fields, size and data,
    --  ^ and an optional table yslice_prob:
        schematic = {
            size = {x=4, y=6, z=4},
            data = {
                {name="default:cobble", param1=255, param2=0},
                {name="default:dirt_with_grass", param1=255, param2=0},
                {name="ignore", param1=255, param2=0},
                {name="air", param1=255, param2=0},
                 ...
            },
            yslice_prob = {
                {ypos=2, prob=128},
                {ypos=5, prob=64},
                 ...
            },
        },
    --  ^ See 'Schematic specifier' for details.
        replacements = {["oldname"] = "convert_to", ...},
        flags = "place_center_x, place_center_y, place_center_z",
    --  ^ Flags for schematic decorations.  See 'Schematic attributes'.
        rotation = "90" -- rotate schematic 90 degrees on placement
    --  ^ Rotation can be "0", "90", "180", "270", or "random".
        place_offset_y = 0,
    --  ^ If the flag 'place_center_y' is set this parameter is ignored.
    --  ^ Y offset of the schematic base node layer relative to the 'place_on'
    --  ^ node.
    --  ^ Can be positive or negative. Default is 0.
    --  ^ Effect is inverted for "all_ceilings" decorations.
    --  ^ Ignored by 'y_min', 'y_max' and 'spawn_by' checks, which always refer
    --  ^ to the 'place_on' node.
    }

### Chat command definition (`register_chatcommand`)

    {
        params = "<name> <privilege>", -- Short parameter description
        description = "Remove privilege from player", -- Full description
        privs = {privs=true}, -- Require the "privs" privilege to run
        func = function(name, param), -- Called when command is run.
                                      -- Returns boolean success and text output.
    }

Note that in params, use of symbols is as follows:

* `<>` signifies a placeholder to be replaced when the command is used. For example,
  when a player name is needed: `<name>`
* `[]` signifies param is optional and not required when the command is used. For
  example, if you require param1 but param2 is optional: `<param1> [<param2>]`
* `|` signifies exclusive or. The command requires one param from the options
  provided. For example: `<param1> | <param2>`
* `()` signifies grouping. For example, when param1 and param2 are both required,
  or only param3 is required: `(<param1> <param2>) | <param3>`

### Detached inventory callbacks

    {
        allow_move = func(inv, from_list, from_index, to_list, to_index, count, player),
    --  ^ Called when a player wants to move items inside the inventory
    --  ^ Return value: number of items allowed to move

        allow_put = func(inv, listname, index, stack, player),
    --  ^ Called when a player wants to put something into the inventory
    --  ^ Return value: number of items allowed to put
    --  ^ Return value: -1: Allow and don't modify item count in inventory

        allow_take = func(inv, listname, index, stack, player),
    --  ^ Called when a player wants to take something out of the inventory
    --  ^ Return value: number of items allowed to take
    --  ^ Return value: -1: Allow and don't modify item count in inventory

        on_move = func(inv, from_list, from_index, to_list, to_index, count, player),
        on_put = func(inv, listname, index, stack, player),
        on_take = func(inv, listname, index, stack, player),
    --  ^ Called after the actual action has happened, according to what was allowed.
    --  ^ No return value
    }

### HUD Definition (`hud_add`, `hud_get`)

    {
        hud_elem_type = "image", -- see HUD element types
    --  ^ type of HUD element, can be either of "image", "text", "statbar", or "inventory"
        position = {x=0.5, y=0.5},
    --  ^ Left corner position of element
        name = "<name>",
        scale = {x=2, y=2},
        text = "<text>",
        number = 2,
        item = 3,
    --  ^ Selected item in inventory.  0 for no item selected.
        direction = 0,
    --  ^ Direction: 0: left-right, 1: right-left, 2: top-bottom, 3: bottom-top
        alignment = {x=0, y=0},
    --  ^ See "HUD Element Types"
        offset = {x=0, y=0},
    --  ^ See "HUD Element Types"
        size = { x=100, y=100 },
    --  ^ Size of element in pixels
    }

### Particle definition (`add_particle`)

    {
        pos = {x=0, y=0, z=0},
        velocity = {x=0, y=0, z=0},
        acceleration = {x=0, y=0, z=0},
    --  ^ Spawn particle at pos with velocity and acceleration
        expirationtime = 1,
    --  ^ Disappears after expirationtime seconds
        size = 1,
        collisiondetection = false,
    --  ^ collisiondetection: if true collides with physical objects
        collision_removal = false,
    --  ^ collision_removal: if true then particle is removed when it collides,
    --  ^ requires collisiondetection = true to have any effect
        vertical = false,
    --  ^ vertical: if true faces player using y axis only
        texture = "image.png",
    --  ^ Uses texture (string)
        playername = "singleplayer",
    --  ^ optional, if specified spawns particle only on the player's client
        animation = {Tile Animation definition},
    --  ^ optional, specifies how to animate the particle texture
        glow = 0
    --  ^ optional, specify particle self-luminescence in darkness
    }


### `ParticleSpawner` definition (`add_particlespawner`)

    {
        amount = 1,
        time = 1,
    --  ^ If time is 0 has infinite lifespan and spawns the amount on a per-second base
        minpos = {x=0, y=0, z=0},
        maxpos = {x=0, y=0, z=0},
        minvel = {x=0, y=0, z=0},
        maxvel = {x=0, y=0, z=0},
        minacc = {x=0, y=0, z=0},
        maxacc = {x=0, y=0, z=0},
        minexptime = 1,
        maxexptime = 1,
        minsize = 1,
        maxsize = 1,
    --  ^ The particle's properties are random values in between the bounds:
    --  ^ minpos/maxpos, minvel/maxvel (velocity), minacc/maxacc (acceleration),
    --  ^ minsize/maxsize, minexptime/maxexptime (expirationtime)
        collisiondetection = false,
    --  ^ collisiondetection: if true uses collision detection
        collision_removal = false,
    --  ^ collision_removal: if true then particle is removed when it collides,
    --  ^ requires collisiondetection = true to have any effect
        attached = ObjectRef,
    --  ^ attached: if defined, particle positions, velocities and accelerations
    --  ^ are relative to this object's position and yaw.
        vertical = false,
    --  ^ vertical: if true faces player using y axis only
        texture = "image.png",
    --  ^ Uses texture (string)
        playername = "singleplayer"
    --  ^ Playername is optional, if specified spawns particle only on the player's client
        animation = {Tile Animation definition},
    --  ^ optional, specifies how to animate the particle texture
        glow = 0
    --  ^ optional, specify particle self-luminescence in darkness
    }

### `HTTPRequest` definition (`HTTPApiTable.fetch_async`, `HTTPApiTable.fetch_async`)

    {
        url = "http://example.org",
        timeout = 10,
     -- ^ Timeout for connection in seconds. Default is 3 seconds.
        post_data = "Raw POST request data string" OR { field1 = "data1", field2 = "data2" },
     -- ^ Optional, if specified a POST request with post_data is performed.
     -- ^ Accepts both a string and a table. If a table is specified, encodes table
     -- ^ as x-www-form-urlencoded key-value pairs.
     -- ^ If post_data ist not specified, a GET request is performed instead.
        user_agent = "ExampleUserAgent",
     -- ^ Optional, if specified replaces the default minetest user agent with given string
        extra_headers = { "Accept-Language: en-us", "Accept-Charset: utf-8" },
     -- ^ Optional, if specified adds additional headers to the HTTP request. You must make sure
     -- ^ that the header strings follow HTTP specification ("Key: Value").
        multipart = boolean
     -- ^ Optional, if true performs a multipart HTTP request. Default is false.
    }

### `HTTPRequestResult` definition (`HTTPApiTable.fetch` callback, `HTTPApiTable.fetch_async_get`)

    {
        completed = true,
     -- ^ If true, the request has finished (either succeeded, failed or timed out)
        succeeded = true,
     -- ^ If true, the request was successful
        timeout = false,
     -- ^ If true, the request timed out
        code = 200,
     -- ^ HTTP status code
        data = "response"
    }

### Authentication handler definition

    {
        get_auth = func(name),
    --  ^ Get authentication data for existing player `name` (`nil` if player doesn't exist)
    --  ^ returns following structure `{password=<string>, privileges=<table>, last_login=<number or nil>}`
        create_auth = func(name, password),
    --  ^ Create new auth data for player `name`
    --  ^ Note that `password` is not plain-text but an arbitrary representation decided by the engine
        delete_auth = func(name),
    --  ^ Delete auth data of player `name`, returns boolean indicating success (false if player nonexistant)
        set_password = func(name, password),
    --  ^ Set password of player `name` to `password`
           Auth data should be created if not present
        set_privileges = func(name, privileges),
    --  ^ Set privileges of player `name`
    --  ^ `privileges` is in table form, auth data should be created if not present
        reload = func(),
    --  ^ Reload authentication data from the storage location
    --  ^ Returns boolean indicating success
        record_login = func(name),
    --  ^ Called when player joins, used for keeping track of last_login
        iterate = func(),
    --  ^ Returns an iterator (use with `for` loops) for all player names currently in the auth database
    }