Why spark is a top-tier mod mod for Minecraft 1.21.4
spark is a performance profiler for Minecraft clients, servers and proxies.
⚙️ Quick Resource Specs
| Mod Creator | Iucko |
| Latest Version | 1.21.4 |
| Supported Game Versions | 1.21.4, 1.20.4, 1.20.3 |
| File Size | 2.96 MB |
| Last Updated | |
| Total Downloads | 195,865,966 downloads |
spark is a performance profiler for Minecraft clients, servers and proxies.
(The version here on CurseForge is for Fabric/Forge/NeoForge only!)
Useful Links
- Website - browse the project homepage
- Documentation - read documentation and usage guides
- Downloads - latest plugin/mod downloads
spark is proudly sponsored by BisectHosting.
BisectHosting are Minecraft server hosting experts, ready to help you create and host your very own server! They are a trusted and well-established hosting provider in the community, and provide an outstanding level of service that we are happy to recommend. There is a special 25% off discount available for spark users - click the link above to create your server today.
What does it do?
spark is made up of a number of components, each detailed separately below.
⚡ CPU Profiler
spark's profiler can be used to diagnose performance issues: "lag", low tick rate, high CPU usage, etc.
It is:
- Lightweight - can be ran in production with minimal impact.
- Easy to use - no configuration or setup necessary, just install the plugin/mod.
- Quick to produce results - running for just ~30 seconds is enough to produce useful insights into problematic areas for performance.
- Customisable - can be tuned to target specific threads, sample at a specific interval, record only "laggy" periods, etc
- Highly readable - simple tree structure lends itself to easy analysis and interpretation. The viewer can also apply deobfuscation mappings.
It works by sampling statistical data about the servers activity, and constructing a call graph based on this data. The call graph is then displayed in an online viewer for further analysis by the user.
⚡ Memory Inspection
spark includes a number of tools which are useful for diagnosing memory issues with a server.
Heap Summary - take & analyse a basic snapshot of the servers memory
- A simple view of the JVM's heap, see memory usage and instance counts for each class
- Not intended to be a full replacement of proper memory analysis tools. (see below)
Heap Dump - take a full (HPROF) snapshot of the servers memory
- Dumps (& optionally compresses) a full snapshot of JVM's heap.
- This snapshot can then be inspected using conventional analysis tools.
GC Monitoring - monitor garbage collection activity on the server
- Allows the user to relate GC activity to game server hangs, and easily see how long they are taking & how much memory is being free'd.
- Observe frequency/duration of young/old generation garbage collections to inform which GC tuning flags to use
⚡ Server Health Reporting
spark can report a number of metrics summarising the servers overall health.
These metrics include:
- TPS - ticks per second, to a more accurate degree indicated by the /tps command
- Tick Durations - how long each tick is taking (min, max and average)
- CPU Usage - how much of the CPU is being used by the server process, and by the overall system
- Memory Usage - how much memory is being used by the process
- Disk Usage - how much disk space is free/being used by the system
As well as providing tick rate averages, spark can also monitor individual ticks - sending a report whenever a single tick's duration exceeds a certain threshold. This can be used to identify trends and the nature of performance issues, relative to other system or game events.
Usage
To install, just add the .jar file to your mods directory.
Information about how to use commands can be found in the docs.
If you’d like help analysing a profiling report, or just want to chat, feel free to join us on Discord.
Guides
There are a few small "guides" available in the docs, covering the following topics.
The Ultimate Guide to spark
If you are exploring the vast world of Minecraft modifications, spark by Iucko is a standout mod that deserves your attention. With over 195,865,966 downloads, it has become a staple for players looking to enhance their experience. As the creator describes it, this project is "spark is a performance profiler for Minecraft clients, servers and proxies.". Whether you are a veteran builder constructing massive cities, or simply a casual player looking to upgrade your survival world, this guide will provide you with all the essential details on how spark alters the game.
What Makes It Special?
Unlike standard mods that simply alter superficial elements, spark digs deep into the game's engine to provide a cohesive, performance-focused experience. Iucko has clearly spent significant time refining the project to ensure that every aspect feels polished and responsive for version 1.21.4.
Installation Guide
Getting spark up and running is straightforward. Follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Verify Your Version: Ensure your Minecraft launcher is set to version 1.21.4.
- Install Mod Loader (if required): If this is a mod, download the compatible loader (Forge, Fabric, NeoForge).
- Download the File: Click the secure download button above to retrieve the official file from CurseForge.
- Move the File: Place the downloaded file into your `mods`, `shaderpacks`, or `resourcepacks` folder depending on the mod type.
- Launch and Enjoy: Open Minecraft, navigate to the respective settings menu, and activate spark.
Compatibility & Performance
Compatibility is robust. spark is designed specifically for version 1.21.4, taking full advantage of the latest engine optimizations. Since this is heavily focused on optimization, you can expect significant frame rate improvements on both low-end and high-end hardware.
