[1.12.1] Packets for client tank updates

[Eastonium]

I'm trying to create a generic tank that can hold any fluid, and has that fluid rendered on the block, as well as in the GUI.

My current step in getting all of that to work is finding out how to properly send fluid updates to the client. I know packets have to be used for this is some way, but I've seen multiple ways of doing it.

Here are the ways I've seen:

Using the getDataPacket() and onDataPacket() functions (in your tile entity), but I haven't seen how/where those are supposed to be triggered.

Using a custom packet using your mod's own packet handler. (I don't yet know how to use packets like this, and haven't seen a clean example of it.)

 

So, how is the best way to do this?

 

[Draco18s]

15 minutes ago, Eastonium said:

Using the getDataPacket() and onDataPacket() functions (in your tile entity), but I haven't seen how/where those are supposed to be triggered.

They're called automatically by vanilla when needed.

If you need them to be run you have to tell vanilla that your block is dirty and needs an update:

https://github.com/Draco18s/ReasonableRealism/blob/master/src/main/java/com/draco18s/farming/entities/TileEntityTanner.java#L95-L98

[Eastonium]

Thank you! I think this is just what I needed!

[Eastonium]

Another very related question: How do I get it to send the data when a player needs to get its first update?

Right now it appears empty when I initially open the world until I change the contents of the tank.