[1.12] Best way to make a block simulate sliding/getting pushed?

[44tim44]

Hi.
I'm planning to make a sliding door, but I'm uncertain on how to go about implementing it.
I'd like to avoid too complex multi-block structures because I don't really know enough about how to make them.
Instead I've been thinking of simply having a normal door (albeit with a different model) that is somehow animated, to simulate the door sliding open, when interacted with.
However, I'm not sure how to best achieve the effect.

 

The ideas I have so far:
- Spawning an entity, replacing the "closed door"-block, have the entity move to desired position and then replace the entity with an "open door"-block.

- Simulate the pushing effect of a block being pushed by a piston

- Making the door based on the piston itself. Essentialy making a pseudo piston which is unable to push things, and simply acts as an extendable block.

I'm quite new to minecraft modding, and I'm definitely no expert at java, but I do know it.
Any help at all would be appreciated!

Edited September 21, 2017 by 44tim44

[MDW01]

I would recommend looking into Tile entity special renderers (TESR) to create an animation. I have used it to make double doors that rotate open and a door with a sliding panel.