PaperChat v1.1.0-beta - Release Notes

Minor Update Release

This release introduces significant improvements to PaperChat's existing ecosystem and user experience, configuration system and AI provider integration. The plugin now offers a more intuitive command structure, comprehensive configuration options and support for Hack Club's AI models, alongside existing Google and OpenAI providers.

What does Beta 1.1.0 Offer

Core Features

• Simplified Command Structure: Commands now target the sender. Cross-player AI communication is no longer available due to possible abuse
• Chat History Management: New /paperchat history and /paperchat clear commands
• Tab Autocompletion: Smart autocompletion for history and clear subcommands
• HackClub AI Provider: New free provider supporting ai.hackclub.com with multiple models (available only for Hack Club's members)
• Enhanced Configuration: Support for both config.yml and environment variables

AI Provider System

• Multi-Provider Support: Google Gemini, OpenAI GPT, and HackClub AI models
• Flexible Authentication: Providers can be keyless if the underlying service doesn't require API keys
• Automatic Response Sanitization: JSON-Sanitizer integration for robust response parsing
• Think Tag Removal: Automatic filtering of OpenAI reasoning content from responses
• Model Configuration: Improved model selection and validation per provider

Configuration & Security

• Dual Configuration System: config.yml file configuration alongside existing environment variables
• Configuration Priority: Environment variables > config.yml > default values
• API Key Security: Optional API keys based on provider requirements
• Input Validation: Character limits and response sanitization
• System Prompt Customization: Improved default AI behavior for better user experience

Development Features

• JSON Sanitization Library: Added Google's JSON-Sanitizer for malformed response handling
• Enhanced Provider Architecture: Cleaner separation between provider logic and response processing
• Improved Error Handling: Better configuration validation and user-friendly error messages
• Build System Updates: Updated Gradle dependencies and shadow plugin configuration

Breaking Changes

Command Structure Changes

• Previous: /paperchat <target_player> <message>
• Current: /paperchat <message> (AI responds directly to you)

Configuration Changes

• HackClub provider uses empty model field (server-side model selection)
• Google and OpenAI providers now require explicit model configuration
• API keys are now optional and provider-dependent

Technical Requirements

Server Requirements

• PaperMC 1.21 or higher
• Java 21 or higher
• Minimum 1GB RAM (2GB+ recommended)

API Requirements

• Google AI Studio API key (for Google provider)
• OpenAI API key (for OpenAI provider)
• No API key (for HackClub provider - free for Hack Club members)
• Internet connectivity for API requests

Installation & Upgrade

Fresh Installation

1. Download the JAR from releases
2. Place in your server's plugins/ directory
3. Launch the server to generate default config
4. Configure via config.yml or environment variables (check README.md for more details)
5. Restart your server

Upgrading from v1.0.0-beta

1. Replace the old JAR with the new version
2. Update configuration to specify explicit models for Google/OpenAI providers
3. Optionally migrate to config.yml configuration
4. Restart your server

Usage

Send an AI-powered message:

/paperchat How do I build a redstone contraption?
/paperchat What are the best mining strategies?

Manage your chat history:

/paperchat history  # View recent interactions
/paperchat clear  # Clear your chat history

Known Issues & Limitations

Beta Limitations

• Memory Storage Only: Conversation history is lost on server restart
• Single Server Support: No cross-server communication
• Basic Permission System: Only paperchat.use permission implemented

Fixed Issues from v1.0.0-beta

• Improved JSON response parsing reliability with sanitization library
• Resolved provider discovery issues with ServiceLoader
• Added a HackClub provider for free Hack Club members' AI access
• Enhanced command structure for more intuitive usage
• Resolved cross-player spam abuse

New Dependencies

com.mikesamuel:json-sanitizer:1.2.3 - For robust JSON response cleaning

Provider Comparison

Provider	API Key Required	Models Available	Cost
HackClub	No	qwen/qwen3-32b, openai/gpt-oss-120b, others (selected server-side)	Free for teens enrolled in Hack Club
Google	Yes	Gemini family models	Pay per use
OpenAI	Yes	GPT family models	Pay per use

License

Licensed under Apache 2.0 License - see LICENSE file for details.

Note: This is a beta release intended for testing and feedback. While stable for basic usage, some features may change or new ones be implemented in future releases.