A new major version of Refined Storage is in the works.
Since October 2020 I’ve silently been working on and off on a new major version of Refined Storage. This version is a complete rewrite with an extra focus on quality.
The mod is over 5 years old at this point and the code is starting to show its age. I don’t think that there is any original code remaining from 2015 as it has been refactored constantly over the years, but now feels like a good moment to start over.
The biggest problem with the current version of the mod is that while it works, the code quality isn’t that good. There are no tests and the structure/architecture isn’t that sane. That makes it hard to keep adding features and to support the mod on the long term, due to regressions and bugs.
I’ve learned a lot the past few years. I started Refined Storage when I was a kid in high school, now I’m a software engineer by trade. I want the code to be as good as possible so that I can keep enjoying working on it.
Rewriting a mod the size of Refined Storage can be a huge trap and could very well fail due to the effort required, but I feel like this is required to secure the future of the mod.
The mod is being rewritten with an enhanced focus on quality (that’s why it is taking so long!) and to be modloader independent.
In terms of features the mod will largely stay the same. There will be some subtle differences here and there, but nothing too huge. See it as a new coat of paint.
Because I’m working full-time, I have to divide my time better. Time is the most precious thing in life and in my free time I want to work on things that I enjoy the most. Working on Refined Storage 2 gives me the most enjoyment, so most time will be going to that.