Vanilla Server

Please Note:
 * If you want a semi-vanilla server with minimal changes to Minecraft and just a few plugins (none of which impact gameplay) then CraftBukkit may be a better fit for you.
 * If you have already downloaded the server jar to your computer then move onto the Starting a Local Server tutorial!

There Are 3 Ways to Download Vanilla:

 * 1) Download it from the Official Minecraft website here.
 * 2) *Pro: Quick & easy
 * 3) *Pro: While it is slower than method #2, it allows you to follow-along with how to run the server on your own computer (Starting Local Server) and transfer server files from your computer to your Minecraft host's server files via an FTP/SFTP client such as WinSCP or FileZilla! Both of these skills will likely come in handy later on!
 * 4) *Con: Only allows installing the latest Minecraft version.
 * 5) The second method is to get your Minecraft hosting plan setup (see Setting Up Hosting). You will be able to select Vanilla and a Minecraft version in the online server panel they provide you.
 * 6) *Pro: Quick & easy
 * 7) *Pro: Is fastest method to setup because you don't need to transfer your server files from your computer to your host. You can just start working on your files directly from the host website.
 * 8) *Pro: Provides all MC versions.
 * 9) *Con: You won't be able to follow along with the Starting Local Server tutorial. It isn't required, but may be useful to know. Furthermore, you won't need to transfer your server files to your host which means you won't be able to follow along with the guide for using FTP/SFTP clients to transfer files to your host.
 * 10) Use a third-party website to download the server jar file.
 * 11) *Pro: Quick & easy
 * 12) *Con: While websites like GetBukkit.org are very commonly used to install Vanilla, CraftBukkit, etc be aware that this  is illegal  (because they are redistributing Minecraft code)! For that reason we discourage you from using it!
 * 13) *Con: Furthermore, like #2 it will probably provide server jars that are not up-to-date.
 * 14) *Con: Also, due to being an unofficial provider there is a risk of the files being malicious and may harm your computer or server.

Recommendations:

 * 1) For a plan of least resistance I recommend method #2.
 * 2) If you wish to use the latest Minecraft version and you want to learn as much as you can that'll be useful to you later, use method #1.