Minecraft servers allow players to play online with other people. They may either be run on a hosted Minecraft server service, a dedicated server, a Virtual Private Server or a home machine.
Multiple archetypes of minecraft server exist, distinguished by the societal structures, rules and unique gameplay features which they implement. No two servers are the same, and frequently the line between archetypes is blurred or indistinguishable. Many special types of servers rely on the use of Map Editors or the Creative game mode to build custom maps and the Craftbukkit server software to provide proprietary features.
