Understanding Data Files

Data files are JSON files used by plugins to store persistent information (player stats, balances, homes). Unlike Config Files, which define how a plugin works, Data Files store the results of its work.

Data Files vs. Config Files

Location & Structure

All data is stored in:

SCUM/Binaries/Win64/oxygen/data/

Common Framework Files

Oxygen uses these core files to manage the server:

• oxygen.users.json: Individual player permissions and group assignments.
• oxygen.groups.json: Definitions of groups (Admin, VIP, etc.) and their inherited permissions.

Example: Player Statistics

{
  "76561198000000001": {
    "PlayerName": "John",
    "Kills": 45,
    "PlayTime": 154320,
    "LastSeen": "2026-03-06T14:30:00"
  }
}

When and How to Edit

Manual editing is only recommended for Permissions or Emergency Fixes.

Safe Edit Workflow

1. Stop the Server: This is mandatory to prevent data overwriting.
2. Backup: Copy the file to filename.json.bak.
3. Edit: Use a JSON-friendly editor (VS Code / Notepad++).
4. Validate: Check your syntax at jsonlint.com.
5. Start the Server: Oxygen will load the updated data on startup.

Backup Strategy

Data files are the most valuable part of your server. If they are lost, your players lose all progress.

# Quick PowerShell Backup Example
$date = Get-Date -Format "yyyy-MM-dd"
Copy-Item -Recurse "oxygen/data" "backups/data_$date"

Troubleshooting

Plugin ignores manual changes

• Reason: You edited the file while the server was running. The plugin saved its internal memory to the disk upon shutdown/autosave, wiping your edits.
• Fix: Stop the server first, then edit.

Plugin fails to load (Parsing Error)

• Reason: Broken JSON syntax (missing comma, unclosed bracket).
• Fix: Check /logs/OxygenError.log for "Serialization" errors. Use a JSON validator to find the exact line with the error.

Data loss after a crash

• Reason: The server crashed before the plugin could perform its scheduled SaveData().
• Fix: Check if the plugin has an AutoSaveInterval setting in its config and reduce it to 5-10 minutes.

Developer Reference (API)

If you are writing a plugin, use these methods to interact with the data folder:

// Loading data (usually in OnLoad)
_stats = LoadData<Dictionary<string, PlayerData>>("PlayerStats");

// Saving data (usually in OnUnload or Events)
SaveData("PlayerStats", _stats);