Thread:LOTRMod/@comment-26444332-20160309220421/@comment-25101690-20160325210136

To make Forge mods, the recommended tools are
 * Java JDK
 * The Forge source (includes Gradle)
 * A Java IDE (Mevans uses Eclipse, like most modders. I use IntelliJ IDEA)
 * An image editor (eg. GIMP or Paint.NET)
 * A text editor for normal text files (for example Notepad++, but the integrated editor of the IDE might be enough)
 * Optional: Mevans also uses (or used) Git as Version Control System

The installation is all described in detail here. There is not much you can change in this process.

Of course the installation of the environment is not the secret key for making a great mod; the code is. You will need a good understanding of Java, Minecraft, and the Forge API. And you will need a lot of hard work.