When I first started using Avanti, I just jumped right in. The interface looks a lot like some other graphics software I’m familiar with. So I paddled around in the shallow end of the pool.
But…
I just found out I’ve been missing a lot of the features! There’s a whole website full of information (it’s not just a place to download the program!)
In a sense, additional programs like Avanti and MC Edit are part of playing Minecraft! I have to be careful though, not to put such high expectations on myself that I get overwhelmed and it’s not fun anymore.
Link to a very interesting article, here
http://www.heliumgames.com/bits-and-pieces-of-game-design/