Java Edition:No Update Piston Retraction
Since 17w49a (1.13 snapshot), retracting a sticky piston that has reached its pull limit will not cause any updates to adjacent blocks.[1]. An easier variation existed from 1.13-pre5 - 1.13 that worked with just retracting a sticky piston[2]. This is mostly useful for making things float, or making connections when there shouldn't.
Headless Variant
This method works no matter what direction the piston head is facing, and even if it's non-sticky, as long as the base is sticky. A piston head facing the wrong way can be made using a headless sticky piston and then extending a new piston into where the head was. Retracting the headless sticky piston will remove this head as if it were its own, still without updates. This allows you to make more floating blocks, as you can use a piston face for support, rather than just the side. This can be used for anything the regular variant can, though there is essentially no reason to.
Uses
Simple Variant
- Floating Gravity Blocks
- Floating signs
- Floating banners
- Floating carpets
- Floating sea pickles
- Non flowing liquids
Headless Variant
- Floating levers
- Floating rails
- Floating buttons
- Floating dripstone
- Floating redstone
- Floating torches
- Floating ladders
- Walls connected to nothing
- Iron bars and glass panes connected to nothing
- Floating snow
And any other block that can be placed on, or connects to, a piston head, can be made floating or connected to nothing.