Java Edition:Sticky Piston Retraction
Not to be confused with No Update Piston Retraction
Sticky piston retraction is a method exclusive to 1.13-pre6 that allows many discontinued block configurations. By attempting to pull a block that would be destroyed when pushed (I.e, Flowers, Redstone, Pumpkins etc.), it will break instead of ignoring it.[1]
Pulling Directly
By directly pulling the blocks it will destroy it but will leave everything else intact.
Half Blocks
By pulling either end of the block will destroy it, this can be used to obtain half plants, half beds and half doors.
Floating Plants
By pulling a part of the plant the rest will be left floating.
Due to cactus breaking when next to a block you need to use a specific setup.
Unattached Stem
By pulling the melon and pumpkin that a stem is attached to, it'll keep the stem attached even once the melon/pumpkin is gone.
Pulling Destructible Block
A few of the blocks that get destroyed also allow things to be placed on them, this can be used to create many unsupported blocks.
| Blocks | Other | Water | Dragon Eggs | Leaves & Shulkers Boxes | Pumpkins & Melons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpets | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Signs | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Falling Blocks | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Banners | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cake | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sea Pickle | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Seagrass | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Coral | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Vine | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Snow | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Torch | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Redstone Torch | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Tripwire Hook | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Buttons | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Pressure Plates | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Doors | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Ladders | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Mushrooms | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Lily Pad | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Some redstone components - doors, pressure plates, torches and tripwire - do not work even though they can be placed on pumpkins.