I know the GECK isn't coming out until "early 2016". I was under the impression that you won't be able to do a lot of modding (maybe just some texture replacing) until that drops, yet I keep hearing about - there's a mod for this! and a mod for that!

What gives? Is it open season for modding now or are the current mods just really basic ones being deployed right now?

Current mods that have esp-files are created using some unofficial and flimsy tools, like TESVSnip. Using these mods is very hazardous and should be avoided.

Simple replacers for textures, models, etc. are safe.

The GECK isn't necessary to make all mods, plus a lot of the modders have programming experience and are using other methods. Plus some of the mods are prolly just re-writes of FO3/NV mods just ported over...

I want Enclave Command and increased wasteland spawns

Interesting, I'll check it out then. I have a good amount of programming experience too; I just figured it was like trying to develop for android without using android studio (formerly eclipse).

I want to work on a hardcoe mod Not really because I feel strongly about it one way or another. I just want to gain the experience from doing it and think I can do a pretty good job with it. If I do get serious about it, I'll be back in the forums looking for feedback as I set it up.

It pretty much is. But that isn't stopping some people........