The essential GTA modding toolbox: what each tool actually does

[ice]

New to GTA modding and confused why every guide namedrops five different tools? Here's the map of what does what:

GTA 5

• OpenIV — opens/edits the game archives (.rpf). The gateway tool. Its mods-folder system keeps vanilla files safe.
  
• Script Hook V — lets native script mods (.asi) run. Foundation for most gameplay mods.
  
• ScriptHookVDotNet — same job for C#/.NET mods.
  
• LML (Lenny's Mod Loader) — clean mod management, big in the RDR2 world too.
  
• Codewalker — 3D map viewer/editor, the serious mapmaker's tool.
  

Classic GTAs (3/VC/SA)

• SilentPatch — the universal bugfix layer, install always
  
• CLEO — script engine for thousands of mods
  
• ModLoader — drag-and-drop mod management for SA
  
• IMG Tool / Mod Manager — mostly legacy now, ModLoader replaced the workflow
  

Where to download safely: gta5-mods.com, gtainside.com, mixmods (SA scene), and each tool's official page. The rule that keeps your PC clean: if the download is a .exe "installer" for what should be a zip of files, be suspicious.

Suggest additions below and I'll keep this list current — planning to make this the sticky resource thread for the section.