How can I play Minecraft online with friends?

To play Minecraft online with friends, one first needs to decide on the type of game they want to play: Java Edition or Bedrock Edition, as multiplayer is slightly different for each. For both editions, an individual can either join a friend's game if they are on the same local network, or use a server to connect over the internet. For private games in Java Edition, players can set up their own server or use a service like Realms, which is Mojang's official hosting service that allows for easily creating and managing a server. Bedrock Edition users also have the option of using Realms or playing on a third-party hosted server. Players simply need to share the server's address with friends to connect. Alternatively, consoles and mobile devices have the capacity for online play through Xbox Live or other relevant platforms where users can add friends and join their games directly. Always ensure all parties have the latest version of Minecraft to avoid compatibility issues when connecting.