Conclusion X-ray in Minecraft 1.5.2 was a straightforward client-side shortcut to reveal valuable blocks and structures, implemented via transparent textures, rendering tweaks, or hacked clients. While technically interesting, its use on public servers generally constitutes cheating and harms multiplayer gameplay. For private single-player use or sanctioned scenarios, it can be a useful convenience; otherwise follow server rules and prefer legitimate alternatives.
In 2013, "installing a mod" was a rite of passage. There were no streamlined launchers like CurseForge or Prism; instead, players performed a digital surgery: minecraft 1.5.2 xray