The ladder is a solid wooden block that is used for climbing walls either vertically or horizontally. They are placed on the sides of blocks. Ladders can be crafted by players or found as a part of naturally generated structures.
A ladder placed on a block (via screenshot)
Ladders are naturally generated in libraries of strongholds and in intersection rooms with wooden ceilings. You can also find ladders in villages, plain temples, taiga temples, igloos, ancient cities, as well as in churches. Ladders can also be crafted by players, you will need 7 sticks and arrange them in the order shown below.
Crafting a ladder (via screenshot)
Ladders can be used for multiple purposes such are breaking a fall, climbing, and as fuel. When falling players can grab hold of ladders to break their fall and avoid taking fall damage. This can be done by holding the sneak key while on the ladder. Ladders can be placed on the side of solid blocks to climb them. Mob are not smart enough to climb ladders deliberately but will do if pushed against them.
A ladder leading to an upper floor (via screenshot)
Ladders are versatile blocks that can be used to provide vertical or horizontal mobility in structures. You can have multiple floors in a building and traverse easily in between them with the help of ladders.
A. To craft a ladder you will need 7 sticks and arrange them in the shape of an H in the crafting grid.
A. The fastest way to break ladders is by mining them with an ax.
A. While mobs are technically capable of climbing ladders, the pathing AI generally prevents them from doing so.