Weapons are for killing mobs, animals, or players. Swords and Bows and Arrows are the best items to use for the job.
Sword
The Sword is more efficient in dealing damage than tools like the Pickaxe, Hoe, Shovel, or your bare hands. Swords can also be used to chop some blocks down faster, like vines. Swords can be made from the same items used to craft tools such as the Pickaxe. This list is organized so the Swords are arranged from least to most damage and durability:
The damage output varies depending on whether the target is armored and the strength of said armor.
• Gold Swords deal 2 Hearts of damage per hit.
• Wood Swords deal 2 Hearts of damage per hit.
• Stone Swords deal 2 1/2 Hearts of damage per hit.
• Iron Swords deal 3 Hearts of damage per hit.
• Diamond Swords deal 3 1/2 Hearts of damage per hit.
Bow (and Arrows)
The Bow is a ranged weapon used to fire off Arrows. Where there used to be only one type of Arrow, there are many types in Minecraft now. You can put a potion effect on them. If you have more than one type of Arrow, to ensure you’re using the right type, equip it in the fifth armor slot.