This page was last updated June 7, 2008

Getting Started with Eclipse

If you have not installed Java and the Eclipse compiler then click the back button on your browser.
Now, click option 1 "How to download and install Java on your computer" and follow the directions to install Java.
Next, click option 2, "How to download and install the Eclipse compiler on your computer" and follow the directions to install Eclipse.
After installing Java and the Eclipse compiler return here to get started.

Step 1: Set up a workspace.

• Eclipse creates all your projects, stores information about those projects, stores your source code, and anything else related to a project in a special directory known as the Workspace. Before you start up Eclipse for the first time you need to decide where you will set up your workspace. It is suggested that you create a directory in your home directory and name it something like "Workspace", or "Projects" or even "CS 103 Workspace". You should do this now before continuing.

Step 2: Starting the Eclipse compiler.

1. Start up the Eclipse compiler. If you are working on a Windows or Linux platform you may wish to create a shortcut and place it on the desktop to make it easier to start up. If you are working on a Macintosh you may want to place a shortcut in your dock for easy access. When you start Eclipse you will see the splash screen below appear.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Almost almost immediately after the splash screen appears the dialog box shown below will appear. If this is the first time you have started Eclipse you will need to click the Browse button and locate the workspace directory you created. If you click the check box Eclipse will always use this as the workspace directory and not ask again. If you want to have more then one workspace directory then leave it unchecked. After the first time you start Eclipse it will default to the last workspace directory you selected. When the correct workspace directory is shown then click the OK button.
   
   
   
   
3. The Eclipse compiler main window will now appear. If this is the first time you have run Eclipse you will probably see the window below. Move your cursor over each of the icons shown in the Welcome tab to see what it links to. The image below is a composite showing all of the "hint" popup boxes. You may want to start with the Overview, then look at the Tutorials and Samples. To get straight to work click the Workbench icon.
   
   
   
   
   
4. When you click the Workbench icon you will see the window below. Details on how to create projects, add classes to the project, write the code, compile the application or applet, and run it will be discussed in class.
   
   Oh, so you got to this window and now want to go back to the welcome tab so you can try the tutorials? Well just select Welcome from the Help menu.