Can't get eclipse to recognize my plugin

Question

I exported my eclipse plugin through the "Export Wizard" in the manifest and seems like everything went well (no errors). It created a .jar file within a plugin directory in a zip file.

I thought putting the jar into my Eclipse plugin directory would install it (after re-launching eclipse) but that didn't work. Eclipse can't see the plugin (the perspective isn't showing up)

I tried with Help->Install new software->local archive but it keeps saying "no software found"

Can you help me getting my plugin ready to be installed on a fresh Eclipse copy?

Ps. my plugin uses other dependencies like EMF/GMF

Solution 1

In eclipse, go to your console window. From the drop down meny, select OSGI console. Run the command ss or ss <name of your plugin> You will then see the state of your plugin and a number. The state will probably be "installed" which means if has been found, but some dependencies were not satisfied.

Run the command diag <number of your plugin> and you will see why it wasn't started.

For more details, see Wheres my bundle

Edit: A first step to verify that the plugin is working would be to start up a new eclipse instance with your plugin. In the run configuration dialog, there is a tab with all the plugins that should be started. Make sure yours is checked and it will start with the new eclipse instance.

Solution 2

If you are using Eclipse 3.4 or above, put your plugin in the 'dropins' directory.

To install via Help->Install new software you need to create an 'Update site' or a 'p2 repository'.

Solution 3

Sometimes you just have to restart Eclipse. File -> Restart and try again. Worked for me because Eclipse was caching the results of my local update site.

Solution 4

By far the most ellaborate descriptions of installing your plugin is provided by Vogella deployment of your plug-in

It covers all 3 possible ways in which you may install your plugin detailing the pros & cons of each of the following approaches :

1 . Installing your plug-in from your Eclipse IDE

2 . Export plug-in and put into dropins folder

3 . Create update site for your plug-in

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Comments

[Marco A.]

It doesn't work, I don't know why but I can't see the plugin appearing

[Half Blood Prince]

create an 'Update site' or a 'p2 repository'. - can u pls tell how ?