# Eclipse

> Eclipse Java IDE with plugins. Use for Java development.

- Skill: `g1joshi/eclipse` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add g1joshi/eclipse`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/g1joshi/eclipse/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: G1Joshi (https://skillmd.com/u/g1joshi)
- Updated: 2026-09-10
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/g1joshi/eclipse

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# Eclipse IDE

Eclipse was the dominant Java IDE for a decade. While IntelliJ has taken the lead, Eclipse remains critical for **legacy enterprise** projects and specific industries (Embedded, Auto).

## When to Use

- **Legacy Projects**: Projects built with bespoke Eclipse plugins.
- **OSGi / RCP**: Developing Eclipse plugins or Rich Client Platform apps.
- **Free/Open Source**: Fully FOSS philosophy.

## Core Concepts

### Workspace

Collection of Projects.

### Perspectives

Layouts of views (Java Perspective, Debug Perspective).

### plugins

The OSGi plugin system is the core of Eclipse.

## Best Practices (2025)

**Do**:

- **Use Eclipse Theia**: If you want a modern, VS Code-like experience built on Eclipse tech.
- **Keep it Updated**: The quarterly rolling releases improve performance.

**Don't**:

- **Don't use for modern Web Dev**: It lags behind VS Code/WebStorm for JS/TS.

## References

- [Eclipse Foundation](https://www.eclipse.org/)