Installing JRebel plugin for Eclipse
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Before you start – Prerequisites
JRebel for Eclipse requires Eclipse 3.3 (Europa) or later. Some optional features require additional Eclipse plug-ins, such as WTP (Web Tools Platform). This guide and most of the screenshots were made with Eclipse Helios for Java EE on Windows 7. The process might vary a little bit for other Eclipse versions and operating systems.
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Though JRebel does not depend on any IDE or development tools in particular (besides a compiler), it’s nice to have tight integration with your IDE. Enter JRebel for Eclipse. Remember: as long as you overwrite your old class files with new ones, JRebel will reload your changes and cut down on time spent redeploying.
JRebel for Eclipse already includes JRebel itself, helps you generate the JRebel configuration automatically, enables JRebel for applications and servers with a single click, and improves the debugging support in Eclipse. This article will help you to set up the plugin and take advantage of the features.
Contents:
Step 1: Installing JRebel for Eclipse
Eclipse 3.6 Helios (and newer) – Install via the Eclipse Marketplace Client
To install JRebel for Eclipse, open the Eclipse Marketplace Client (Help -> Eclipse Marketplace…). If you open it for the first time, you have to select a solution catalog. Select “Eclipse Marketplace” and search for “JRebel”. Then just click the “Install” button next to it.
Eclipse 3.3, 3.4 & 3.5 – Installing via the Update Manager
Installing via the Update Manager is similar to installing via the Eclipse Marketplace. Go to Help -> Install New Software… and paste in the URL for our update site: http://www.zeroturnaround.com/update-site
To make the installation process go faster, you might want to uncheck “Contact all update sites…” if you already have all the prerequisites. For example, the “Eclipse IDE for Java EE Developers” package contains everything you need, including WTP.
Step 2: Selecting Features and Finishing the Install Process
Select the features you want to install. JRebel Eclipse Integration is required and should be installed by everyone (even your grandmother).
- Embedded JRebel for Eclipse is recommended for everyone as well, it contains a complete installation of JRebel, so you won’t have to download it separately — you’ll only need to get a license after installation and you are set.
- JRebel Eclipse Debugger Integration (Optional) – This is recommended if you want to use the debugger with JRebel-enabled projects.
- JRebel WTP Integration (Optional) – This is recommended if you want to use WTP (Web Tools Platform) with JRebel-enabled projects.
Once you’ve selected the features you want, just proceed through the installation wizards normally. You will be asked to accept the license agreements, which are the Apache License and JRebel License Agreement. After the installation has completed, makes sure to restart Eclipse.
