Open source initiative supports multiple
platforms
What is it?
The Eclipse project is an open source initiative aiming to
provide a supplier-neutral software development platform. Analyst
firm Gartner described it as one of the two main integrated
development environments (IDEs), along with Microsoft’s Visual
Studio.
Strictly speaking, the Eclipse platform is not itself an IDE,
but it contains the functionality required to build IDEs for Java,
C++ and potentially other languages. Different components can also
be used to build “arbitrary” applications, without subscribing to
the IDE.
Eclipse evolved as the replacement for IBM’s Visualage tool
family, and it is the foundation for IBM’s Websphere Studio.
Where did it originate?
Eclipse.org was formed in 2001 by IBM, Borland, Merant, Red Hat,
SuSE and others. In 2004, Eclipse became a not-for-profit
corporation. There are now more than 115 member companies,
including users and suppliers. Hewlett-Packard, Ericsson, SAP and
Intel are members.
What’s it for?
The Eclipse Platform is written in Java and comes with plug-in
construction toolkits. Key elements include the Eclipse SDK (a Java
IDE) and the Rich Client Platform. Eclipse can also be used as a
C/C++ IDE. The Eclipse Platform functions as an “integration
point”, enabling tools and applications built with Eclipse to work
together.
Developers can choose the language and platform they prefer, and
Eclipse provides a plug-in framework for software tool creators.
The emphasis is on increasing productivity through software reuse
and the exploitation of existing skills.
What makes it special?
Bloor Research said, “Eclipse is taking the Java development
world by storm and is likely to prove the IDE of choice for that
community for some time to come.”
All technology, source code and software derived from Eclipse is
made available royalty free under the Eclipse Public Licence.
How difficult is it to master?
The multi-language, multi-platform/supplier approach means
developers can use existing skills. There will undoubtedly be
savings and productivity gains, because there is no need to
retrain.
What systems does it run on?
Eclipse has been deployed on development workstations under
Linux, HP-UX, AIX, Solaris, QNX, Mac OS X and Windows.
What’s coming up?
The Callisto Simultaneous Release planned for June involves 10
Eclipse projects, including business intelligence and reporting
tools, the C/C++ IDE, test and performance tools and a web tools
platform.
Rates of pay
Experienced Java developers can earn more than £50,000.
Training
Downloads, free tutorial material and links can be found on the
Eclipse website.
www.eclipse.org/articles/index.php?filter=tutorial