- FAQ 319: What is eScript?
- FAQ 320: Language integration phase 1: How do I compile and build programs?
- FAQ 321: How do I load source files edited outside Eclipse?
- FAQ 322: How do I run an external builder on my source files?
- FAQ 323: How do I implement a compiler that runs inside Eclipse?
- FAQ 324: How do I react to changes in source files?
- FAQ 325: How do I implement an Eclipse builder?
- FAQ 326: Where are project build specifications stored?
- FAQ 327: How do I add a builder to a given project?
- FAQ 328: How do I implement an incremental project builder?
- FAQ 329: How do I handle setup problems for a given builder?
- FAQ 330: How do I make my compiler incremental?
- FAQ 331: Language integration phase 2: How do I implement a DOM?
- FAQ 332: How do I implement a DOM for my language?
- FAQ 333: How can I ensure that my model is scalable?
- FAQ 334: Language integration phase 3: How do I edit programs?
- FAQ 335: How do I write an editor for my own language?
- FAQ 336: How do I add Content Assist to my language editor?
- FAQ 337: How do I add hover support to my text editor?
- FAQ 338: How do I create problem markers for my compiler?
- FAQ 339: How do I implement Quick Fixes for my own language?
- FAQ 340: How do I support refactoring for my own language?
- FAQ 341: How do I create an Outline view for my own language editor?
- FAQ 342: Language integration phase 4: What are the finishing touches?
- FAQ 343: What wizards do I define for my own language?
- FAQ 344: When does my language need its own nature?
- FAQ 345: When does my language need its own perspective?
- FAQ 346: How do I add documentation and help for my own language?
- FAQ 347: How do I support source-level debugging for my own language?
FAQ 320: Language integration phase 1: How do I compile and build programs?
Phase 1 of language integration with Eclipse focuses on compilation of source files and building projects. We can distinguish the following individual steps/approaches to obtain complete integration:
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Use no integration. Edit and compile source code externally and load it into Eclipse. This makes it difficult for the eScript compiler to use such facilities as the PDE plug-in model, which is needed to discover all kinds of attributes about plug-ins to be written. In fact, using an external builder is impractical for any kind of serious integration. For more details, see FAQ 321.
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Use external builders. Edit your files with Eclipse, and use an Ant script to compile the source files. A problem is that information exchange between Eclipse and the external builder is severely limited; hence, the name external builder, of course. However, using an Ant script allows for some experimentation without the need to write a plug-in. For more details, see FAQ 322.
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Implement a compiler that runs inside Eclipse. In other words, write the compiler in Java and run it in the same JVM as Eclipse runs in. One approach could be to add a PopupMenu command to eScript files in the Resource Navigator. Running the compiler in this fashion puts Eclipse in control. Files are built when Eclipse wants them and Eclipse does not need to react to changes from outside. For more details, see FAQ 323.
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React to workspace changes. Edit files by using Eclipse editors. Whenever the user saves a source file, you can be notified so that the file can be compiled. Integration is definitely improving but still is cumbersome as it does not integrate well with how Eclipse thinks about the way projects are built. For more details, see FAQ 324.
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Implement an Eclipse builder. Builders are invoked on a project when any of its resources are changed or when the user manually requests a project to be rebuilt. Multiple builders can be registered on a project, and integration of a compiler into a build process is worth considering owing to its many benefits. For more details, see FAQ 325.
After following these steps, you are almost ready to focus on writing an editor. First, you have to look at FAQ 331.