Eclipse SDK 4.1

Eclipse SDK 4.x is the next generation platform for building Eclipse-based tools and rich client desktop applications. This new major release makes it easier for developers to develop and assemble applications and tools based on the Eclipse platform.

The 4.1 release is ready for consumption by both Eclipse plug-in developers and end users.

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For RCP Developers

Developers who use the Eclipse Rich Client Platform (RCP) will find that the Eclipse SDK 4.1 makes it easier to build great looking rich client applications. The new Eclipse 4.x platform introduces the following:

  • a model-based user interface and a new CSS-based declarative mechanism for application styling. These facilities make it easier to design and customize an application user interface. This also adds greater flexibility to UI layout, making it easier to make a user interface look different from an IDE
  • a new services-oriented programming model that makes it easier to use discreet application services of the Eclipse platform.

For Tool Developers

Developers that have built Eclipse tools and plugins should start migrating these tools to Eclipse SDK 4.x. Tool developers will be able to take advantage of:

  • the new model-based user interface and new CSS-base delarative mechanism for application styling
  • a more modern look and feel for the workbench
  • full binary compatibility with API from previous platform releases making the migration process as simple as possible

Getting Started