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Specifying the JVM [message #1316588]

Sat, 26 April 2014 16:13

Missing name Mising name

Messages: 9
Registered: July 2011

Junior Member

OS: Windows 7 Professional
System Type: 64-bit Operating System
Eclipse Version: Kepler SR1 (4.3.1)64-bit

Hello,

I would like to get clarification on the topic of Specifying the JVM. I currently have a 'default' JVM located on my machine. Do I need to install another instance of JVM and dedicate specifically for Eclipse? I am using the following for reference.

*************************************************************************************
Specifying the JVM

One of the most recommended options to use is to specify a specific JVM for Eclipse to run on. Doing this ensures that you are absolutely certain which JVM Eclipse will run in and insulates you from system changes that can alter the "default" JVM for your system. Many a user has been tripped up because they thought they knew what JVM would be used by default, but they thought wrong. eclipse.ini lets you be CERTAIN.

The following examples of eclipse.ini demonstrate correct usage of the -vm option.

Note the format of the -vm option - it is important to be exact:

The -vm option and its value (the path) must be on separate lines.
The value must be the full absolute or relative path to the Java executable, not just to the Java home directory.
The -vm option must occur before the -vmargs option, since everything after -vmargs is passed directly to the JVM.
For the 32-bit Eclipse executable (eclipse.exe on Windows) a 32-bit JVM must be used and for the 64-bit Eclipse executable a 64-bit JVM must be used. 32-bit Eclipse will not work with a 64-bit JVM.

Here is an example of what eclipse.ini might look like on a Windows system after you've added the -vm argument and increased the maximum heap space:

-startup
plugins/org.eclipse.equinox.launcher_1.2.0.v20110502.jar
--launcher.library
plugins/org.eclipse.equinox.launcher.win32.win32.x86_1.1.100.v20110502
-product
org.eclipse.epp.package.java.product
--launcher.defaultAction
openFile
--launcher.XXMaxPermSize
256M
-showsplash
org.eclipse.platform
--launcher.XXMaxPermSize
256m
--launcher.defaultAction
openFile
-vm
C:\Java\JDK\1.6\bin\javaw.exe
-vmargs
-Dosgi.requiredJavaVersion=1.5
-Xms40m
-Xmx1024m

Remember that the exact values will differ slightly depending on operating system and Eclipse package.

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Re: Specifying the JVM [message #1317077 is a reply to message #1316588]

Sat, 26 April 2014 22:49

David Wegener

Messages: 1445
Registered: July 2009

Senior Member

If the JVM you have installed is the version you want to use for
Eclipse, then you don't need to install another one. The article you
included in your email is indicating that you should tell Eclipse the
specific VM you want to use instead of using the system default.

If you use the default, a VM update could cause you problems and might
even prevent Eclipse from running. It is better to update the
eclipse.ini to point to a specific VM

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