How to Create a New Java Project in Eclipse

How to Create a New Java Project in Eclipse – Eclipse is one of the most popular development environments for Java. This program provides everything you need to create a Java project from scratch. Before you start working on a new project, you must first create a project. The process of creating a new project in Eclipse is actually quite easy. However, if you’re installing Eclipse to program in another language, you may find yourself confused.

Steps

Install the Eclipse IDE for Java Developers. When installing Eclipse for the first time, you are given the option to choose an IDE ( integrated development environment ). In that option, select “Eclipse IDE for Java Developers”. The program will install the necessary files and tools to create a Java project.

• If you install Eclipse to program in other languages, you can add support for Java from within your application. Click the “Help” menu > “Install New Software” , then select “All Available Sites” from the “drop-down” menu . Enter “java” in the “Filter” field , and check the “Eclipse Java Development Tools” box . After that, click “Next” . Follow the onscreen guide to download and install the Java tools. After the installation is complete, Eclipse will restart.

Click “File” → “New” → “Java Project”. This will open the “New Java Project” window.[1]

• If you don’t see the “Java Project” option even though you have Java Development Tools installed, click “New” > “Projects…” , then open the “Java” folder and select “Java Project” .

Name the project. This name doesn’t have to be the same as the program’s final name, but it should help you and your colleagues identify the project.

Select a location to save the project files. By default, files will be stored in the Eclipse directory. If you wish, you can save the file in a location of your choosing.

If you are building a program for a specific version of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), select the JRE version you want to use from the drop-down menu . Generally, the latest JRE version will be selected.

Choose a project folder layout. You can use the entire “project” folder , or create custom “sources” and “class” folders. By default, the “Create separate folders…” option will be selected. However, you may need to adjust these options according to project needs. [2]

Click “Next” to open the “Java Settings” window . In this window, you can add additional sources and libraries for the program.

Use the Source tab to specify the build path , which the compiler will use to compile the program. You can create additional source folders, link external sources, and add and remove folders from the build path . The compiler will use the build path to determine the source to compile with.

Use the Libraries tab to add libraries to the project. This tab allows you to include JAR files or built-in libraries to the project. By importing the JAR files, you can use libraries from other projects.

Click “Finish” to start working on the project. After clicking “Finish” , you will be redirected to the work page. If you are using Eclipse to program in another language, you will be prompted to switch to the Java perspective. This step is recommended to maximize the IDE.

• Your project will appear in the “Package Explorer” bar on the left side of the screen. If you see the Eclipse Welcome tab, click the little Java button on the left side of the window. [3]
  Read this detailed guide for creating your first Java program.

Tips

• If you want to change the project settings after the project has been created, right-click the project name and select the options you want.