Easy way of installing Eclipse plugins on Ubuntu

Eclipse is one of most popular integrated development environments (IDEs) used by software developers across globe. It offers a wide range of features, including code editing, debugging, testing, and deployment, making it a versatile tool for developers. However, sometimes developers need to install additional plugins in order to extend functionality of Eclipse. This article will guide you through easy way of installing Eclipse plugins on Ubuntu.

Prerequisites

Before installing Eclipse plugins, you need to make sure that you have Eclipse installed on your Ubuntu machine. If you don't have Eclipse installed, you can easily download it from official Eclipse website. Once you have Eclipse installed, you can follow steps below to install plugins.

Install Eclipse Plugin

• Step 1 − Launch Eclipse

First, you need to launch Eclipse on your Ubuntu machine. To do so, go to terminal and type following command −

$ eclipse

This will launch Eclipse on your machine.

• Step 2 − Open Eclipse

Marketplace Once Eclipse is launched, you need to open Eclipse Marketplace. To do so, click on Help menu at top of screen and then click on Eclipse Marketplace. This will open Eclipse Marketplace window.

• Step 3 − Search for Plugin

In Eclipse Marketplace window, you can search for plugin you want to install. You can use search bar to enter name of plugin and click on search button. This will show you a list of plugins that match your search criteria.

• Step 4 − Install Plugin

Once you have found plugin you want to install, you can click on Install button next to it. This will open Install window, where you can review details of plugin and choose installation options.

• Step 5 − Accept Terms and Conditions

Before installing plugin, you need to accept terms and conditions of plugin. To do so, click on checkbox next to "I accept terms of license agreement" and then click on Finish button. This will start installation process.

• Step 6 − Wait for Installation to Complete

The installation process may take a few minutes to complete, depending on size of plugin and speed of your internet connection. You can monitor progress of installation in Progress window. Once installation is complete, you will be prompted to restart Eclipse.

• Step 7 − Restart Eclipse

After installation is complete, you need to restart Eclipse to apply changes. To do so, click on File menu at top of screen and then click on Exit button. Once Eclipse is closed, you can launch it again from terminal using following command −

$ eclipse

This will open Eclipse with newly installed plugin.

Example: Installing PyDev Plugin

Let's take a look at an example of how to install PyDev plugin in Eclipse on Ubuntu. PyDev is a popular plugin for developing Python applications in Eclipse.

• Step 1 − Launch Eclipse

Open terminal and type following command to launch Eclipse −

$ eclipse

• Step 2 − Open Eclipse Marketplace

Click on Help menu at top of screen and then click on Eclipse Marketplace. This will open Eclipse Marketplace window.

• Step 3 − Search for PyDev Plugin

In search bar, type "PyDev" and click on search button. This will show you a list of plugins that match your search criteria. Click on PyDev plugin to open plugin details page.

• Step 4 − Install PyDev Plugin

Click on Install button to start installation process. In Install window, review details of plugin and choose installation options. Click on Next button to proceed.

• Step 5 − Accept Terms and Conditions

In License Agreement window, read terms and conditions of plugin and click on checkbox next to "I accept terms of license agreement." Click on Finish button to start installation process.

• Step 6 − Wait for Installation to Complete

The installation process may take a few minutes to complete, depending on size of plugin and speed of your internet connection. You can monitor progress of installation in Progress window.

• Step 7 − Restart Eclipse

Once installation is complete, you will be prompted to restart Eclipse to apply changes. Click on Restart Now button to restart Eclipse.

• Step 8 − Configure PyDev

After restarting Eclipse, you need to configure PyDev to start using it. To do so, click on Window menu at top of screen and then click on Preferences. This will open Preferences window.

In Preferences window, expand PyDev node and select Interpreter-Python option. Click on New button to add a new Python interpreter. Enter path to Python executable in Interpreter Executable field and click on Apply button. This will add Python interpreter to PyDev.

Now, you can start using PyDev to develop Python applications in Eclipse.

Conclusion

Installing Eclipse plugins on Ubuntu is an easy process that can be done through Eclipse Marketplace. By following steps outlined in this article, you can easily install any plugin you need to extend functionality of Eclipse. It is important to make sure you have Eclipse installed on your Ubuntu machine before attempting to install any plugins.