Eclipse

Element Architecture Tool Suite (EATS)
Technology Reference

Eclipse

Original Author: joe.vansteen

Created: Monday, August 2, 2010 - 18:39

Last Changed: Monday, July 9, 2012 - 20:36

Document ID: AF-EATS-TRECL-010

Version: 01.00.001.172

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Introduction

This book consists of notes taken about Eclipse as I go through the process of a self-tutorial to learn the Eclipse system as an application framework.

Based on an initial survey of the system I made the decision to take the time to do a deep dive with the assumption that the OSGI version of Eclipse would become the base platform for the next generation of the Element Architecture Tool Suite (EATS). Using my standard approach I attempted a quick start and did a head-first plunge into the Eclipse Modeling Project to evaluate GMF as technology that could be useful in the development of a GUI modeling interface for EATS. I was pleased with what I saw, but also found myself immediately immersed in a complex web of technology for which I had not given myself an appropriate context of understanding — and not one that was immediately easy to come to grips with.

GMF is complex by itself, with a complex array of support technology, built on top of GEF and EMF, and layered on top of the whole complex Eclipse environment. It rapidly became obvious that a structured, layered approach to all this was in order. It was also obvious that anyone else who might want to follow this effort and become engaged, especially anyone unfamiliar with this the whole maze of technology, would also need a way to wade into the pool. Thus, these notes.

This book records the significant elements of my introduction to Eclipse and the modeling tools as I weave in and out of that activity. This is an ongoing effort and the page content will grow as I continue the journey. Hopefully they will also be helpful to others who want to follow down this same path.