Backup Eclipse settings

Question

I have had to re/install Eclipse across different platforms (windows and linux) several times this year.

I have not found an effective single solution way to share settings/preferences across different versions of Eclipse.

This is what I currently do:

• Export Software Update Sites (Bookmarks) XML file.
• Export Java->Code Style->Code templates
• Export Java->Code Style->Formatter
• Export Java->Code Style->Organize Imports
• Export Java->Templates
• Configure Project Specific Settings for all your projects then copy the .settings directory from the base directory of your project.
• Take a screenshot of Java->Editor->Content Assist->Favorites (there is no export)
• Export preferences (this does not work well across different versions hence above)

Surely there is an easier way?

Answer 1

Did you try File > Export > General > Preferences?

Most (not all, but most) of the preferences you reference in your question will be exported in an xml file.
That include templates and formatters.
Even though it is true its content isn't fully interpreted across Eclipse versions, it simply concatenates the separate exports you mentions in your question.

Other tips in "Importing/Exporting Project Preferences".