Can't get eclipse to recognize my plugin

Question

I exported my eclipse plugin through the "Export Wizard" in the manifest and seems like everything went well (no errors). It created a .jar file within a plugin directory in a zip file.

I thought putting the jar into my Eclipse plugin directory would install it (after re-launching eclipse) but that didn't work. Eclipse can't see the plugin (the perspective isn't showing up)

I tried with Help->Install new software->local archive but it keeps saying "no software found"

Can you help me getting my plugin ready to be installed on a fresh Eclipse copy?

Ps. my plugin uses other dependencies like EMF/GMF

Answer 1

In eclipse, go to your console window. From the drop down meny, select OSGI console. Run the command ss or ss <name of your plugin> You will then see the state of your plugin and a number. The state will probably be "installed" which means if has been found, but some dependencies were not satisfied.

Run the command diag <number of your plugin> and you will see why it wasn't started.

For more details, see Wheres my bundle

Edit: A first step to verify that the plugin is working would be to start up a new eclipse instance with your plugin. In the run configuration dialog, there is a tab with all the plugins that should be started. Make sure yours is checked and it will start with the new eclipse instance.

Answer 2

If you are using Eclipse 3.4 or above, put your plugin in the 'dropins' directory.

To install via Help->Install new software you need to create an 'Update site' or a 'p2 repository'.