Eclipse plugin for fast java code testing

Question

I wonder if there is a plugin for Eclipse that can execute some java expression?

For example i want to find proper pattern of SimpleDateFormat and i could create new class within which i then initialize several formatters and after compiling and execution i'll see a result, but instead that i want to be able to write those formatters in this plugin view and see their result after execution without new class.

Thanks

Answer 1

I use a scrapbook page.

To create one, go to File -> New -> Other -> Java -> Java Run/Debug -> Scrapbook Page. Type the statements e.g.

String text = new java.text.SimpleDateFormat("yyyy-MM-dd").format(new java.util.Date());
System.out.println(text);

Execute it, by highlighting the text (Ctrl+A) and then Ctrl+U.

The one thing I don't like, is that it doesn't allow import statements. You have to either type the fully qualified class name as above, or explicitly go into the Set imports menu and add classes you want to import.