Run Java program from Eclipse Builders

Question

I want to run a Java program as a builder before the Java Builder kicks in. The Java class to be run is part of another project within the workspace.

I can add Program builder but I don't want to point explicitly to a Java VM as my teammates may have their Java installed in different location. Is there a way to achieve this without referring to a particular JVM executable?

EDIT: Added screenshot of Eclipse Builders to show which config I'm talking about.

Answer 1

I can run the java program using a normal launcher (.launch file created using Run/Debug Configuration). I figured out a way to make that work as a Builder step.

Simply move the .launch to .externalToolBuilders and modify the .project file in a text editor to pick up that .launch file.

<buildCommand>
    <name>org.eclipse.ui.externaltools.ExternalToolBuilder</name>
    <triggers>full,incremental,</triggers>
    <arguments>
    <dictionary>
        <key>LaunchConfigHandle</key>
        <value>&lt;project&gt;/.externalToolBuilders/MyCustomJavaProgram.launch</value>
    </dictionary>
    </arguments>
</buildCommand>

Eclipse being the good boy it is, doesn't complain about the presence of a org.eclipse.jdt.launching.localJavaApplication as a Builder step and everything works smoothly. In fact if you edit this newly added Builder step it even shows the correct Edit launch configuration dialog.