Is there a way to have Eclipse automatically make all my variables final?

Question

I try to avoid having non-final variables when possible, and it would save some typing if Eclipse would automate this for me (also so I don't forget to do it). What I'd like is for it to detect when I add a new variable assignment/declaration statement, and as soon as I finish it, insert the final modifier.

Is there a configuration option or lightweight plugin that would accomplish this?

Answer 1

You can add it as a 'Save Action' so that whenever you save a file, Eclipse will add final to your variables. This is how:

• Go to Window > Preferences > Java > Editor > Save Actions
• Tick Additional Actions and press Configure
• In the Code Style tab there is a section on Variable declarations and you can tick Use modifier 'final' where possible. You can choose between private fields, parameters and local variables.

Or you can do the same thing manually (every once in while or for existing code base) via Clean up

Answer 2

You can use the right click --> source --> clean-up. You should first define in the Code Formatter part of the preference what you really want to be cleaned.