The Android project is large enough that Eclipse's Java VM sometimes runs out of memory while compiling it. Avoid this problem by editing the eclipse.ini file. On Apple OSX the eclipse.ini file is located at
These settings set Eclipse's minimum Java heap size to 128MB, set the maximum Java heap size to 512MB, and keep the maximum permanent generation size at the default of 256MB.
Now start Eclipse:
eclipse
Now create a project for Android development:
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If Eclipse asks you for a workspace location, choose the default.
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If you have a "Welcome" screen, close it to reveal the Java perspective.
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File > New > Java Project
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Pick a project name, "android" or anything you like.
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Select "Create project from existing source", enter the path to your Android root directory, and click Finish.
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Wait while it sets up the project. (You'll see a subtle progress meter in the lower right corner.)
Once the project workspace is created, Eclipse should start building. In theory, it should build with no errors and you should be set to go. If necessary, uncheck and re-check Project Build Automatically to force a rebuild.
Note: Eclipse sometimes likes to add an import android.R statement at the top of your files that use resources, especially when you ask eclipse to sort or otherwise manage imports. This will cause your make to break. Look out for these erroneous import statements and delete them.
When You Sync
Every time you repo sync, or otherwise change files outside of Eclipse (especially the .classpath), you need to refresh Eclipse's view of things:
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Window > Show View > Navigator
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In the Navigator, right-click on the project name
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Click Refresh in the context menu
Adding Apps to the Build Path
The default .classpath includes the source to the core system and a sample set of apps, but might not include the particular app you may want to work on. To add an app, you must add the app's source directory. To do this inside Eclipse:
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Project > Properties
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Select "Java Build Path" from the left-hand menu.
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Choose the "Source" tab.
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Click "Add Folder..."
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Add your app's src directory.
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Click OK.
When you're done, the "source folder" path in the list should look like
android/packages/apps/YOURAPP/src
Depending on which app(s) you include, you may also need to include othersrc/main/java directories underandroid/dalvik/libcore. Do this if you find you cannot build with the default set.
You can import files in development/ide/eclipse to make Eclipse follow the Android style rules.
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Select Window > Preferences > Java > Code Style.
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Use Formatter > Import to import android-formatting.xml.
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Organize Imports > Import to import android.importorder.
Debugging the emulator with Eclipse
You can also use eclipse to debug the emulator and step through code. First, start the emulator running:
cd /path/to/android/root . build/envsetup.sh
lunch 1
make
emulator
If the emulator is running, you should see a picture of a phone.
In another shell, start DDMS (the Dalvik debug manager):
cd /path/to/android/root
ddms
You should see a splufty debugging console.
Now, in eclipse, you can attach to the emulator:
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Run > Open Debug Dialog...
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Right-click "Remote Java Application", select "New".
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Pick a name, i.e. "android-debug" or anything you like.
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Set the "Project" to your project name.
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Keep the Host set to "localhost", but change Port to 8700.
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Click the "Debug" button and you should be all set.
Note that port 8700 is attached to whatever process is currently selected in the DDMS console, so you need to sure that DDMS has selected the process you want to debug.
You may need to open the Debug perspective (next to the "Java" perspective icon in the upper-right, click the small "Open Perspective" icon and select "Debug"). Once you do, you should see a list of threads; if you select one and break it (by clicking the "pause" icon), it should show the stack trace, source file, and line where execution is at. Breakpoints and whatnot should all work.
Bonus material
Replace Ctrl with the Apple key on Mac.
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shortcut
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function
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Ctrl-Shift-o
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Organize imports
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Ctrl-Shift-t
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load class by name
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Ctrl-Shift-r
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load non-class resource by name
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Ctrl-1
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quick fix
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Ctrl-e
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Recently viewed files
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Ctrl-space
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auto complete
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Shift-Alt-r
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refactor:rename
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Shift-Alt-v
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refactor:move
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Eclipse is not working correctly, what should I do?
Make sure:
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You followed the instructions on this page precisely.
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Your Problems view doesn't show any errors.
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Your application respects the package/directory structure.
If you're still having problems, please contact one of the Android mailing lists or IRC channels.
