Create your first RCP application

The following gives a quick guide on how to create a simple RCP application.

3.1. Create a RCP application

In Eclipse select File-> New Project. From the list select "Plug-In Project".

Give your plugin the name "de.vogella.rcp.intro.first" .

Press "Next" and make the following settings. As we are going to develop a RCP application, select "Yes" at the question "Would you like to create a rich client application".

Press next and select the template "Hello RCP" .

Press next and select "Add branding" and press Finish.

As a result a project with the following project structure will be created. Have a look at the different files especially the Java files to get a first feeling about the project structure.

Tip

As this tutorial is about RCP development I will use the following interchangable: "create a new plugin project " or "create a new RCP project". Both mean the same, create a plugin project with the flag "Would you like to create a rich client application" enabled.

3.2. Start your RCP application

Search in the menu path for the file "MANIFEST.MF" and double-click on it. You should see an editor and the tab "Overview" should be selected. Click the link "Launch an Eclipse Application".

Tip

Alternatively you can run your Eclipse RCP application by selecting the automatically created "plugin.xml", right mouse click and select "Run as" -> "Eclipse Application".

The result should look like the following:

Congratulations, you have created your first RCP application.