Using jars (libraries)

5.1. Adding external library (.jar ) to the Java classpath

The following describes how to add external jars to your project.

The following assumes you have a jar available.

Tip

If you need an example for working with jars you can use JFreeChart Tutorial

Create a new Java project "de.vogella.eclipse.ide.jars". Create a new folder called "lib" (or use your existing folder) by right click on your project and selecting New -> Folder

From the menu select File -> Import -> File system. Select your jar and select the folder lib as target.

Select your project, right mouse click and select properties. Under libraries select "Add JARs".

The following example shows how the result would look like if junit-4.4.jar would be added to a project.

5.2. Show source code for jar

To browse the source of a type contained in library you can attach a source archive or source folder to this library. The editor will then show the source instead of a the decompiled code. Setting the source attachment also allows source level stepping with the debugger.

The Source Attachment dialog can be reached via:

Open the Java Build Path page of a project (Projects > Properties > Java Build Path). On the Libraries page expand the library's node and select the Source attachment attribute and press Edit

Maintain the location to the source attachement.

In the Location path field, enter the path of an archive or a folder containing the source.

5.3. Add the Javadoc for a jar

Download the javadoc of the jar and put it somewhere in your filesystem.

Open the Java Build Path page of a project (Projects > Properties > Java Build Path). On the Libraries page expand the library's node and select the Javadoc location attribute and press Edit

Maintain the location to the api.