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Implement Split File Editor Functionality for the Eclipse IDE
Contents
Releases
- 2008-06-23. DOWNLOAD. 1st release of multi editor and split editor implementations. Instructions: Download the plugin jar and place in the dropins directory (compatible with Eclipse 3.4 RC4 or later).
Implementations
Multi Editor-based
Usage: Open a file in Eclipse, then select Window -> New Split Editor from the main menu to open a split editor of the file.
This implementation is based on Paul Webster's patch, which uses the existing multi-editor architecture in Eclipse.
- Advantages
- does not require custom work for different editor types (java/xml/etc)
- works automatically with new custom editor types
- Disadvantages
- bound by the limitations of the multi-editor infrastructure
Custom Split Editor Implementation
Usage: Right-click on a file, select Open with -> Other... and select \[Split Text Editor\] from the list of editors.
This implementation is based on a custom editor implementation that dynamically creates a new StyledText control when a sash is dragged within the editor to split it.
- Advantages
- fully replaces existing editors and allows splitting the active editor in-place (as opposed to opening a split editor in a new tab)
- easier activation via the mouse because there is no need to go to the window main menu or editor tab context menu.
- Disadvantages
- requires customization of every editor class that wants to support split editing (java/xml... etc)
Issue Tracker
Feature | Test Case | Multi Editor | Split Editor | New Editor Tab |
---|---|---|---|---|
Save | Select File-> Save from the main menu | works but invokes Save command twice | works | works |
Save as | Select File-> Save As from the main menu | does not work | works | works |
Star (*) in editor tab next to file name on modification | Make a change in the editor | does not mark editor tab as dirty with a * (star) | works | works |
Mark occurrences (java) | enable mark occurrences and click over a java element (method/field/class name etc) | works but marks occurrences in both editors | not applicable (java editor not available) | works |
Mark occurrences of different elements (java) | enable mark occurrences and click over different java elements in both editors | works but both elements are highlighted in both editors | not applicable (java editor not available) | works but both elements are highlighted in both editors (see bug 64911) |
Current line highlight within active focused editor | switch the focus (by mouse-clicking) between the two editors | works | does not appear in top editor and cursor is no longer visible in bottom editor after split | works |
Navigation using back/forward buttons or Alt-LeftArrow/Alt-RightArrow | click within the one of the two editors; make a change; switch to another editor; use Go Back command (Alt-LeftArrow) to go back | does not always go back to the editor where the change was made | does not always go back to the editor where the change was made | does not always go back to the editor where the change was made |