export/import Eclipse build path

Question

I like Eclipse's build path features, but would like to keep it in sync with my ant build.xml. Is there a way to either automatically import the Eclipse build path from a text file, or export the Eclipse build path to a text file, so I can use that file from ant? (if I can get to a text file, I know I can figure out how to get ant to use that file as its javac build path)

Answer 1

Is there a way to either automatically import the Eclipse build path from a text file, or export the Eclipse build path to a text file, so I can use that file from ant?

The Eclipse build path already is a text file (.classpath):

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<classpath>
  <classpathentry kind="src" path="src"/>
  <classpathentry kind="lib" path="lib/ojdbc14_g.jar"/>
  <classpathentry kind="con" path="org.eclipse.jdt.launching.JRE_CONTAINER"/>
  <classpathentry kind="output" path="classes"/>
</classpath>

Answer 2

Just put all your jars in a well known location and in the ant build just add all those jars.

Then configure eclipse specifically in terms of the jars it requires. I want eclipse to be specific about the jars it requires, because I'm concerned about compile time, but with ant it's less of a concern - it's normally a fire and forget build.

Answer 3

Starting with Eclipse 3.4 (I think) you can "export" a project into ant files. Choose "Export..." by right clicking on a project. Under "General" is "Ant Buildfiles". It generates an ant file that you could use to recompile the entire project.