AWS Toolkit for Eclipse FAQs

Q: What is the AWS Toolkit for Eclipse?

The AWS Toolkit for Eclipse is a plug-in for the Eclipse Java IDE that makes it easier for developers to develop, debug, and deploy Java applications using Amazon Web Services. With the AWS Toolkit for Eclipse, you’ll be able to get started faster and be more productive when building AWS applications.

Q: What does the AWS Toolkit for Eclipse do?

Based on existing Eclipse projects, the AWS Toolkit for Eclipse provides management features for Amazon EC2 and Amazon SimpleDB using familiar tools in the Eclipse IDE.

• Amazon EC2 Management – Based on the Eclipse Web Tools Platform, the AWS Toolkit for Eclipse guides Java developers through common workflows and automates tool configuration, such as setting up remote debugger connections and managing Tomcat containers.
• Amazon SimpleDB Management – Administer your Amazon SimpleDB data without writing a single line of code. Based on the Eclipse Data Tools project, the AWS Toolkit for Eclipse provides a graphical interface that makes it easy to manage your Amazon SimpleDB domains, items, and attributes.

Q: Why is AWS building an Eclipse plug-in?

Many software developers use an Integrated Development Environment (IDE), such as the Eclipse Java IDE, to build software based on Amazon Web Services. By providing an Eclipse plug-in, we aim to help make it easier for software developers to do so.

The AWS Toolkit for Eclipse, based on the Eclipse Web Tools Platform, guides Java developers through common workflows and automates tool configuration, such as setting up remote debugger connections and managing Tomcat containers. Previously, developers needed specific knowledge of several systems and manual processes to get Java web applications running in scalable configurations on Amazon EC2. The steps to configure Tomcat servers, run applications on Amazon EC2, and debug the software remotely are now done seamlessly through the Eclipse IDE.

Q: What about other IDEs?

While the AWS Toolkit for Eclipse focuses on helping Java developers build web applications, we will continue to help all AWS developers build software by providing sample code, libraries, and developer tools that support multiple programming languages—based on customer feedback.

Q: Why does the toolkit only support Tomcat?

Tomcat is a popular application server, but it is by no means the only application server used by Java developers. Now that the project has launched, we will listen to our customer feedback to determine additional application servers to support. The project is open source, so our customers can contribute support for additional application servers.

Q: How is the toolkit licensed?

The AWS Toolkit for Eclipse and source code is licensed under the Open Source Initiative (OSI) -approved Apache 2.0 license. This allows our customers to freely modify and re-distribute the project.

Q: Why isn’t the project licensed under the Eclipse Public License?

The Eclipse Public License requires derivatives of the toolkit also be made available as source code under the Eclipse Public License. While both the Eclipse Public License and Apache 2.0 licenses are OSI-approved licenses, using the Apache 2.0 license provides our customers the flexibility to modify and distribute derivative works using a license that’s appropriate for them.

Q: Can I modify the toolkit?

Yes. The toolkit is available under the Apache 2.0 license, which allows customers to modify the source code. Customers can access the source code from our project on SourceForge.net.

Q: Do you accept code contributions?

Yes. Bug fixes and patches can be contributed using the issue tracker on the SourceForge.net project site. Additional contributions are invited and can be proposed via the SourceForge.net site, as well.

Q: Will the AWS Toolkit add support for other services?

The goal of the AWS Toolkit for Eclipse is to make it easier for all AWS Java developers to build software. We’re eager to hear our customer’s feedback and add support for additional features and/or services they need most.