How to Create a New Java Project in Eclipse

Download Article
Download Article

Eclipse is one of the most popular development environments for Java, as it contains everything you need to build a Java project from scratch. Before you can start working on your new project, you'll need to create it first. Creating a new Java project in Eclipse is fairly straightforward, but can be confusing if you've already installed Eclipse for a different programming language.

Steps

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid551786-v4-728px-Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When you install Eclipse for the first time, you're given the option to choose your IDE (integrated development environment). Choose "Eclipse IDE for Java Developers". This will install the necessary files and tools to create Java projects.
    • If you installed Eclipse for a different programming language, you can add Java support from within Eclipse. Click the "Help" menu and select "Install New Software". Select "All Available Sites" from the top drop-down menu, and then type "java" into the Filter field. Check the "Eclipse Java Development Tools" box and click "Next". Follow the prompts to download and install the Java tools. Eclipse will restart once the installation is complete.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/aid551786-v4-728px-Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will open the "New Java Project" window. [1]
    • If you don't see the "Java Project" option but have the Java Development Tools installed, select "Project..." from the "New" menu. Expand the "Java" folder and select "Java Project".
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/aid551786-v4-728px-Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This doesn't have to be the final name for your program, but should help you and others identify the project.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/aid551786-v4-728px-Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The files are saved to the Eclipse directory by default. You can set a custom location if you prefer.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-5.jpg\/aid551786-v4-728px-Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you are creating a program for a specific JRE, select it from the drop-down menu. By default, the newest JRE will be selected.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-6.jpg\/aid551786-v4-728px-Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can choose to either use the project folder, or create separate folders for sources and class files. The default option is "Create separate folders...", though you may need to change depending on the needs of your project. [2]
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-7.jpg\/aid551786-v4-728px-Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is where you'll define additional sources as well as add libraries to your project.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-8.jpg\/aid551786-v4-728px-Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The build path is what the compiler uses to build the program. You can create additional source folders, link external sources, and add or remove folders from the build path. The compiler uses the build path to determine which sources to compile.
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-9.jpg\/aid551786-v4-728px-Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This tab will allow you to add JAR files to include in your project, as well as select built-in libraries to use. Importing JAR files allows you to use libraries from other projects.
  10. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-10.jpg\/aid551786-v4-728px-Create-a-New-Java-Project-in-Eclipse-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll be taken to your Java workspace. If you were working in a different programming language before starting the project, you'll be prompted to switch to the Java perspective. This is recommended to get the most out of the IDE.
    • Your project will be displayed in the "Package Explorer" frame on the left side of the window. If you just see the Eclipse Welcome tab, click the small Java button on the left side of the window. [3]
    • See How to Write Your First Program in Java for a detailed guide on creating your first Java program.
    11. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How useful is Eclipse for a java developer?
    Community Answer
    Eclipse is useful as it streamlines certain activities that are done regularly in Java programming. These activities include running, debugging, and compiling. Eclipse also checks the syntax of your code and makes sure the classes you use actually exist. It can also help you add libraries.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 6
  • Question
    How do I run my project on a server?
    Community Answer
    Assuming the server is running Linux, you'll want to export the project into an executable jar by right-clicking and selecting Export, then going through the wizard. After this, you can use something like WinSCP to transfer the file to your server. Then you can log into your server (make sure Java is installed) on putty, create a new tmux session (by typing tmux) and run the program (sudo java -jar *name*.jar).
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
  • Question
    Where can I get the Eclipse software?
    Community Answer
    You can download Eclipse at their website (www.eclipse.org).
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 9
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • If you ever want to change your project's settings after it's been created, right click the project's name and navigate to your desired option.
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Add JARs to Project Build Paths in Eclipse (Java)
      How to
      Install Java
      A Beginner’s Guide to Compiling & Running Java Programs
      Use Easy Windows CMD Commands to Check Your Java Version
      How to Do Division in Java (Integer and Floating Point)
      How to Set JAVA_HOME for JDK & JRE: A Step-by-Step Guide
      How to Quickly and Easily Check Java Version on a Mac
      How to Compile and Run Java Programs Using Notepad++
      How to
      Check Null in Java
      How to
      Calculate Percentage in Java
      How to
      Create an Executable File from Eclipse
      How to
      Update Java
      How to
      Program in Java
      Simple Steps to Type a Bunny with Your Keyboard
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://db.apache.org/derby/integrate/plugin_help/java_project.html
      2. ↑ http://help.eclipse.org/mars/index.jsp?topic=%2Forg.eclipse.jdt.doc.user%2FgettingStarted%2Fqs-3.htm
      3. ↑ http://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~cs302/labs/EclipseTutorial/Step_02.html

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 333,137 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement