Eclipse

Eclipse plugins are modular software components that extend the functionality of the Eclipse integrated development environment (IDE). They allow developers to add new features, tools, and capabilities to Eclipse without modifying its core codebase. Plugins are built using the Eclipse Plugin Development Environment (PDE) and are typically written in Java, leveraging Eclipse’s rich set of APIs and extension points.
At their core, Eclipse plugins consist of a manifest file (plugin.xml) that describes the plugin’s metadata, dependencies, and extension points, along with Java code that implements the plugin’s functionality. Plugins can contribute to various aspects of the Eclipse workbench, such as adding new views, editors, wizards, menu items, or even entire perspectives. They can also extend existing Eclipse features or provide entirely new standalone tools. The plugin architecture allows for a high degree of customization and extensibility, enabling developers to tailor Eclipse to specific development needs or integrate it with other tools and technologies.