Java in Eclipse: Why must I always use a project?

Question

I am just learning Java and use Eclipse. I have a question that I can not find an answer to.

Why does eclipse require me to use a project? I am using eclipse now to learn Java, and that means compiling my source.

Problem being that when I add another source file Eclipse compiles both applications. This means (and I could be very wrong here) I need to create a project for every new program I write.

Why can I not just create and compile programs without a project?

You most definitely can. Open a command line, type `javac .java`, profit. — The Paramagnetic Croissant, Aug 11 '14 at 13:57
Eclipse is built for enterprise applications, if you want to create and compile small solutions go with something more simplistic. Maybe http://www.drjava.org/ — David Pullar, Aug 11 '14 at 13:58

score 0 · Answer 1 · answered Aug 11 '14 at 14:08

What are you missing is called 'Run Configurations'.

Create a project.
Write your multiple programs within this one project. (Presumably, these programs might share some class files or other resources.)
Each of your programs will contain a class file with an entry point, for example, a main() method.
Open this class file and right-click. Select 'Run As', then the most appropriate option.

Following this you will see your Run Configurations here:

enter image description here

Click the drop-down icon and select the Run Configuration that you want to execute. Select 'Run Configurations...' if you want to add program arguments or making other changes.

Java in Eclipse: Why must I always use a project?

1 Answers1