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RCP Training: Developing Rich Client Platform (RCP) Applications

Delivery Options

Upcoming Live eLearning Classes

There are currently no upcoming Live eLearning classes. Please contact us if you would like us to schedule a class.

Class Description

Class Overview

This RCP training class is designed for system architects, application developers and software engineers who will be designing and/or implementing applications using the Eclipse Rich Client Platform (RCP). Approximately 50% of the class time is devoted to hands-on lab exercises.

Class Goals

  • Learn the benefits of using the RCP framework.
  • Learn the organization and function of a plug-in.
  • Learn to find and incorporate existing plug-ins into your application.
  • Learn to use the Eclipse Plug-in Development Environment (PDE).
  • Learn to declare plug-in extensions.
  • Learn to create views.
  • Learn to use workbench services.
  • Learn to debug your RCP application.
  • Learn to share information between views using the selection service.
  • Learn to use the Properties view with the selection service.
  • Learn various ways to display status to the user.
  • Learn to use the command framework to handle key combinations and menu choices.
  • Learn to declaratively program command handler visibility using core expressions.
  • Learn why background processing is necessary.
  • Learn to use the Jobs API to handle background tasks.
  • Learn the difference between the three levels of preference scope.
  • Learn to use each of the three scopes.
  • Learn to add a preference page for users.
  • Learn to access files.
  • Learn to deploy and brand an RCP application.
  • Learn to use the Product Configuration Editor.
  • Learn when and how to use fragments.
  • Learn when and how to create features.

Class Outline

  1. RCP Overview
    1. What is RCP?
    2. RCP Benefits
    3. Example Plug-ins
    4. RCP Footprint
    5. RCP Deliverable Configurations
    6. The Eclipse Foundation
  2. Plug-ins
    1. What is a Plug-in?
    2. Extensions and Extension Points
    3. Application Structure
    4. Key RCP Application Classes
    5. A "Hello, world" Application
  3. The Workbench
    1. The org.eclipse.ui Plug-in
    2. Workbench Visual Elements: Menus, Toolbars, Perspectives, Views
    3. Classes: IWorkbench, etc.
    4. Classes: EditorPart, ViewPart
    5. Classes: The Advisor Classes
    6. Classes: Perspective, View
    7. Classes: Site
  4. The Selection Service
    1. SelectionService Overview
    2. Implementing ISelectionProvider
    3. Registering a Provider
    4. Acquiring the Current Selection
    5. Adding a SelectionListener
    6. Implementing IPropertySource
    7. The IAdaptable Interface
    8. A Complete Example
  5. Status
    1. IStatus
    2. StatusManager
    3. MultiStatus
  6. The Command Framework
    1. Part 1 - an End-to-End Example
      1. The Command Framework
      2. The commands Extension Point
      3. Command Parameters
      4. Handlers
      5. The handlers Extension Point
      6. The bindings Extension Point
    2. Part 2 - menus rather than bindings
      1. The menus Extension Point
      2. LocationURI
      3. Command Categories
      4. Contexts
      5. Programmatic Command Invocation
  7. Core Expressions
    1. Using Core Expressions
    2. Example
    3. The definitions Extension Point
    4. Handlers
    5. Command Framework Variables
  8. Jobs
    1. The Eclipse Jobs API: Advantages
    2. A "Hello, World" Job
    3. The Job Class
    4. Jobs and the Status Line
  9. Preferences
    1. Preference Terms
    2. Nodes
    3. Scopes
    4. The Default Scope
    5. The Instance Scope
    6. Alternative Access to Instance-Scope Preferences
    7. The Configuration Scope
    8. Adding a Preference Page
    9. Adding the Preference Menu Item
    10. Example
    11. File Access
  10. Deployment
    1. Product
    2. Deployment Structure
    3. Branding
    4. The Product Configuration Editor
    5. Exporting
    6. Deployment Options
  11. Fragments and Features
    1. Fragments
    2. Fragment Uses
    3. Fragments and Dependencies
    4. Example Fragment.xml
    5. Example MANIFEST.MF
    6. Version Numbering
    7. Features
    8. Update Sites

Class Materials

All students receive a course manual or book and all the class examples.

Students in private onsite classes will also receive:

Class Prerequisites

Experience in the following areas is required:

  • Java

Technical Requirements

Our computer technical requirements and setup process is easy, with support just a click away.


  • Java ®, all Java-based marks, Hibernate ®, and all Hibernate-based marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and other countries.
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