Generating a Sample RCP Application

Basic steps in creating a sample RCP Application:
  1. Create a new RCP Application Project.
  2. Launch and use the new RCP Application.

1. Create a new RCP Application Project.

Select a wizard

  • In your Eclipse IDE, select the menu item File> New > Project. 
  • In the list of New Project wizards, select the New RCP Application Project which is under the RCP category. 
  • Click Next.
New RCP Application Project wizard
  • Fill in the project name as shown on the wizard below. Since we're using ContactManager as the base name of the application, we also need to capitalize the letter "M" of "Manager" in the Application Name and Class Name fields. 
  • Click Next.

Choose a Template

  • Select a template for the RCP Application to be generated. By default, the RCP Contact Manager template is selected. It is a good sample application, with a view, a perspective, a wizard, and other essentials found in many applications.
  • Click Finish.
The Contact Manager project is now created in your workspace.

2. Launch and use the new RCP Application.
  • To launch the Contact Manager application, click on the Launch an Eclipse application link on the MANIFEST file.

Note: If you encounter an error when you try to launch the application, try adding the required plug-ins. To do that, click on the Configuration tab of the contactmanager.product file and click on the Add Required Plug-Ins button. Make sure to save the changes by choosing File > Save. Go back to the Overview tab of the contactmanager.product file and click on the Launch the product link.

Contact Manager Editor


Once the Contact Manager application is launched successfully, you can edit or add contacts. 

  • To edit a contact, double-click on a name to open the editor as shown here. 
  • To add new contacts, choose the menu item File > New Contact to open the new contact window.

For the next step, see Generating an Installer.