Eclipse Commands

The new command framework for Eclipse looks quite good. But I found it a little hard to get started with it.

I've found some really useful info here though:

• http://richclientplatform.blogspot.com/2007/07/new-menu-contribution-extension.html
• http://wiki.eclipse.org/Platform_Command_Framework#Commands
  

One problem I've encountered though, is how to determine the command Id for an existing workbench function. In this case, I wanted the "Help -> About" function to be present in my RCP app.

I stumbled across a simple solution - cheat! That is, use the Cheat Sheets wizard to give a helping hand. (Thanks to Chris Aniszczyk for his informative article on Cheat Sheets - reading it gave me the inspiration for this!)

1. Create a new cheat sheet, by selecting File -> New ... and then selecting "Cheat Sheet".
2. Just use any name, and specify a "Simple" cheat sheet.
3. Once in the editor, select the "Item" - and on the right hand side of the form, you will be able to specify a command - using the gift of Browse.
   
   
4. Click on the Browse button, and you'll be presented with a list of common workbench commands. For example:
   
   
5. You can then select the Command, and even press "Execute" to try it.

I've found this a handy trick.