Copying data files upon build in Java/Eclipse

Question

Along with my java source, I have some data files that I would like to copy to the build dir when the source is build. Currently I am not using any build tools (e.g. maven o

Answer 1

Go with Ant. To be honest this is the best solution for automation of app building process.

I am not using Eclipse often. But I bet there must be a build file (build.xml) where you can add something like the code below to it and have it always executed when building your app.

This is how I am doing it in my build file for one of my projects. I am copying here two folders with all their content to a dist (which in NetBeans serves as a distribution folder where application jar is being created), so then I can easily run my application externally outside the IDE.

Be aware that the target name in Eclipse might differ. But you should find a correct one described in the build file probably.

All the best, Boro.