Why do we need `Imported Packages` when we have `Required Plug-ins` in Eclipse plugin dependencies?

Question

In developing Eclipse application, the dependencies tab in MANIFEST.MF has two columns.

One is Required Plug-ins and the other is Imported Packages

Answer 1

Specifying the dependency on a whole plugin, rather, then only a required package may create a cyclic dependencies, if you have a lot of plugins. It's better practise to specify only packages you actually require. For the small amount of plugins of if you are sure, you are able to efficiently maintain dependencies, you are welcome to simplify your life by specifying the whole plugin. Hope this helps.