What folder should I install Eclipse to on Windows?

Question

I\'m running Windows 7 with UAC enabled. I\'ve always found it weird that Eclipse doesn\'t use an installer and doesn\'t use the AppData folder to store its dat

Answer 1

You can install (unzip) an eclipse:

• anywhere you want (meaning you don't have to install it on c:\Program Files (I install it for instance on c:\prog\java\eclipse, a directory tree I create
• with a workspace set anywhere you want (for me: c:\prog\java\workspace, and I reference that workspace in my eclipse.ini.
  This is important because the default location of a workspace (using user.home) is not always a good idea (see this SO question and its associated eclipse bug which will be solved only with the upcoming eclipse Helios 3.6)
• with plugins set anywhere you want through a Dropins folder (also referenced in the eclipse.ini, for me: c:\prog\java\myplugins)
• with a JVM installed anywhere you want (also referenced in the eclipse.ini, for me: c:\prog\java\jdks\jdk6u18, and I have installed several others jdks in c:\prog\java\jdks)

Eclipse shouldn't ever have to be in c:\Program Files, and the setting describe above works perfectly with:

• Vista or Seven, UAC fully activated
• XP, with no Administrator rights.