Easy way to copy old plugins into new install of eclipse

Question

Is there an easy way to get a list of the plugins from an old version of Eclipse into the latest version. I have my current version with all the plugins I want. Now I want

Answer 1

There are two main issues with copying the old plugins to a new version of Eclipse.

1. Which plugins to copy? A newer version of Eclipse will have newer versions of the same plugins as the old version.
2. Does the plugin support the newer version of Eclipse?

Generally the simplest way to get the correct plugins is to use the Eclipse tools to get the plugins from their update sites. This ensures you have the correct / latest version that works with the version of Eclipse you are now using.

You can get the list of updates sites used from the old Eclipse by selecting Windows / Preferences / "Install/Update" / Available Software Sites. Select the update sites you want to keep, then click Export... You can then import them into the new Eclipse. Just beware update sites that are Eclipse version specific!

Answer 2

• File -> Export -> Install -> Installed software items to file in your old installation to create a file containing the currently installed features.
• File -> Import -> Install -> Software items from file in your new installation. Point it to the file from above and make sure to check "Install latest versions".

From your new eclipse you can also Use.

• File -> Export -> Install -> Installed software from existing installation, and give it path of old eclipse installation folder it will give you options to select.

Answer 3

If your old version is at least 3.7, then you can do this:

• Use File -> Export -> Install -> Installed software items to file in your old installation to create a file containing the currently installed features.
• Use File -> Import -> Install -> Software items from file in your new installation. Point it to the file from above and make sure to check "Install latest versions".