Should You Include .classpath and .project Files in Your Java Project Repository?

Is it advisable to commit .classpath and .project files to a Java project's version control system?

# Example of a build.xml file that is aware of environment configurations
<project>
    <property file="settings.properties"/>
    <target name="build">
        <javac srcdir="src" destdir="bin"/>
    </target>
</project>

Deciding whether to commit .classpath and .project files in your Java project's version control requires a balance between portability and development efficiency. Here’s a structured analysis to help you decide.

<classpath>
    <classpathentry kind="src" path="src"/>
    <classpathentry kind="lib" path="lib/some-library.jar"/>
</classpath>

Causes

• The .classpath file contains XML configuration for Eclipse project build paths, affecting how your project compiles.
• The .project file includes settings like the project name, nature, and builders, customizing environments for development tools like Eclipse.

Solutions

• If working in a multi-developer environment, consider committing .project to maintain a consistent project structure.
• Use build tools like Maven or Gradle to avoid the need for .classpath or .project file dependencies by handling configurations externally.
• In personal projects, feel free to exclude these files if your development environment is consistent and trusted.

Mistake: Not including .project which can lead to inefficiencies when setting up an IDE for new developers.

Solution: Always include .project if you want to streamline the import process for new team members.

Mistake: Overcommitting .classpath files leading to potential conflicts in local configurations.

Solution: Consider using global build tools or excluding .classpath in favor of Maven or Gradle for better environment management.