Template Variables | Code Templates

Introduction to Template Variables

Template variables are placeholders within a template that can be dynamically replaced with actual values during the execution of your program. They are especially useful in code templates where you want to maintain a consistent structure while allowing for customization based on specific needs.

In the context of Eclipse, template variables can be used to create code snippets that include variable parts, such as class names, method names, and other identifiers that may change depending on the context.

Common Template Variables

Here are some commonly used template variables in Eclipse:

${name}: The name of the template.
${date}: The current date.
${time}: The current time.
${user}: The current user's name.
${project_name}: The name of the project.

Using Template Variables in Eclipse

To use template variables in an Eclipse template, follow these steps:

Open Eclipse and navigate to Preferences.
Go to Java → Code Template.
Select the type of template you want to edit (e.g., Code, Comments, etc.).
Click Edit to modify an existing template or New to create a new one.
In the template text area, you can add template variables where needed.

Example template snippet:

public class ${name} { // Created on ${date} by ${user} }

Example of Template Variable Expansion

When you create a new class using the above template and provide the name as MyClass, the template would expand to:

public class MyClass { // Created on 2023-10-05 by JohnDoe }

Customizing Template Variables

You can also create your own custom template variables. This is useful when you have specific needs that are not covered by the default variables. To create a custom template variable:

Open the Template Preferences in Eclipse.
Click on New Variable.
Define your variable name and the logic for its value.
Use the custom variable in your templates just like the predefined ones.

Custom variable example:

// Author: ${author_name} // Version: ${version_number}

Conclusion

Template variables are a powerful feature in Eclipse that enables developers to create reusable code snippets with dynamic content. By understanding how to use and customize these variables, you can significantly enhance your coding efficiency and maintainability.

Experiment with different templates and variables to find the combination that works best for your development workflow.