Apache Tomcat Not Showing in Eclipse Server Runtime Environments
Ensure your Eclipse is Java EE edition. Download Tomcat from its official website. In Eclipse, navigate to Preferences > Server > Runtime Environments > Add. Can't see it? Visit the Help > Eclipse Marketplace, then search and install JST Server Adapters or WTP Servers plugins for smooth server integration.
Checking Eclipse and Plugin Compatibility
Before starting, ensure you're using the compatible Eclipse version, especially if you're using older setups like Eclipse 3.5.1 on Windows XP.
Within Eclipse, navigate to Help > Install New Software. Fill the update site URL as per your Eclipse version. If you’re laying hands on Eclipse Kepler, paste http://download.eclipse.org/releases/kepler. For the Web Tools Platform (WTP): http://download.eclipse.org/webtools/updates.
From the list shown, select JST Server Adapters and JST Server Adapters Extensions. Don't leave these behind (we'll need them for Tomcat integration).
Install the plugins and give Eclipse a quick restart. Now at Preferences > Server > Runtime Environments > Add, you should see Apache Tomcat all ready for some action (it's no longer playing hide and seek 😉).
Upgrading Your Java EE Experience
If you're into advanced Java EE development, you'd find it beneficial to switch to the Java EE edition of Eclipse. This variant offers more server integration capabilities and support for advanced web development.
Now within your IDE, confirm whether the J2EE Runtime Library is enlisted under Server Runtime Environments. It works as a gateway to several Java EE APIs and server management tools.
To manage Tomcat effectively within Eclipse, lean on the Web Tools Platform (WTP). It's pretty good at configuring and controlling our stealthy friend (Tomcat 😺).
Check if the Tomcat server is ready to serve at http://localhost:8080/. Additionally, check for Tomcat's menu options in Eclipse. This makes sure that it’s not only correctly added, but also controllable right from your IDE.
Configuring Across Different Eclipse Versions
Different Eclipse versions such as 3.6, 3.7, Kepler, and Luna cater to respective update sites. For instance, for the Eclipse Luna (4.4) release, use the Luna update site at http://download.eclipse.org/releases/luna.
If, after all troubleshooting, things aren't working as they should, perhaps a re-installation of Eclipse Java EE version will do the trick. The Java EE edition is available at http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/.
Once all steps are followed meticulously, Apache Tomcat should be appearing under the runtime environments of the server. Just pick the one that matches your installed Tomcat version.
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