Counting Line Numbers in Eclipse

In-depth analysis with Eclipse plugins

For a more comprehensive understanding of lines and other code metrics, the Metrics plugin available at metrics.sourceforge.net serves as a one-stop solution, providing overarching insights into your project.

Similarly, CodePro offers the Compute Metrics feature, making code metrics calculation a breeze. It's designed specifically for the Eclipse environment, offering an integrated solution.

Specifically for Eclipse Indigo users, the EclEmma plugin acts as a powerful tool for code coverage, delivering stats on executable lines and total lines from method level and beyond for effective project assessment.

Plugin installation and usage

Metrics plugin

1. Go to Help > Eclipse Marketplace.
2. Search for "Metrics".
3. Install the plugin and restart Eclipse.
4. Right-click on your project, go to "Properties", then to the "Metrics" section. Run the analysis and brace yourself for the plethora of information coming your way!

CodePro Analytix

1. Locate CodePro in the Eclipse Marketplace and install it.
2. Access its tools through the "CodePro" menu.
3. Choose "Compute Metrics" to get a rundown of your project. The Matrix knew less about Neo than you'll know about your code!

EclEmma

1. Install EclEmma from the Eclipse Marketplace.
2. Start a coverage session to see how many lines of code are covered during runtime.
3. Use these stats to paint a Picasso of your project's line distribution.

Counting lines without plugins

Eclipse's File Search feature with regular expressions \n[\s]* can be used as a makeshift line counter—a Swiss Army knife in the crowded toolbox of a coder.

For digging deeper into Linux, use this terminal command find . -name '*.java' | xargs wc -l for a quick total line count straight from your current folder within the filesystem.

Deeper dive into line count techniques

Using Extended Search

With Eclipse's File Search feature combined with regular expressions, you can perform a bulk count of lines across multiple files. It’s just like whack-a-line!

1. Press Ctrl+H to summon the search genie.
2. Migrate to the File Search tab.
3. Use the regular expression \n[\s]* to find the lines. It’s like sherlocking lines within your files!
4. State the file types you want to count the lines in, and never forget: Java runs the world!

Nuances of using plugins

When using tools like Eclipse Metrics and CodePro, remember:

• They need to be updated as frequently as the Kardashians post on Instagram. Keep them in sync with the latest Eclipse versions.
• The metrics results might count more than your code—it also includes comments and empty lines based on the configuration.
• They may not be as simple as making instant noodles, but they offer much more than just line counts.

Keeping Eclipse Updated

Keep your Eclipse updated as frequently as you update your Facebook status. Also, ensure that the plugins are supported by your current Eclipse version to avoid hiccups in your Matrix of code.