How do I hide .class files from the Open Resource dialog in Eclipse?

The .class hide-n-seek: Strategies revealed!

While managing the visibility of .class files, we'll uncover key strategies: Using the Derived attribute, the Resource Filters, and Working Sets.

Using 'Derived' as file invisibility cloak

Marking your root or specific output folders as Derived to hide like Harry Potter!

/** Right-click the output folder ('bin' or 'target'). **/
/** Must resist urge to click 'Delete...' */
/** Choose 'Properties'. **/
/** Oh look, Property Brothers aren't here! **/
/** Tick 'Derived' under 'Resource attributes'. **/
/** Yes, 'Derived'. Not 'Deprived'. **/
/** Apply changes. **/
/** Feel the magic work! **/
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Eclipse now understands these files aren't primary source files, and voila, they're hidden in your searches.

Resource Filters: Your guardian against clutter

Project-specific Resource Filters sweeps .class files under the rug:

/** Right-click the project and select 'Properties'. **/
/** Sounds like real-estate, right? **/
/** Navigate to 'Resource > Resource Filters'. **/
/** Click 'Add...' to define your filter. **/
/** Like adding solitaire to your lunch break. **/
/** Ensure 'Exclude all' and 'Files' are selected with patterns like "*.class". **/
/** It's like hide and seek for files. **/
/** Tick 'recursive' for directories like 'bin' or 'build'. **/
/** Practise Recursive Occlusion. Fancy words! **/


Tailoring .class visibility with Working Sets

Optimize search speed in large projects, by befriend Working Sets:

/** Window > Show View > Other... > General > Working Sets. **/
/** No, not 'Wrestling Sets'. **/
/** Create a new 'Working Set' with desired filters. **/
/** "You shall not pass!"-Gandalf style. **/
/** Choose resources to include or exclude. **/
/** Like being the boss of your own reality show. **/
/** Save and apply the Working Set. **/
/** 'apply'. Not 'apple'. **/


Categorize and manage resources with Java Main Source and Java Test Source working sets for a more organized living.

Customizing Eclipse: For each project, its own

Tailor-fit Eclipse settings for the divergent needs of different projects.

Optimizing for large projects

For Titanic-sized codebases:

• 'Resource Filters' for swift navigation.
• Exclude build directories like 'bin/', 'build/' or 'target/'.
• Working Sets allows custom searches focused on source and test directories.

Sweeping directory-specific clutter under the rug

When you need to handle directories:

1. Under 'Resource Filters', select 'Exclude all' and 'Folders'.
2. Specify pathnames such as 'bin/' or 'target/'.

This helps you focus on the important stuff and navigate more cleanly.

Consistency across workspaces

While a universal .class hiding option for all workspaces isn’t available, your customized settings can be reused in new projects. This way, you enjoy a standardized yet customized IDE experience.