New features in the April 2011 CTP the Windows Azure Plugin for Eclipse with Java

In case you missed the previous announcement, the plugin adds to Eclipse a set of wizards and dialogs which guide the Java developer through the configuration of all relevant projects settings when targeting Windows Azure. The plugin builds on top of the Windows Azure Starter Kit for Java, which is primarily a command-line toolset based on a simple Windows Azure project template which includes elements required to package and deploy your Java application to Windows Azure.

As we said in our previous blog posts this project is evolving quickly. Our goal is to use the stream of community feedback to nail down the correct experience for Java developers. So today, we’re taking the next iteration forward and announcing the April 2011 Community Technology Preview (CTP) of the Windows Azure Plugin for Eclipse with Java. Here’s the list of the features, including the new ones:

1. Eclipse wizards to create and build new Windows Azure projects in Eclipse,
2. Shortcuts to deploy and start the project in the Windows Azure Compute Emulator,
3. Association of *.cscfg and *.csdef files with the Eclipse XML editor for easier XML editing,
4. New with April CTP: Eclipse wizards to add/remove/configure Windows Azure roles for your project during project creation or project properties editing
5. New with April CTP: Eclipse wizards to add/remove/configure role endpoints during project creation or project properties editing (ports)

The Windows Azure Plugin for Eclipse with Java is an Open Source project released under the Apache 2.0 license, and the source code is available at: http://sourceforge.net/projects/waplugin4ej.
The best way to get started is to go through the steps explained in our updated tutorial: Deploying a Java application to Windows Azure with Eclipse .

As always, we look forward to your comments and feedback!

Craig Kitterman
Twitter: @craigkitterman
http://craig.kitterman.net