A few days ago I need to compare two parts of one file. I know that a couple of applications provide split screen functionality. Because I’m working with Eclipse PDT I took a look at the net to find out how the split screen function in Eclipse PDT works. I was very surprised to read that this functionality is not provided. After two days being annoyed about that missing feature today I start my own research. And I was surprised to see that Eclipse PDT provides that functionality! Therefore here you’ll find a tutorial how to use the split screen functionality in Eclipse PDT.
How to switch to split screen mode
- Open the file you want to examine. As soon as the file is open a tab appears on the upper area of the edit window.
- Right click on that tab and choose “New window“. The file is now open two times.
- Now drag one of the tabs to the side or to the bottom of the edit window.
Wasn’t that easy? As soon as you start writing a text into one of the windows that same text appears simultaneous in the other window. Not for nothing Eclipse PDT is my favorite IDE. By the way: Eclipse PDT is the little sister of the Zend Studio, what is available from € 399,- depending on the specific license type. Of course, the Zend Studio is an extreme productive development tool. But Eclipse PDT contains most of the functions of the Zend Studio. But it is Open Source. Therefore it is the perfect tool for guys who’re programming in their free time as well as for small web agencies.
Finally, someone answered my prayers!!! Thanks for solving one of life’s most perplexing annoyances, Brotha-man!
@Marc: I’m glad to hear that my little tutorial was helpful for you! I had the same problem at work. I was looking for a way to realize the split screen mode but could not find a tutorial. Fortunately I found out how to solve that problem by myself. Anyway without the net most of my questions were also still unanswered!
It works!