h2. Using the new Building Blocks development plugin for Eclipse.
Blackboard is pleased to make available an Eclipse plugin that helps developers to quickly get up and running with Blackboard development projects. This tutorial assumes that you have installed the [Starter Building Block version 1.2.3|https://behind.blackboard.com/s/developer/dlc/download.aspx?d=1335] on your development (never production\!) server.
h3. Installing the plugin
1. Download and open [Eclipse Helios for Java Developers|http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/packages/release/helios/sr2]. Click *Help->Install New Software*.
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2. Now click the *Add* button in the upper right.
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3. Enter *Blackboard Plugin* as the Name and as the location this URL: *http://fibbba.blackboard.com/eclipse* \- then click *OK.*
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4. As the screen loads with available options, check the box next to *Blackboard Plugin for Eclipse*.
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5. Click *Next* to continue with the installation.
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6. Click *I Accept* and *Finish* to continue with the installation.
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7. Click *OK* if prompted with an "unsigned content" warning.
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8. Click *Restart Now* to finish installation of the plugin.
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9. To begin using the plugin, select *File->New->Project*.
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10. Now select *Blackboard->Building Block Project*.
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11. Fill in the details relating to your project including:
*Vendor ID*: a <4 character long abbreviation for your organization *Plugin Handle*: an identifier used to uniquely identify your project *Base Package*: the "directory" used to store your code *Development Server*: the URL or IP address of your remote development server.
*Target Blackboard version*: Browse to the location of the Blackboard jar libraries used for your version of Blackboard.
*TIP:* As a best practice, obtain the Blackboard jar libraries by downloading the installer jar file from Behind the Blackboard, unzipping it, and selecting the /payload/systemlib directory. Alternatively, you can select the /blackboard/systemlib or /apps/tomcat/lib directory from your development instance of Blackboard.
*Use Project Template:* Choose template code for your project based on one of the following options: Course Tool, User Tool, System Tool, Custom Content type, Portal Module, Stripes framework, BIRT report, or B2 Starter Kit Showcase
...
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12. Your project will now load in Eclipse. Finish filling in the configuration values for your bb-manifest.xml file as indicated by the TODO reminders.
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13. To deploy your project, open the *build.xml* file. In the *Outline* view in the upper right of your screen right click *deploy-b2*, then select *Run As->Ant Build*. If you do not see the outline, click *Window->Show View->Outline*. Your Building Block project will deploy itself automatically to your development server.
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