Open multiple Eclipse workspaces on the Mac

How can I open multiple Eclipse workspaces at the same time on the Mac?

On other platforms, I can just launch extra Eclipse instances, but the Mac will not let me open the same application twice. Is there a better way than keeping two copies of Eclipse?


Solution 1:

This seems to be the supported native method in OS X:

cd /Applications/eclipse/

open -n Eclipse.app

Be sure to specify the ".app" version (directory); in OS X Mountain Lion erroneously using the symbolic link such as open -n eclipse, might get one GateKeeper stopping access:

"eclipse" can't be opened because it is from an unidentified developer.

Your security preferences allow installation of only apps from the Mac App Store and identified developers.

Even removing the extended attribute com.apple.quarantine does not fix that. Instead, simply using the ".app" version will rely on your previous consent, or prompt you once:

"Eclipse" is an application downloaded from the Internet. Are you sure you want to open it?

Solution 2:

By far the best solution is the OSX Eclipse Launcher presented in http://torkild.resheim.no/2012/08/opening-multiple-eclipse-instances-on.html It can be downloaded in the Marketplace http://marketplace.eclipse.org/content/osx-eclipse-launcher#.UGWfRRjCaHk

I use it everyday and like it very much! To demonstrate the simplicity of usage just take a look at the following image:

Image demonstrating the plugin usage: Just go File / Open Workspace / select one