Should Project Files like .project, .classpath, and .settings Be Version Controlled?

Tracking Project Files with Version Control: Best Practices

When embarking on software development, an often-debated question arises: should project files such as Eclipse's .project, .classpath, and .settings be tracked under version control? While certain project files may seem mundane, it's crucial to consider their portability for seamless project setup.

Versioning Portable Setting Files

According to best practices, it's essential to version control any portable setting files. These files are characterized by the absence of absolute paths. As such, they play a vital role in ensuring consistency across multiple environments.

• .project: This file stores project metadata and is necessary for Eclipse to recognize the project.
• .classpath: This file defines the project's classpath and is essential for building and running the project. It should be versioned only if absolute paths are not used.
• IDE settings: IDE-specific settings, such as code analysis rules, should also be versioned. These settings are vital for ensuring code quality and should be consistent across all contributors.

Additionally, it's recommended to document IDE-specific settings in a separate README file that is also versioned. This will provide a clear guide for users on how to properly set up the project in their IDE.

Rule of Thumb for Project Setup

As a general rule of thumb, it's essential to ensure that users can load a project into their workspace and have everything necessary for immediate setup. This includes all portable setting files, IDE-specific settings, and any necessary documentation.

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