I want to develop a new powerful GUI for an existing C++ application. I planned to do it as a standalone project in C++/QT, and it would communicate client-server with the existing application.
Recently I’ve been told that there is another possibility, to create such GUI using Eclipse. I mean that Eclipse can serve not only as an IDE, but also as some kind of framework for new applications.
Is it so?
Is it a good idea to use Eclipse in this way? What to consider?
Can such development be C++ based, or only Java based?
Yes, absolutely, the Eclipse “Rich Client Platform” is an application framework comparable to Qt, in some ways, and superior in other ways. RCP’s frameworks are generally more sophisticated and more powerful than anything in Qt. Yes, I realize I’m inviting flames, because people do have religious wars over this. I don’t care, I’m entitled to my opinion.
You could include C++ code in your application using the JNI API, but in general, the bulk of the development would be in Java. Ultimately, the deciding factor may just be the resources and skills you have available — does your team know Java, or not.