Is it possible to edit the content assistance of Eclipse? Sort of add rules or functions for it? I’m aware that Eclipse is open-sourced, but I was there an “easier way” or an interface?
For example, I’m working in Java 1.4.2, so I don’t believe I have the magical “autoboxing”(am I correct in thinking that autoboxing would solve this issue?) . So when I’m working with getting parameters from a request, they all return strings when I may need a Long or an Int. I’m always interested in making things more automated (as any computer scientist usually would), so I was wondering if it was possible to have content assist suggest to use the common java parse functions (Integer.parseInt, Long.parseLong, etc) for the passed in parameters.
If you want to actually augment Content Assist in a highly detailed, customized way, you’d have to write a plugin. Eclipse is very well architected such that there are endless extension points via which plugins can extend base functionality, including Content Assist. But, writing one is not a trivial matter (though a skill that could serve you well, if you have the time to learn it).
Another option is to write your own Java editor template, which can emit any pre-defined snippet of code you want (including inserting parameter values), and will be included in Content Assist. Open Eclipse’s Preferences and navigate to Java > Editor > Templates. You can use the ? help button on that Preferences page to learn more about them.