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Using JRebel (previously called JavaRebel) with WOLips

Version 30.1 by Johan Henselmans on 2010/02/12 09:08

JRebel (previously called javarebel is a tool from ZeroTurnaround).

It is a java library that makes it possible to change java code while running a project in WOLips and see the results without having to restart. It is a great timesaver. 

If you are running Eclipse 3.4, you should have a look at the screencast from David Avendasora at http://www.wocommunity.org/podcasts/WOJavaRebel_Setup.mov.

If you are running WOLips 3.5.1 or bigger, you are lucky: the JRebel plugin is included in the current WOLips for there versions. 

How to install and use JRebel

  1. Download you version from ZeroTurnaround
  2. put the jrebel.jar somewhere nice, so you can use it in whatever project you are working
  3. Go to WOLips->Preferences->Install Software, add http://www.zeroturnaround.com/update-site/
  4. Download the Jrebel Eclipse Integration and perhaps the JRebel Eclipse Debugger Integration from install new Software,  
  5. Make sure you have checked the JRebel Plugin in WOLips if you download the newest version.
  6. Goto to preferences->JRebel, and point the Path to jrebel.jar to the jrebel.jar location from action 2.

You have now installed and setup the stuff that WOLips needs to know about the location of JRebel.jar.

How do you use it?

Well that has become very simple since the inclusion of Quinton Dolan's JRebel plugin in WOLips.

For a project in which want to use jrebel to change java code while running, go to the run configuration of the project, under the contextual menu Run As->Run Configurations. 

In the Run Configuration of a WOApplication you will notice an extra Tab, called JRebel.

Select the tab, and check the check boxes to enable JRebel Agent and (eventually) Enable debug logging. 

Start you project from the Run Configuration. 

Suddenly, you will get messages about jrebel being loaded, and some extra information about what settings are available as extra arguments. 

Start changing your java code on the fly: watch and start saving time. 

Profit! (for the europeans: Extra Time Off!)