The Eclipse 3.6 (Helios) release added a new, easier way to install the m2eclipse plugin.   If you want to start using m2eclipse, download Eclipse 3.6 (Helios), and use the Eclipse Marketplace.   To open the Eclipse Marketplace, go to the Eclipse Help menu and select Eclipse Marketplace…

The first time you open the Eclipse Marketplace, you will be asked to select a Marketplace. Select the Eclipse Marketplace and click Next.  Maven Integration for Eclipse is separated into two components: the Core of Maven Integration for Eclipse and an optional package of extra, unsupported components. To install the core component of Maven Integration for Eclipse, open the Eclipse Marketplace, select the Search tab, and search for “Maven Integration” as shown in the following figure. Click on the Install button to the right of “Maven Integration for Eclipse”.

Once you click on Install, Eclipse will download a list of available components from the remote update site and present you with a list of available features in the Maven Integration for Eclipse plugin as shown in the following figure. Select the single, required component named “Maven Integration for Eclipse (Required)”, and click on the Finish button.

Eclipse will then ask you to agree to the licenses for Maven Integration for Eclipse in the Review Licenses step shown in the following figure. Maven Integration for Eclipse is distributed under the Eclipse Public License version 1.0. If you agree with the conditions of this license, select “I accept the terms of the license agreement” and click on the Finish button.

During the installation process, Eclipse may warn you that the software you are installing contains “unsigned content”. If you see the dialog shown in the following figure, click on OK to continue the installation process.

Once m2eclipse has been installed, Eclipse will prompt you to either restart or apply changes to a running Eclipse. At this stage of the installation, you should click on Restart Now to restart your Eclipse instance. After a successful restart, Maven Integration for Eclipse will be installed.

Eclipse is planning a new series of DemoCamps this June to celebrate the Helios release and the e4 release.  DemoCamps are events where local tech communities can meet up in cities around the world for networking, and to demo their latest technology and projects.

Sonatype is excited to announce that we will be hosting an Eclipse DemoCamp and Maven Meetup in Southern Ontario this June.

Sonatype and Eclipse will be in downtown Guelph, Ontario, Canada at The Bookshelf on June 16 from 2 to 8pm.  The event will begin with presentations from the Sonatype team, after which we will open up the floor for an Eclipse DemoCamp.

To get updates about Sonatype’s Guelph Meetup, and future meetups coming to a city near you, check back here or follow Sonatype on Twitter at http://twitter.com/SonatypeCM.

This event is free to attend. However, we have limited seating, so please RSVP by registering here.