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My "workspace" folder includes a hidden folder called ".metadata". Is it important to backup this folder regularly?

Erel Segal-Halevi
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1 Answers1

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The .metadata folder is an area where Eclipse plug-ins can save any information they want to save. This will include things like your preference settings, information about the contents of projects and the indices the Java plug-in uses to find classes and methods quickly.

It also includes the .log file where Eclipse logs errors.

Exactly what is stored there depends on the plug-ins you have installed (one of my plug-ins has a database in the .metadata) so it is a good idea to back it up (along with the projects).

greg-449
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  • I want to put another project in another workspace but my eclipse preferences should be same can I copy the .metadata into the newer eclipse locatrion so that I need not set my java,maven and plugins again? – Juke Feb 21 '19 at 20:27
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    @Juke Use File > Export > General > Preferences to export your preferences and File > Import > General > Preferences to import them. There are all sorts of things in the .metadata, copying it is not a good idea. – greg-449 Feb 21 '19 at 20:37
  • After I import I get file.epf can I copy that in all the different workspaces or should I import that in every workspace? – Juke Mar 06 '19 at 20:17
  • @Juke You have to import the epf file in to each workspace – greg-449 Mar 06 '19 at 20:56