Installing Flexible Task Graphs

This procedure should be followed by any user interested in Flexible Task Graphs. It provides a universal initial introduction to the system. After following this procedure, you will later be able to expand your participation if you are interested in contributing to this open source project. If you are only interested in using the software for real-time Java application development, then the instructions given here are all you need.

Prerequisites

1. A Java JRE at level 1.5 or later. If you don't have one, the Eclipse site provides some guidance.
2. Eclipse 3.3.1 or later. If you don't have Eclipse or your current Eclipse is too old visit the Eclipse download site. If you have never used Eclipse before, we recommend you start with the Eclipse IDE for Java Developers, but you can use other versions like Eclipse Classic or the Eclipse IDE for Java EE Developers if they suit your other needs better.
3. Make sure that your Eclipse 3.3.1 (or later) actually runs on your Java JRE 1.5 (or later). If you have multiple versions of Java and are not sure which one your Eclipse is running on, then, with Eclipse running, choose Help->About Eclipse and then Configuration Details. Scroll down to the java.version property. By default, Eclipse runs on the JRE that is in the PATH. If this does not give the desired result, either change the PATH or arrange to start Eclipse with the -vm option as described in the eclipse/readme/readme_eclipse.html document that comes with your Eclipse installation. There are also Eclipse feature prerequisites but the handling of these differs between Eclipse 3.3.x and Eclipse 3.4 or later. Follow the explicit instructions below depending on your version.

Installation under Eclipse 3.3.x (at least 3.3.1)

First determine whether you have the feature prerequisites. These are

• The Graphical Editing Framework (GEF).
• The Plugin Development Environment (PDE).

1. Select Help->Software Updates->Find And Install, choose Search For New Features to Install and press Next.
2. On the next page, which shows a list of update sites, press New Remote Site.
3. Enter Flexible Task Graphs as the name and http://flexotask.sourceforge.net/update-site as the URL. Then press Ok. The new update site should appear.
4. Make sure the new update site is checked. If you found unsatisfied prerequisites (GEF or PDE) then also check the Europa Discovery Site, otherwise leave it unchecked. Make sure no other update site is checked. Press Finish.
5. You may be prompted to specify a mirror but then should be presented with a page containing your selected update sites.
6. If you had unsatisfied prerequisites, open the Europa Discovery Site and find the Graphical Editing Framework under Graphical Editors and Frameworks and/or the Plugin Development Environment under Java Development and check them.
7. Open the Flexible Task Graphs site and select the features to install. You must at least install the Base Programming Support.
8. Press Finish and follow the remaining instructions to complete installation.

Installation under Eclipse 3.4 or Later

1. Select Help->Software Updates, then choose the tab labeled Available Software. Press Add Site.
2. Enter http://flexotask.sourceforge.net/update-site and press Ok. The new site should appear.
3. Open the just-added update site and select the features to install. You must at least install the Base Programming Support.
4. Press Install and follow the remaining instructions to complete installation.

Post-Installation Instructions

After installation is complete and Eclipse has restarted, choose Help->Help Contents. Then choose Flexible Task Graphs and open the Programmer's Guide.