Integrating DTP and JDT

Since almost the beginning of DTP, we've had multiple requests (examples: 113029, 105202) for integration of data tooling with Eclipse Java development components. For the first couple of releases of DTP we've had to focus on building foundations. As DTP 1.5 ("Europa") looms, the DTP PMC thought it might be a good time to revisit DTP/JDT integration and get a feel for what is possible and desirable from the community.

So, here's a proposal for an EclipseCon long talk -- I'd appreciate any comments on it using Eclipsezilla if possible.

Eclipse is smarter than me

When a group of people* get together to perform a collective action, some interesting dynamics can emerge. For example we could end up with the Mob Madness or the Wisdom of Crowds. Since Eclipse is a group of people acting together in building out a common open source platform, let’s consider which alternative emerges. For me, though no doubt some will disagree, I think it is Wisdom of Crowds. In other words, Eclipse is smarter than me.

And this is good thing: we are able to leverage the collective knowledge, experience and wisdom of the Eclipse community (in the broadest sense) to shape future directions. One consequence is a self-correcting system in the long run. While there might be short-term deviations from the best path, the community has a way of adjusting course given enough time. So, criticisms and competition are good, and different perspectives shared in transparent communication channels are great.

What do you think? Is Eclipse smarter than you too?

* or "agents"

DTP Requirements Call

The DTP PMC will be hosting a requirements call next week. Actually, there are two meetings scheduled, both covering the same material, in order to accomodate as many time zones as possible.

The purpose of this call isn't so much to discuss specific requirements in detail, but rather cover themes and priorities through our Europa release (and beyond), and to hear from the community. (Of course, general discussion about particular requirements is welcome.) Especially with WTP's recent move to DTP in their 2.0 stream, the DTP PMC wants to make sure that the community knows we're listening, and understands how best to express requirements to the team.