[jdt-ui-dev] How to clone the JDT PackageExplorer?

[Joe Remes <Joe.Remes@xxxxxxx>]

I am part of a team developing a plug-in for Eclipse. We are currently using
version 2.0

What I am trying to do is to have my own view that the user can select from
Window/Show View that has all the functionality of the JDT PackageExplorer
but with one important twist. I want to get control when the user requests
an OPEN action on a .java file. (either through double-click or the context
menu). Based on other conditions I would then do one of two things; 1) the
default JDT open action, or 2) open my own (multi-page) editor.

My first thought was to extend
org.eclipse.jdt.internal.ui.packageview.PackageExplorerPart.
Obviously this got me my own view with all the JDT functions, but it did not
give me access to the open action. I then tried copying the entire
org.eclipse.jdt.ui package into my project, but that was very messy and I
could not work out all the conflicts, besides, it just felt way wrong.

I briefly contemplated writing my own Package Explorer view from scratch,
but after a couple of days studying the JDT code, it became clear to me that
that would not be feasable. (or would it?)

Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Joseph Remes