[FIXED] feature.xml requires vs includes

Issue

In the feature.xml file you can specify dependencies on other features/plugins by using the requires element or the includes element.

What is the difference between them?

Solution

The difference is that included features will be packaged with your feature when it is built. Required features are not packaged with the feature, but are expected to be present when you install the feature.

From the Eclipse help:

• includes specifies features that become part of the defining feature as subfeatures
• requires specify features that need to be present before installing the defining feature

Answered By - Roland
Answer Checked By - David Goodson (JavaFixing Volunteer)