Eclipse RCP
Eclipse RCP (Rich Client Platform) is a Java-based framework for building cross-platform desktop applications with a modular architecture. It provides a robust set of components, including a workbench UI, plugin system, and extensibility features, enabling developers to create feature-rich, standalone applications. Originally part of the Eclipse IDE, it has evolved into a general-purpose platform for desktop software development.
Developers should learn Eclipse RCP when building complex, modular desktop applications that require a professional-grade UI, plugin-based extensibility, and cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux). It is particularly useful for enterprise tools, scientific software, or IDEs where a customizable and scalable architecture is needed, leveraging the mature Eclipse ecosystem for stability and community support.