# Development hints
Please use the provided formatters and templates to ensure a consistent code style.
Set up your development environment (assuming the use of Eclipse) as follows:
* import `biojava-formatter.xml` in `Preferences > Java > Code Style > Formatter`
* import `biojava-clenaup.xml` in `Preferences > Java > Code Style > Clean Up`
* import `biojava-templates.xml` in `Preferences > Java > Code Style > Code Templates`
* set `General > Workspace > Text` file encoding to `UTF-8`
* activate `Java > Editor > save Actions`: at least Format all lines, organize imports, the rest as you see fit, we suggest:
* Convert control statement bodies to block
* Add final modifier to private fields
* Add final modifier to method parameters
* Add final modifier to local variables
* Remove unused imports
* Add missing '@Override' annotations
* Add missing '@Override' annotations to implementations of interface methods
* Add missing '@Deprecated' annotations
* Remove unnecessary casts
* Remove unnecessary '$NON-NLS$' tags
* Remove trailing white spaces on all lines
* configure XML formatting in `Preferences > XML > XML Files > Editor`
* Line width: `120`
* Format comments (and join lines)
* Insert whitespace before closing empty end-tags
* Indent using `2` spaces
* install the Checkstyle Plugin and import `biojava-checkstyle.xml`
* (install the Findbugs Plugin)
Other useful eclipse plugins (find these via the Eclipse Marketplace):
* AnyEdit tools
* ObjectAid Class Diagram plugin
* Eclipse Mylyn Github Feature