Yesterday I talked about three interesting new runtime projects which have joined the Eclipse community, and made the point that we are extending our reach beyond our “…original comfort zone of tools…”. But that doesn’t mean that we are not seriously investing in tools. In fact, in 2016 the Eclipse Foundation itself is hiring new staff to do exactly that.
The first position was just posted on our forums. For the first time ever, the Eclipse Foundation is looking to hire a full-time Eclipse platform developer. This position will be responsible for adding new features and fixing bugs in Eclipse under the umbrella of the Friends-Enabled Eclipse IDE/Platform Enhancements Program (FEEP). (Awkward name, great acronym!) The FEEP process ensures that it is the community leadership that guides what new investments we make in the Eclipse IDE and Platform. It is financially supported by the personal and corporate donations that we receive under the Friends of Eclipse program. You can help make Eclipse better with your donations!
Around the middle of this year we also intend to hire a Java Tools Evangelist, who will work with the community to help promote not only the Eclipse IDE, but also newer tool projects such as Eclipse Che.
Like I said, 2016 is off to a great start!