Aptana IDE for Xataface

I've spent most of my development time simply using Notepad++ simply because it's so fast and just gets the job done. But I decided to try something different and actually get some sort of IDE for my development one that could recommend me the Xataface functions/classes to use.

I heard about this IDE called Aptana which was designed specifically for web development decided to give it a try. And after trying it out and setting it up with Xataface, I must say it is really wicked.

To set it up to work with Xataface is really simple:

1. First download Aptana from http://www.aptana.com/. You can get it as standalone or as a plugin to Eclipse. Doesn't matter. I downloaded the .zip file as I try to avoid installers as much as possible.


2. After it has downloaded, just go to the folder and start up Aptana by clicking on the .exe file. A slashscreen will appear and Aptana will start setting up some folders and configuration files on your computer. And after a few seconds, you'll be brought to the Aptana application frontpage.


3. The tab you are on should be the "My Aptana" tab. Next, click "Plugins" and then you will see "Aptana PHP" and then click on get it. It will start downloading and install the PHP plugin for Aptana.


4. After this is done, you'll need to tell Aptana to use the libraries/class of Xataface in it's php autocomplete. This is very simple. Go to:
   
   Windows->Preferences->Aptana->Editors->PHP->PHP Libraries.
   
   Now add the folder where Xataface is and then called the library name whatever you want (I called it Xataface Framework).
   


5. Now when you start a PHP project, and a php file. You can start typing any Xataface class and it will recognize the class and recommend it as well as the syntax!

This is really good as Xataface as never been officially documented to use any IDE. I'll continue to keep posting about my experiences and any tips/tricks I learn along the way.