Update licence header without plugin
October 26, 2015 Leave a comment
This article explains how to update license header for your java source files without any tool. It works for Notepad++, Netbeans and Eclipse and does not require installing any additional plugin.
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Option 1: Using Notepad++
Open Notepad++ and navigate to Search->Find ind Files. Fill the dialog as shown below.
Find what: \A(.*?^package){1}
Replace with: /\*\r\n \* (line 1)\r\n \* (line 2).\r\n \*/\r\npackage
Directory: The root directory of your source code.
Filters: *.java
Activate “Regular expression” and “. maches newline”.
When using non-English license text, use UTF8 escaping for non-ascii chars. For example, use “\xE3” instead of “ã” (more examples)
Pros: Does not require any IDE.
Cons: Does not work properly for non-English license headers. Unfortunately, Notepad++ does not allow setting the encoding for the affected files.
Options 2: Using Netbeans IDE
Open the java project with Netbeans IDE, select it and navigate to Edit->Replace in Projects.
Fill the dialog as shown below.
Containing text: (?s)\A(.*?^package){1}
Match: Regular expression
Replace with: /\*\r\n \* (line 1)\r\n \* (line 2).\r\n \*/\r\npackage
Scope: Your java project or browser the source root directory
File name patterns: *.java
Click on continue. A new window opens listing all affected files. Confirm.
Pros: Works better than Netbeans License Changer plugin. Supports non-English languages and respects your encoding.
Cons: Replaces at most 500 files at time. For large projects, you are required do repeat this recipe on each subdirectory.
Options 3: Using Eclipse IDE
Open the java project with Eclipse IDE, select it and navigate to Search->File.
Fill the dialog as shown below.
Containing text: (?s)\A(.*?^package){1}
Activate “Regular expression”
File name patterns: *.java
Click “Replace”. A new windows opens listing all affected files and a new dialog asks for the new text: /\*\r\n \* (line 1)\r\n \* (line 2).\r\n \*/\r\npackage
Click “Preview” to see how files are going to be changes. Or click “OK”.
Pros: Supports non-English languages and respects your encoding. Updates file only if license header is already correct.
Cons: not known yet.