Auto-align “=” in assignments

Question

How do one convert a block of variable assignments, e.g.:

private final String s1 = "10011";
private final String s2 = "01100";
private final String ones = "11111";
private final String zeros = "00000";

To a straightened format where all = signs are aligned to one space after the longest left-hand side, e.g.:

private final String s1    = "10011";
private final String s2    = "01100";
private final String ones  = "11111";
private final String zeros = "00000";

Answer 1

You can use the Eclipse plugin columns4eclipse:

• gratis
• open source
• I've tested it with Eclipse 4.3 x64 and 4.5 x64 on Windows 7 SP1 x64 Ultimate

Answer 2

EclipseFormatter solved this problem perfectly which supports align fields, assignments and variable declarations in columns.

Answer 3

If you want to be able to align assignments and not only field declarations, this plugin does an excellent job: OCDFormat.

It works in all text files, not only java.

Answer 4

Preferences → Java → Code Style → Formatter → goto Edit and check the Align fields in columns: