First Steps with Bytecode Visualizer

1. Open the Bytecode Visualizer for the First Time

Open the Bytecode Viewer for the First Time

Note: You need to do this in the Navigator View. The Package Explorer View does not show *.class files.
To open the Navigator View, go to

Window > Show View > Navigator

or alternatively

Window > Show View > Other... > General > Navigator

2. Adjust File Associations (Optional)

There are many situations in which Eclipse opens a *.class file: CTRL-Clicking into a class/method/field without source code, Stepping Into in Debugger, etc. In such situations, Eclipse is using the default editor for the *.class file type.

Bytecode Visualizer is set as default editor for *.class files during the installation.

If it does not suit your needs, you probably want to adjust the File Associations in Preferences:

Window > Preferences > General > Editors > File Associations

Set default file association for Bytecode Visualizer

Select the file type *.class and set the editor of your choice as Default

3. Review and Adjust Preferences

The behavior of Bytecode Visualizer is adjustable in many respects, such as:

  • where the control flow graph should be displayed: split pane in the editor or separate view
  • displaying/not displaying Line Number Table and Local Variable Table
  • rendering/not rendering try/catch blocks
  • graph colors
  • syntax highlighting
  • which Bytecode Editor's tab should be selected by default: Bytecode or Source code (if available)

Just go to

Window > Preferences > Dr. Garbage > Bytecode Visualizer

and change the settings to suit your needs.