# \[Performance\] Faster incremental builds in Bndtools Eclipse Plugin

**URL:** https://bnd.discourse.group/t/performance-faster-incremental-builds-in-bndtools-eclipse-plugin/568
**Category:** TIPS
**Created:** [August 31, 2026, 6:17pm UTC](https://bnd.discourse.group/t/performance-faster-incremental-builds-in-bndtools-eclipse-plugin/568 "2026-08-31T18:17:24Z")
**Posts on this page:** 1
**Page:** 1

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### Author: ![chrisrueger](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/bnd.discourse.group/chrisrueger/32/18_2.png) [@chrisrueger](https://bnd.discourse.group/u/chrisrueger)
#### Post date: [August 31, 2026, 6:17pm UTC](https://bnd.discourse.group/t/performance-faster-incremental-builds-in-bndtools-eclipse-plugin/568/1 "2026-08-31T18:17:24Z")

</div>

In the current [bndtools SNAPSHOT](https://github.com/bndtools/bnd#installation-development-snapshot-builds--master-branch) there is an experimental feature which can save you lots of time when you save a java file.

The new [**Rebuild Trigger policy** setting](https://bnd.bndtools.org/plugins/bndtools-rebuild-policy-plugin.html#eclipse-bndtools-configuration) helps prevent unnecessary cascade rebuilds in Eclipse. With **Optimized** mode enabled, downstream projects rebuild only when the exported API of a dependency actually changes—not for every implementation-only edit.

Less waiting after every save, especially in larger bnd workspaces. It will be released with next bnd / bndtools 7.5.

 ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/bnd/original/1X/887b95a121d9ddd352fb0dc4bf483cdfb79769e8.jpeg)

Install bndtools SNAPSHOT: [GitHub - bndtools/bnd: Bnd/Bndtools. Tooling to build OSGi bundles including Eclipse, Maven, and Gradle plugins. · GitHub](https://github.com/bndtools/bnd#installation-development-snapshot-builds--master-branch)  
Docs: [Bndtools Rebuild Trigger Policy Plugin | bnd](https://bnd.bndtools.org/plugins/bndtools-rebuild-policy-plugin.html#eclipse-bndtools-configuration)

For me this solves a long time annoyance in bndtools compared to PDE Build which did not have the rebuild cascade problem because it can re-compile and replace single classes. In bnd this is more tricky. To be fair: there is a reason bnd works the way it works and it is also a good thing ([build fidelity](https://bndtools.org/2020/05/06/bndtools-classic.html)).

But a note of warning: The way this new feature works is kind of a trick (see [limitations](https://bnd.bndtools.org/plugins/bndtools-rebuild-policy-plugin.html#limitations)). It trades speed for 100% correctness, as there are cases where the feature does not work well. In case of doubt: don’t use the feature or do a manual clean workspace rebuild, if you have the feeling something is off and not rebuilding properly.