When to use Import-Package and Require-Bundle in Eclipse Plugin?
The OSGi way is to use Import-Package, as it specifically decouples the package from the bundle that provides it. Require-Bundle: Bundles can be re-exported Gives you access to all exports of the bundle, regardless of what they are, and regardless of whether you need them. Specifies the explicit bundle (and version) to use. If a required bundle needs to be refactored and a package moved elsewhere, then dependents will need changes to their MANIFEST.MF file. Import-Package: Loose coupling, only the package (and version) is specified and the run-time finds the required bundle. Actual implementations can be swapped out Dependent packages can be moved to different bundles by the package owner But requires more metadata to be maintained (i.e: each package name) at lower levels of granularity In my view we should below approach in using Import Package or Require-Bundle Interface <=> Import-Package Implementation class <=> ...