How to use b3 to create a local mirror of the stuff I need?

Question

I'm using some 3rd party libraries to create my RCP application. These libraries are available as update site / p2 repository, and they are provided by eclipse (e.g., the RCP target, EMF) or by a third-party repository. Accordingly, I've created a target file to describe what I'm using to build my application.

Due to a recent outage of one of these repositories, I want to have a local mirror of all the stuff I'm using to build my application. Somebody told be to look at b3, but I need some additional help. Following the tutorial, I've copied from my target file the p2 repositories and created some validation rules (according to the feature I use).

However, when I start the build, it mirrors huge parts of the eclipse's indigo repository (including, for example, the JDT, WTP, and linuxTools, which are NOT required directly or indirectly by my RCP app).

Is it possible to limit the mirror to the features listed in my target file?

Answer 1

I have only the Helios version of b3 installed (not sure how it works in a newer one, but probably its similar), there I can add some child items to the Mapped repository elements to add an exclusion rule to remove some items, or add some specific features or plugins.