Show SOME invisible/whitespace characters in Eclipse

I use Checkstlye plugin for such a purpose. In Checkstyle configuration, I add special regexp rules to detect lines with TABs and then mark such lines as checkstyle ERROR, which is clearly visible in Eclipse editor. Works fine.

Unfortunately, you can only turn on all invisible (whitespace) characters at the same time. I suggest you file an enhancement request but I doubt they will pick it up.

The text component in Eclipse is very complicated as it is and they are not keen on making them even worse.

[UPDATE] This has been fixed in Eclipse 3.7: Go to Window > Preferences > General > Editors > Text Editors

Click on the link "whitespace characters" to fine tune what should be shown.

Kudos go to John Isaacks

Navigate to Window > Preferences > General > Editors > Text Editors

Click on the CheckBox "Show whitespace characters".

Thats all.!!!

I would prefer to keep the "Show Whitespace" button on the toolbar, so that in one click you can toggle it.

Go to Window -> Perspective -> Customize Perspective and enable to show the button on toolbar.