Eclipse enables you to create specific project types, including several kinds of Java projects. The ADT plug-in adds the ability to make and use Android projects. When you make a new Android project, the ADT plug-in creates the project file hierarchy and all the required files for the minimal Android project to be correctly built. For Android projects, the ADT plug-in enables Eclipse to apply components of the ADT plug-in to editing, building, running, and debugging that project.
In some cases, components of the SDK can be used with Eclipse or in a standalone mode. But in most of the Android application development cases covered in this book, the way these components are used in or with Eclipse will be the most relevant.