In my current project settings, I have configured Eclipse to place the compiled .class files in the /bin directory.
My puzzle is that, when I run the application via
In Eclipse, the working directory defaults to the project directory.
You can change this in the run properties
(Project->Properties->Run/DebugSettings->Edit->Arguments
tab, at the bottom of the page).
Edit: Actually, the easiest way to get to it is Run->Open Run Dialog->Arguments
tab.
It's been a while since I used Eclipse.
From an example of Eclipse Setup New Project
alt text http://apps.sourceforge.net/mediawiki/sprite2d/nfs/project/s/sp/sprite2d/a/ae/EclipseNewProjectDebugArguments.jpg