Eclipse: How to disable '!=' token replacement

Question

I'm currently using Eclipse 2019-09 for Java Programming, and I've noticed that when I type the operator '!=', the IDE replaces it with "not-equals" symbol, ≠.

I do not like this.

I don't think this is from any plugins I have installed. Is this standard behaviour and is it possible to disable the operator token replacement within Eclipse?

Answer 1

This is a "feature" (requested back in 2013) See bug 398656 and I agree this is very distracting "like 'fi' now takes just one space in some fonts. Next thing, folks will request to code using MS Word or Latex.

The solution is to use a font that still does not have ligatures. Like Liberation Mono Regular and to select it in Basic => Text Font General Appearance preference as shown below. As far as I know there is no way to opt-out of that feature.

Answer 2

And the correct answer goes to JB Nizet. My programming font is "Fantasque Sans Mono", and the latest version has just introduced ligatures, causing the token replacement.