In Eclipse (I’m using Eclipse June 4.2.2 at the moment), it is possible to select columns/vertical blocks of text by using Alt+Shift+A to switch to block selection mode. You can then drag over a column/block of text. With a block selected, typing text will replace the selected text in all of the selected rows.
Selecting and Replacing Columns/Blocks of Text in Notepad++
We use Notepad++ a lot, and find it really handy. One thing that is very useful is selecting text by column rather than row, but I keep forgetting how to do it, so here it is:
Alt + Left Click, or
Alt + Shift + Arrow Keys
Once you have selected a block/column, typing text will replace the selected text in all of the selected rows.