When we start developing a project Arduino, we generally tend to use Standard Arduino IDE. But you should know that it is not the only alternative. Here we will show you The best programs for Arduino, apart from the standard IDE.
As we know, Arduino is one of the most popular prototyping boards when we are building a DIY project. Ease of use is its big plus point, apart from being affordable.
The 7 Best Programs for Arduino.
Let's look at the best Arduino programs that can help you develop your project.
1. Arduino Standard IDE.
In general, the Arduino IDE Standard is the first IDE we use when we first approach Arduino. This happens for several reasons: it is easy to use, supports all Arduino boards, and has a built-in library manager that is also easy to use.
It's so easy that we don't have to worry about how it works, we can just focus on the development process. We write the Arduino code, and the Arduino IDE compiles it and uploads the compiled code to the Arduino board. And that's it!
Plus, it's open source and runs on multiple OSas the Windows, Mac OS X and Linux.
Anyway, if you are not comfortable with Arduino IDE, there are several alternatives that you can use when developing your Arduino project. There are some features missing in Arduino IDE that you might miss, especially if you are used to IDEs such as Eclipse, Visual Studio, or IntelliJ, just to name a few.
However, it is our first choice, as well as that of many others.
Download it from their WebSite
2. PlatformIO.
PlatformIO is one of the most well-known alternatives to Arduino IDE. It has an integrated development environment for IoT. It supports not only Arduino boards but many other boards, such as Raspberry, ESP32, ESP8266 and many more.
The IDE supports all the features you would expect, such as code completion, etc. It is not just an IDE, but also supports CLI (command line interface).
In addition, PlatformIO supports multiple projects, themes, and library management. The interface is very attractive and easy to use. However, it is very different from the standard Arduino IDE.
It is open source and you can download the source code from GitHub. It requires Python and runs on various operating systems. This Arduino IDE has two different versions: one built on Atom and another as a Visual Studio Code plugin.
Download it from their WebSite
3. Eclipse Arduino IDE.
This is a plugin for Eclipse. We all know Eclipse and the IDE. If you are a Java programmer, you have had the chance to try and appreciate the features of Eclipse IDE. It is almost a standard in the IDE.
Eclipse is a very versatile environment that supports several development languages. programming, ranging from Jave to C/C++, etc. This platform uses plugins to extend its functions and add new platform support.
This is a plugin for Eclipse IDE that helps develop Arduino applications. You can download the plugin directly from Eclipse Marketplace.
Of course, it requires you to install the Eclipse C++ IDE. Once this plugin is installed in the Eclipse IDE, you need to select the platform or in other words the SDK that includes all the libraries needed to build the application.
Once the plugin is set up, you are ready to develop your Arduino sketch. The IDE is essentially the Eclipse IDE, so if you are familiar with Eclipse, you should have no problems using it.
This Arduino IDE has all the features that you have in the standard Arduino IDE like a serial monitor to debug the Arduino sketch as well.
Download it from their WebSite
4. Programino IDE for Arduino.
Programino Arduino IDE is an Arduino IDE alternative with several features. This Arduino IDE can be used with Arduino/Genuino boards or compatible microcontrollers.
Programino supports C/C++ language. It adds support for other languages such as HTML, JavaScript, and several others. It is fully compatible with Arduino, and key features include:
- Syntax highlighting.
- Function Explorer.
- Competition code.
- Folding code.
- Viewer hardware.
This last feature is very useful because it gives you a view of the hardware you are using so you don't have to remember the pin number, for example.
Download it from their WebSite
5. EmbedXcode.
This is a free Arduino IDE developed for Mac OS X. This IDE supports syntax highlighting, line numbering, etc. It is a template for XCode 5 and XCode 6.
This IDE simplifies Arduino sketch development using an intelligent environment that helps you during development. This IDE can be used with various prototyping boards such as Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, Adafruit, and Atmel and Cortex based boards.
You can check their website for more information. EmbedXcode has different versions and licenses. There is a free version that supports the basic features, while if you want to unlock all its features, you should consider EmbedXcode+ that requires a license.
Download it from their WebSite
6. Visual Studio + Visual Micro.
This is a plugin for Microsoft Visual Studio. This Arduino IDE is fully compatible with Arduino. This IDE helps you to write Arduino codes easily and quickly with syntax highlighting, code error suggestions, etc.
It supports various Arduino boards, so you can select your board to write the code. It is very easy to use because it exploits the features of Visual Studio, so you have an integrated environment where you can write the Arduino code.
It supports serial debugging, and it is possible to create graphs. Another interesting feature is the ability to use Arduino libraries.
Visual Micro Arduino IDE fully supports the Arduino library format, and you can easily add it to your Arduino code using the library manager.
Download it from their WebSite
7. ArduinoDroid.
The application takes approximately 210 Mb, as it contains IDE, compiler and loader. Make sure you have enough free space on your computer. storage internal and cannot be installed on SD card due to security policy Android.
It runs on Android devices and by using it you can program your Arduino. This is the first IDE that runs on the Android operating system. It is worth mentioning because it helps you write code using an Android device. It is compatible with various Arduino boards.
You can use the controller GoogleIt is a fully featured IDE. You can download it from Google Play.
Download it from their WebSite
What is the Best Program for Arduino?
You may also like: The 7 Best Programs to Boot USB.
We list several Arduino IDE alternatives that you can use if you are not satisfied with the Standard Arduino IDEIt is up to you to choose the one that best suits your needs and your way of coding.
All these platforms help you write Arduino applications easily and quickly!
My name is Javier Chirinos and I am passionate about technology. Ever since I can remember, I have been interested in computers and video games, and that passion has turned into a job.
I have been publishing about technology and gadgets on the Internet for over 15 years, especially in mundobytes.com
I am also an expert in online marketing and communication and have knowledge in WordPress development.