Tools

Here is a list of options that appear in the drop-down menu when the tools menu is opened:

Tools MenuImage Credit-Arduino IDE:https://www.arduino.cc/en/software

Let’s discuss each option in detail.

  • Auto Format: This button is used to handle the formatting of code. When you click this button, it will automatically manage the spacing and indentation of the written code.
  • Archive Sketch: This button is used to store the copy of the current code by archiving it in the .zip format. The directory where the file is the one of the sketch.
  • Fix Encoding and Reload: This is a complex button used to handle the inconsistencies in the data between the operating system char maps and editor char map encoding.
  • Manage Libraries: The libraries used for arduino update with time and we need to update the libraries in our arduino as well. This button is used for updating this list and installing new libraries as well.
  • Serial Monitor: The serial monitor helps to transfer data from connected board to computer using port,
  • Serial Plotter: This is pre installed in the IDE and is used for displaying the serial data. This is generally represented in a plot.
  • WiFi101/WiFiNINA Firmware Updater: It is used to check the Wi-Fi Firmware of the connected board and make the necessary updates for communication.
  • Board: This button is used for selecting the board that matches the board connected to the computer. There will be a list of options to choose from.
  • Processor: Depending on the type of board selected, this board will display the processor and it will be updated again and again when you change the board.
  • Port: The port displays the serial devices that are connected to our port.
  • Get Board Info: It gives the information about the selected board. We need to select the appropriate port before getting information about the board.
  • Programmer: You need a hardware to program the board which is generally needed when the onboard USB serial connection is not in use. Another function of this button is to burn the bootloader manually.
  • Burn Bootloader: When you don’t have a bootloader pre installed in your microcontroller then you can use this option. In order to burn the bootloader, we need to know the correct board and port which will reduce and error.

Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE) v1

Arduino devices are the new face of electronics engineering. The ability of Arduino to program electronic devices and integrate them into larger applications makes Arduino the most common choice of engineers in today’s world. To work with Arduino, it is necessary to be aware of the construction of Arduino and the basic libraries that are used to work with Arduino.

In this article, we will study about Arduino Integrated Development Environment which provides an interface for programming and setting up the Arduino. We will discuss what is an Arduino IDE, and what it looks like. We will also discuss the features available in Arduino IDE and what are the different buttons used. It is advised to go through the article carefully and refer to the FAQs section in case of any doubts.

Table of Content

  • What is Arduino Integrated Development Environment?
  • Display- Arduino IDE
  • Writing Sketches
  • File
  • Edit
  • Sketch
  • Tools
  • Help

Similar Reads

What is Arduino Integrated Development Environment?

To program the Arduino, you need software where you can write and upload the code. This task is performed by the Arduino IDE. Due to the variation in the type of operating system installed in Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux, there was a need to develop a platform that could work well for every OS. The IDE which refers to integrated Development Environment is a software used for writing codes that control Arduino in programming languages like C and C++....

Display- Arduino IDE

Let’s take a look how does the arduino IDE look like...

Writing Sketches

Like in any other coding platform, you can create programs in the Arduino Integrated Development Environment which is termed as a sketch. Here is what the sketch file looks like. We will see in later section how can we run the sketch by saving it first....

File

When you click on the File option in the Menu bar, you will observe the following list of options...

Edit

Here is a list of options that appear in the drop-down menu when the edit menu is opened:...

Sketch

Let us see what the Sketch button on the Menu bar looks like:...

Tools

Here is a list of options that appear in the drop-down menu when the tools menu is opened:...

Help

Here is a list of options that appear in the drop-down menu when the help menu is opened:...

Tabs, Multiple Files, and Compilation

Let us see the tabs used for compilation and other functions...

Uploading

As the name suggests, the Upload button is used to upload the code to the compiler. Once you click this button, the code will be compiled by the compiler and will run provided there are no errors in the code. It is necessary to connect your board to the screen so that results can be seen on the screen therefore, this button is very important....

Libraries

Certain functionalities are repeatedly used in arduino for performing certain actions. In order to reduce the number of times a code is written libraries are created which can be added into the arduino integrated development environment. These libraries are mostly written in C and C++ languages. Let us see how can we add libraries in the IDE...

Third-Party Hardware

All the installations and updates are done in the computer through the default Arduino package list. The Arduino package list can also be used for using official boards or it can even be used with third-party boards depending on the compatibility....

Serial Monitor

If you look at the right corner of the toolbar, you will see this icon which opens the serial monitor....

Conclusion

We have seen how we can use arduino integrated development environment for programming the arduino for electronic devices. We discovered various menus like file menu and we even read about the different bars under each menu like add, new, sketch. It is important to understand the buttons that are used for compilation and uploading purpose. Readers are advised to understand the functionality of each button and try some basic projects. Some frequently asked questions have been answered for better understanding of the readers....

Arduino Integrated Development Environment – FAQs

What are some important tabs in menu bar?...