Atmel C Project Generator

A VS Code extension to quickly and easily create, configure, and develop C/C++ projects for Atmel AVR microcontrollers (ATmega, ATtiny).

This extension relies on standard tools (avr-gcc, make, avrdude) and integrates them seamlessly into VS Code, including fully automatic IntelliSense configuration and Fuse Bit calculation.

Features

• Project Scaffolding: Creates a clean and simple project structure (src, include, lib) with a wizard.
• Integrated Fuse Calculator: Calculate Fuse Bits (Low, High, Extended) directly within VS Code, without needing to visit external websites.
• Reconfigure Function: Change MCU, clock frequency, or programmer at any time – all files (Makefile, VS Code Config) are synchronized immediately.
• DevContainer Support: Optional support for Docker-based development environments.
• Auto-IntelliSense: Automatically configures c_cpp_properties.json. It detects the compiler's system include paths and sets the correct defines

Prerequisites

For this extension to work, the AVR tools must be installed on your system and available in your system PATH.

Linux (Debian/Ubuntu/Mint)

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install gcc-avr binutils-avr avr-libc avrdude make

Windows

You need an AVR Toolchain and GNU Make. Recommended:

• Toolchain: Zak’s AVR-GCC builds or WinAVR.
• Make: GNU Make for Windows.
• Path: Ensure that avr-gcc.exe, make.exe, and avrdude.exe are added to your Windows Environment Variables (PATH).

Extension Settings

You can configure default values in the VS Code Settings (Ctrl + , -> Search for "Atmel"):

• atmelGenerator.defaultProjectPath:
• atmelGenerator.defaultCompilerPath: Path to the compiler (Default: avr-gcc).
• atmelGenerator.defaultAvrdudePath: Path or command for avrdude.
• atmelGenerator.programmer: Default programmer for avrdude (e.g., stk500v2, usbasp, arduino).
• atmelGenerator.port: Default port (e.g., /dev/ttyUSB0 or COM3).
• atmelGenerator.bitClock: Default -B BitClock setting for avrdude (Default: 5).
• atmelGenerator.enableDevContainer: Enable DevContainer support when generating new projects.
• atmelGenerator.devContainerTemplatePath: Optional: Path to a custom DevContainer template directory.
• atmelGenerator.defaultCPUFrequency: Default clock frequency in Hz (Default: 1000000).

Usage

1. Create a New Project

1. Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P / F1).
2. Search for "Atmel: Create Project".
3. Select device, programmer, folder, and enter the project name.

2. Configure Project (Reconfigure)

Need to change the clock speed or switch to a different chip?

1. Open config.json in your project directory and adjust the values (or use the command).
2. Run "Atmel: Reconfigure Project".
3. IntelliSense and the Makefile are updated immediately.

3. Build, Flash, and Clean

You can use the buttons in the status bar or the following terminal commands:

4. Calculate Fuse Bits

No need to dig through datasheets for standard fuses:

1. Open the Command Palette.
2. Select "Atmel: Open Fuse Calculator".

Generated Project Structure

A generated project looks like this:

The config.json

This file stores the state of your project.

{
    "id": "atmel-project-config",
    "protected": false,
    "project": "ATtiny4313_Project",
    "mcu": "attiny4313",
    "cpu_freq": 1000000,
    "programmer": "usbasp-clone",
    "partno": "t4313",
    "port": "usb",
    "bitClock": 5,
    "io_def": "__AVR_ATtiny4313__"
}

DevContainer Behavior

Controlled through VS Code settings:

When DevContainer support is enabled:

• If a custom template path is provided → use that.
• Otherwise → use the default .devcontainer template contained in the extension.

When DevContainer support is disabled:

• Any .devcontainer folder contained in the template is removed.

This allows:

• pure native development,
• DevContainer-based development,
• or custom container environments.

Troubleshooting

Error: "avr-gcc: command not found" Ensure that the compiler is installed and the path is correctly set in the VS Code Settings or is available in your system PATH.

Error: IntelliSense cannot find <avr/io.h> Run the command "AVR: Reconfigure Project". This forces the extension to re-probe the compiler's system paths and write them to the configuration.

Error while flashing (avrdude) Check config.json to ensure programmer and port are correct for your hardware setup.

📄 License

MIT