Baochip VS Code Extension

A VS Code extension for developing applications for Baochip microcontrollers.
This extension integrates building, flashing, and serial monitoring directly into the editor, providing a streamlined development workflow.

Features

Welcome Page

A simple start screen with:

• Quick setup actions
• App creation and selection
• Links to documentation
• Optional "show on startup" toggle

Application Workflow

• Create new Baochip applications via tools-bao
• Select existing apps from xous-core/apps-dabao/

Build Workflow

• Select build target (e.g., dabao, baosec)
• Full clean support

Flash Workflow

• Flash UF2 firmware to Baochip devices

Serial Monitor

• Raw mode (immediate keystroke passthrough)
• Line mode with CRLF normalization
• Run Mode ↔ Bootloader Mode option for ports

Combined Build/Flash/Monitor Command

A single command that:

1. Builds the firmware
2. Flashes via UF2
3. Prompts board to boot
4. Opens the serial monitor connected to the board in run mode

Useful for rapid development cycles.

Sidebar Integration

Provides:

• Build / flash / monitor controls
• App-related commands
• Documentation links

Localization

The extension user interface supports:

• German (de)
• Japanese (ja)
• Simplified Chinese (zh-cn)
• Traditional Chinese (zh-tw)

Quickstart

1. Install Requirements

• Python 3
• A local checkout of xous-core
• tools-bao (bao.py) inside that repository
• Baochip hardware for flashing and serial monitoring

Clone xous-core:

git clone https://github.com/betrusted-io/xous-core

• Open your xous-core repository in VS Code to begin writing Baochip applications.

2. Configuring the extension

• Prompts for paths, serial ports, and flash locations will appear during normal workflows.
• You can additionally configure settings ad-hoc from the commands list, toolbar, or from Settings

3. Create or Select an App

Use the Welcome page or the command palette:

Baochip: Create App
Baochip: Select App

Applications live inside:

xous-core/apps-dabao/

4. Write code!

• Write code for your app inside the the apps location you have selected.

5. Build, Flash, Monitor

You may use any of the following:

• Individual commands

• The Baochip sidebar

• Or the combined all-in-one command:

  Baochip: Build • Flash • Monitor