nRF Connect for VS Code

Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF Connect for VS Code extension enhances the development experience for all aspects of the nRF Connect SDK application development in VS Code. It includes an interface to the compiler and linker, an RTOS-aware debugger, a seamless interface to the nRF Connect SDK, and an integrated serial terminal.

For detailed information about the extension, see the nRF Connect for VS Code documentation site on the TechDocs platform.

Features

Develop, build, test, and deploy embedded applications based on the nRF Connect SDK with the nRF Connect for VS Code features.

Toolchain and SDK management

Use the extension's SDK and toolchain management menus to install new versions of SDKs and toolchains. You can then configure each build configuration of an application to use a specific SDK and toolchain version.

Integrated application development environment

The extension lets you create, build, and debug applications all within the same window using either the command line or the extension's graphical interface Views.

Wizard for adding new boards

With its Create a new board page, nRF Connect for VS Code allows you to add new custom boards compatible with Zephyr RTOS and the nRF Connect SDK.

Wizards for creating and building applications

Smoothly create a new blank application or copy of a sample application using the Create a new application wizard. You can use a variety of sources as the fundament of your application, including blank templates, existing nRF Connect SDK samples, and the nRF Connect SDK Add-ons.

Device management

Easily manage your devices in the Connected Devices View, where you can create device aliases and manage which of the device ports are connected to the terminal with the click of a button.

Source file management

From the Details View, you can view the application's source files, config files, and output files. This allows you to stay organized within your project by having all related application directories and files in the same location, instead of having to manually open their location and move around from window to window.

Custom task bindings for specific actions

Create and manage custom task bindings in nRF Connect for VS Code and execute them when you Build, Pristine Build, Flash, or Erase and Flash to Board an application. Custom task bindings can be created in nRF Connect for VS Code Actions View, or manually by editing the appropriate task.json file in your workspace.

Memory report for ROM and RAM usage

The extension offers a Memory report that shows the size and percentage of memory that each symbol uses on your device for ROM, RAM, and partitions for a particular application.

The Memory report displays both a treeview and a sunburst diagram to easily visualize how much memory each node takes up on your device.

Improved debugging experience

nRF Connect for VS Code uses its own debug type as the default debugger, which uses Microsoft's debug adapter. The debug type adds extension-specific Panel Views, such as Thread Viewer and Memory Explorer.

Feedback

Let us know what you think using the Give Feedback form, or ask questions in the Nordic DevZone.