nRF Connect for VS Code

Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF Connect for VS Code extension enhances the development experience for all aspects of the application development in VS Code for projects based on the nRF Connect SDK, nRF Connect SDK Bare Metal option, or Zephyr. It includes an interface to the compiler and linker, an RTOS-aware debugger, and a seamless interface to the nRF Connect SDK.

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.

Note: For a complete user experience, install the full nRF Connect Extension Pack.

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

Install and manage Toolchain and SDK packages

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.

Use the nRF Connect terminal profile for every build to initialize the appropriate toolchain environment.

Create and build applications from scratch

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 SDK samples, and the nRF Connect SDK Add-ons.

Create new custom boards

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

Manage connected devices

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.

Manage and inspect source files

From the Details View, you can see the build information, such as source files, config files, output files, and more. This allows you to stay organized when working with your build and have relevant information in one location.

Create 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. Custom task bindings can be created in nRF Connect for VS Code Actions View, or manually by editing the appropriate tasks.json file in your workspace.

Generate 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.

Take advantage of an 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.