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SPECIFICTION
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nRF Connect for VS Code

nordicsemi.com

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Spec score 7.7 #11 of 29 in Embedded Development IDEs

What it is

nRF Connect for VS Code is a free extension for developing, building, and debugging applications based on the nRF Connect SDK. It supports nRF91, nRF70, nRF53, and nRF52 Series devices, with interfaces to the compiler and linker and an RTOS-aware debugger. Configuration tools include a DeviceTree Visual Editor and a Create New Board wizard. The environment includes a built-in terminal and both command-line and graphical interfaces, with integrated flashing listed. The product consists of four Nordic extensions: nRF Connect for VS Code, nRF DeviceTree, nRF Kconfig, and nRF Terminal. Nordic says all four must be installed and used together for the product to work correctly with supported SDKs and provide all features. The main extension is available through the Visual Studio Code Marketplace; Nordic documentation also lists the extensions in the Open VSX Registry for VSIX-compatible editors. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Nordic identifies nRF Connect for Desktop and nRF Command Line Tools as additional desktop tools, and recommends its nRF Connect SDK Fundamentals course for getting started. Nordic Semiconductor is headquartered in Trondheim, Norway, and was established in 1983.

Spec sheet

Purpose
The extension lets developers develop, build, and debug applications based on the nRF Connect SDK in Visual Studio Code.Read 2 Oct 2026 · nordicsemi.com
Headquarters
Trondheim, NorwayRead 28 Sep 2026 · nordicsemi.com
Founded
1983Read 28 Sep 2026 · nordicsemi.com
Maker
Nordic Semiconductor says it was established in 1983 and is headquartered in Trondheim, Norway.Read 2 Oct 2026 · nordicsemi.com
Additional tools
Nordic identifies nRF Connect for Desktop and nRF Command Line Tools as needed desktop tools on the product page.Read 2 Oct 2026 · nordicsemi.com
Build and debug
The IDE provides interfaces to the compiler and linker and an RTOS-aware debugger.Read 2 Oct 2026 · nordicsemi.com
CLI and GUI
The environment includes a built-in terminal and both command-line and graphical interfaces.Read 2 Oct 2026 · nordicsemi.com
Company support
Nordic says it provides technical support through offices and representatives worldwide.Read 2 Oct 2026 · nordicsemi.com
Configuration
Features include a DeviceTree Visual Editor and a Create New Board wizard.Read 2 Oct 2026 · nordicsemi.com
Device support
Nordic lists support for nRF91, nRF70, nRF53, and nRF52 Series devices.Read 2 Oct 2026 · nordicsemi.com
Distribution
Nordic says the extension is available in the Visual Studio Code Marketplace and links to installation instructions in its technical documentation.Read 2 Oct 2026 · nordicsemi.com
Extension dependency
Nordic says all four extensions must be installed and used together for the product to work correctly with supported SDKs and to use all features.Read 2 Oct 2026 · docs.nordicsemi.com
Extension Pack status
As of June 2026, the nRF Connect for Visual Studio Code Extension Pack is deprecated because the main extension installs the other extensions.Read 2 Oct 2026 · docs.nordicsemi.com
Getting started
Nordic recommends its nRF Connect SDK Fundamentals course in the Nordic Developer Academy for getting started.Read 2 Oct 2026 · nordicsemi.com
Included extensions
The product documentation describes four Nordic extensions: nRF Connect for VS Code, nRF DeviceTree, nRF Kconfig, and nRF Terminal.Read 2 Oct 2026 · docs.nordicsemi.com
Open VSX
Nordic documentation also lists the extensions in the Open VSX Registry for VSIX-compatible editors.Read 2 Oct 2026 · docs.nordicsemi.com

Plans and prices

nRF Connect for VS Code Free IDE extension for nRF Connect SDK development · supports nRF91, nRF70, nRF53, and nRF52 Series Read 2 Oct 2026 · nordicsemi.com

Every nRF Connect for VS Code plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Supports four nRF device series.
  • Includes an RTOS-aware debugger.
  • Offers visual DeviceTree editing and a board wizard.
  • Provides command-line and graphical interfaces.
  • Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Limits

  • All four Nordic extensions must be installed together.
  • Additional desktop tools are identified as needed.
  • Extension Pack is deprecated.

Who it suits

This extension suits developers building and debugging nRF Connect SDK applications for the listed Nordic device series. It is intended for users of Visual Studio Code or compatible editors who can install and use the required extension set.

Verdict

nRF Connect for VS Code provides build, configuration, and debugging interfaces for supported nRF Connect SDK devices. Plan to install the full extension set and account for the additional desktop tools Nordic identifies.

Where Specifiction places it

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