Arduino IDE vs Code::Blocks
Arduino IDE
arduino.cc
Code::Blocks
codeblocks.orgSide by side
| Figure | Arduino IDE | Code::Blocks |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · IDE Software | 9.1 (#3) | 7.9 (#24) |
| Editor | IDE 2 includes a modern editor with code autocompletion and code navigation. | The interface includes syntax highlighting, code folding, a tabbed interface, code completion, a class browser and smart indent. |
| Extensibility | Arduino IDE 2 debugging uses an open framework that lets core maintainers add debugger support for boards. | The IDE uses a plugin framework, and functionality can be added by installing or writing plugins. |
| License | Arduino IDE 2 source code and executable distributions are licensed under GNU AGPLv3; bundled third-party components use compatible GPLv2, MIT and BSD-3 licenses. | Code::Blocks is distributed under GNU GPL version 3; its SDK is under GNU LGPL version 3, which allows linking by closed-source plugins. |
| Purpose | Arduino provides software for creating projects with electronic devices that interact with the physical world. | Code::Blocks is a free IDE for C, C++ and Fortran. |
| Support | Arduino links to documentation, a Help Center, and a support request channel. | The site directs users to its manual, wiki and forums for documentation, help and discussion. |
Plans
In their own words
Arduino IDE
Arduino IDE is a free desktop environment for building projects with electronic devices that interact with the physical world. The software page lists version 2.3.10, with downloads for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its editor provides autocompletion, code navigation, and a live debugger; documentation also covers debugging, the Serial Monitor, and the Serial Plotter. Arduino CLI offers a text-based environment to build, compile, and upload sketches, and manage libraries and boards. Documentation describes synchronizing sketches between IDE 2 and Arduino Cloud through a Remote Sketchbook. Arduino IDE 2.0 is open source, with source code hosted on GitHub. Listed targets include Arduino AVR, megaAVR, SAMD, SAM, Mbed OS Nano, and Mbed OS Portenta. Nightly builds preview incoming releases with updated features and bug fixes. Arduino describes its ecosystem as serving students, makers, and professional developers. The software page states that downloads are provided as is and disclaims express and implied warranties.
Code::Blocks
Code::Blocks is a free IDE for C, C++ and Fortran on Linux, macOS and Windows. Its editor provides syntax highlighting, code folding, tabs, code completion, a class browser, and smart indent. A custom build system supports parallel builds, multi-target projects, workspaces, and inter-project dependencies. Listed compiler options include GCC, MSVC++, clang, Digital Mars, Borland C++ 5.5, and Open Watcom. The debugger interfaces with GNU GDB and also supports MS CDB, which the site describes as not fully featured. Code::Blocks imports MSVC projects and workspaces, although assembly code is not supported in those imports, and it imports Dev-C++ projects. A plugin framework allows added functionality through installed or written plugins; some are included in official releases and others are maintained externally. The software uses GNU GPL version 3, while its SDK uses GNU LGPL version 3, allowing closed-source plugins to link against it. Documentation is provided through a manual, wiki, and forums.