Arm Keil MDK vs Code::Blocks
Arm Keil MDK
keil.arm.com
Code::Blocks
codeblocks.orgSide by side
| Figure | Arm Keil MDK | Code::Blocks |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $99/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 8 | 1 |
| Spec score · IDE Software | 9.4 (#1) | 7.9 (#24) |
| Spec score · C++ IDEs | 9.5 (#1) | 7.8 (#13) |
| Debugging | The VS Code integration supports pyOCD with ST-Link, CMSIS-DAP and ULINK, plus J-Link Server. | The debugger interfaces with GNU GDB and also supports MS CDB, which the site says is not fully featured. |
| License | MDK components are governed by Arm end-user license agreements rather than an open-source license. | 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 | Keil MDK simplifies embedded software development for Cortex-M and Ethos-U processors through CLI, IDE, or continuous integration workflows. | Code::Blocks is a free IDE for C, C++ and Fortran. |
| Support | Keil MDK support offers support cases, a community forum, documentation, and learning videos. | The site directs users to its manual, wiki and forums for documentation, help and discussion. |
Plans
Arm Keil MDK
- EssentialPriced on request
- ProfessionalPriced on request
- ProfessionalPriced on request
- CommunityFree
- Keil MDK v6 Essential82.39 CHF a month
- Keil MDK v6 Essential$99 a month
- Keil MDK v6 Professional165.60 CHF a month
- Keil MDK v6 Professional$199 a month
In their own words
Arm Keil MDK
Arm Keil MDK is a toolchain for embedded software targeting Cortex-M and Ethos-U processors. MDK v6 supports command-line, IDE, and continuous-integration workflows across major operating systems. It includes Keil Studio extensions for Visual Studio Code, Keil μVision, Arm Compiler for Embedded, and Arm Fixed Virtual Platform models. Software packs add device and board support, middleware, components, code templates, and example projects independently of the toolchain. Keil Studio supports CMSIS workflows with an integrated debugger and extensions for creating, building, and testing embedded applications. Listed integrations include CMSIS-FreeRTOS, Keil RTX5, MDK-Middleware, IoT clients, CMSIS-DAP, ULink, and third-party debug adapters. Community is for non-commercial use. The listed MDK v6 Essential plan costs $99 a month per license; Professional costs $199 a month per license and adds Arm Virtual Hardware, functional-safety compiler tools, and legacy tools including Arm Compiler 5. Keil μVision is available only for Windows hosts.
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.