Arm Keil MDK vs SwiftForth
Arm Keil MDK
keil.arm.comSwiftForth
forth.comSide by side
| Figure | Arm Keil MDK | SwiftForth |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $99/mo | $10.75/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 8 | 2 |
| Spec score · IDE Software | 9.4 (#1) | 7.4 (#38) |
| Debugging | The VS Code integration supports pyOCD with ST-Link, CMSIS-DAP and ULINK, plus J-Link Server. | Debugging tools include a cross-reference tool, source browser, disassembler/decompiler, and single-step debugger. |
| Documentation | Arm provides getting-started, user, licensing, installation, CMSIS-Toolbox and CI/CD guides plus videos and forums. | PDF documentation is included and comprises the SwiftForth Reference Manual, Forth Standard, and Forth Programmer’s Handbook. |
| Support | Keil MDK support offers support cases, a community forum, documentation, and learning videos. | A new license includes one year of engineer-level email support; support can be renewed annually for $129/year. |
| What it does | Keil MDK is Arm’s toolchain for creating, building and debugging software for Cortex-M and Ethos-U microcontrollers and processors. | SwiftForth is an interactive Forth development environment for creating native applications on Windows, Linux, and macOS. |
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
SwiftForth
- SwiftForth support renewal$129 a year
- SwiftForth license$399, paid once
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.