nRF Connect for VS Code vs PlatformIO IDE
nRF Connect for VS Code
nordicsemi.comPlatformIO IDE
platformio.orgSide by side
| Figure | nRF Connect for VS Code | PlatformIO IDE |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $249/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Spec score · Embedded Development IDEs | 7.7 (#11) | 7.8 (#9) |
| Purpose | The extension lets developers develop, build, and debug applications based on the nRF Connect SDK in Visual Studio Code. | PlatformIO is a cross-platform, cross-architecture tool for embedded systems engineers and software developers building applications for embedded products. |
Plans
PlatformIO IDE
- CommunityFree
- PlatformIO IDEFree
- Business$249 a month
- EnterprisePriced on request
In their own words
nRF Connect for VS Code
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.
PlatformIO IDE
PlatformIO IDE has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.