DEV Community

Alex
Alex

Posted on

Install Nordic nRF Connect for VS Code

#zephyr #nordic #embedded

Table of Contents

Context, Please

Nordic is a company that makes embedded Microcontrollers. nRF Connect is their development platform which you can install on the text editor VSCode. This post shows how to do that part.

Assumptions

I am assuming you have worked with VSCode before and know about VSCode extensions.

1. Installation

  • Install nRF Command line tools
    • May be asked to install segger jlink driver - check yes to that
  • Install nRF Connect SDK
    • This is now done through the VS Code extension
  • Install SDK
    • Under the VS Code extension you just installed
    • Click Manage SDKs -> install SD
    • tag release to install - keep in simple
  • Enable for workspace only
    • extensions icon on sidebar -> gear icon on nrfConnect for VS Code Extension Pack
    • Disable -> Enable (workspace)

2. Creating an application

  • Open nRF connect extension. Here are your options
    • Manage toolchains - install new toolchains or revert to old toolchains
    • Manage SDKs - install new SDK or revert to old SDK
    • Open an existing application
    • Create a new application
    • Create a new board
    • Browse samples
  • Will "create a new application" for this
    • Options
      • Create a blank application
      • Copy a sample
      • Browse application index
    • Select "copy a sample"
      • Can sort by the module (to the right of "Create New App from sample")
      • Can filter by boards compatible with the sample
      • Search for the name
      • Will be copying blinky for this
    • Enter the directory where you want to create the project

3. Building an Application

  • Create a build configuration
    • Tells the compiler which board files to include in your build
    • This making the output compatible with your board

  • Under "Add Build Configuration"
    • Select your development kit
    • The configuration for your board is stored in a prj.conf file (which is generated based on your board selection)
      • Can add extra configurations with the "Add Fragments" button
      • Can add arguments with the "Add argument" button
      • Can leave the build directory name as "build"
      • Can enable debugging with "Enable debug options"
  • Here's how you build

  • Can also save the build configuration

Top comments (0)