Using VS Code for Arduino Development offers better code management, debugging, and extensions compared to the Arduino IDE. Here's a step-by-step guide:

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1. Install Prerequisites
Arduino IDE (required for compiler/tools):
Download from arduino.cc and install.

VS Code:
Download from code.visualstudio.com.

2. Install the Arduino Extension

  1. Open VS Code.
  2. Go to Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X).
  3. Search for "Arduino" and install the official extension by Microsoft.

3. Configure Arduino Path

  1. Open VS Code settings (Ctrl+,).

  2. Search for Arduino Path and set it to your Arduino IDE installation folder:

  • Windows: C:\Program Files (x86)\Arduino
  • macOS: /Applications/Arduino.app/Contents/Java
  • Linux: /usr/share/arduino

4. Create/Open an Arduino Project
New Project:

  1. Press F1 > Arduino: Initialize.
  2. Select a board (e.g., Arduino Uno).
  3. Choose a sketch folder.

Existing Project:
Open the folder containing your .ino file.

5. Select Board & Port

  1. Click the board name in the bottom status bar (e.g., Arduino Uno).
  2. Select your target board from the list.
  3. Click the port (e.g., COM3 or /dev/ttyACM0).

6. Build & Upload

  • Build (Verify): Ctrl+Alt+R or click the checkmark icon.
  • Upload: Ctrl+Alt+U or click the arrow icon.
  • Serial Monitor: Ctrl+Alt+Shift+M to debug output.

7. Advanced Features
IntelliSense & Autocomplete

  • Install C/C++ Extension (by Microsoft).
  • Configure c_cpp_properties.json (auto-generated by Arduino extension).

Debugging

  1. Install Cortex-Debug extension (for ARM-based boards like Arduino Due).
  2. Use an external debugger (e.g., J-Link) with launch.json.

Library Management

  • Add libraries via Library Manager (F1 > Arduino: Library Manager).
  • Manually place libraries in ~/Arduino/libraries (or your sketchbook folder).

8. Example platformio.ini (Alternative with PlatformIO)
For more control, use PlatformIO in VS Code:

ini
[env:uno]
platform = atmelavr
board = uno
framework = arduino
monitor_speed = 9600

9. Troubleshooting

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10. Recommended Extensions

  • PlatformIO IDE: Advanced project management.
  • GitLens: Version control.
  • Code Runner: Quick script testing.

Why VS Code Over Arduino IDE?

  • Git Integration: Track code changes.
  • Multi-file Projects: Better than Arduino’s single-tab limitation.
  • Debugging: Breakpoints/watch variables (with hardware debuggers).

For beginners, start with the Arduino IDE, but switch to VS Code for larger projects!