Skip to main content

Best IDEs for Embedded Development: A Comprehensive Comparison

· 8 min read
Phuc Nguyen
Phuc Nguyen
Embedded Systems Engineer

A detailed comparison of the best Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) for embedded systems development, focusing on features, performance, and suitability for different project types.

Introduction​

Choosing the right IDE for embedded development can significantly impact your productivity and code quality. This comprehensive review compares the top IDEs used in embedded systems development, evaluating their features, performance, and suitability for different project types.

Evaluation Criteria​

We evaluated each IDE based on:

  • Code editing features (syntax highlighting, autocomplete, refactoring)
  • Debugging capabilities (breakpoints, variable inspection, call stack)
  • Build system integration (make, cmake, custom build systems)
  • Cross-compilation support (ARM, RISC-V, other architectures)
  • Plugin ecosystem (extensibility, community support)
  • Performance (startup time, memory usage, responsiveness)
  • Learning curve (ease of use, documentation quality)
  • Cost (free vs. paid, licensing model)

Top IDEs for Embedded Development​

1. Visual Studio Code​

Rating: 9.5/10

Visual Studio Code has become the go-to IDE for many embedded developers due to its excellent plugin ecosystem and cross-platform support.

Strengths​

  • Extensive plugin ecosystem with embedded-specific extensions
  • Excellent debugging support with GDB integration
  • Built-in Git integration for version control
  • Cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux)
  • Free and open-source
  • IntelliSense with excellent autocomplete
  • Integrated terminal for build commands

Key Extensions for Embedded Development​

{
  "recommendations": [
    "ms-vscode.cpptools",
    "ms-vscode.cmake-tools",
    "ms-vscode.hexeditor",
    "marus25.cortex-debug",
    "dan-c-underwood.arm",
    "ms-vscode.remote-ssh",
    "ms-vscode.remote-containers"
  ]
}

Configuration Example​

// .vscode/launch.json for GDB debugging
{
    "version": "0.2.0",
    "configurations": [
        {
            "name": "Debug ARM",
            "type": "cortex-debug",
            "request": "launch",
            "servertype": "openocd",
            "cwd": "${workspaceRoot}",
            "executable": "${workspaceRoot}/build/app.elf",
            "device": "STM32F4",
            "configFiles": [
                "interface/stlink.cfg",
                "target/stm32f4x.cfg"
            ]
        }
    ]
}

Best For​

  • Cross-platform development
  • Large codebases with multiple languages
  • Team collaboration with Git integration
  • Remote development on embedded targets

2. CLion​

Rating: 9.0/10

JetBrains CLion is a powerful C/C++ IDE with excellent embedded development features, though it's a paid solution.

Strengths​

  • Advanced code analysis with static analysis
  • Excellent refactoring tools
  • Integrated debugger with GDB support
  • CMake integration out of the box
  • Code generation and templates
  • Database integration for embedded databases
  • Version control integration

Embedded Development Features​

// CLion provides excellent code analysis
class SensorController {
private:
    volatile uint32_t* gpio_base;  // CLion detects volatile usage
    uint8_t sensor_count;
    
public:
    // CLion suggests const correctness
    uint8_t getSensorCount() const { return sensor_count; }
    
    // CLion detects potential null pointer dereference
    void readSensor(uint8_t sensor_id) {
        if (sensor_id >= sensor_count) return;  // CLion warning
        // Implementation
    }
};

Best For​

  • Professional development with budget for paid tools
  • Complex C++ projects with advanced features
  • Code quality and static analysis
  • Team environments with consistent tooling

3. Eclipse CDT​

Rating: 8.5/10

Eclipse CDT is a mature, feature-rich IDE specifically designed for C/C++ development with strong embedded support.

Strengths​

  • Mature and stable with long development history
  • Extensive plugin ecosystem for embedded development
  • Excellent debugging with GDB integration
  • Cross-compilation support for multiple architectures
  • Free and open-source
  • Plugin architecture for customization

Embedded Development Plugins​

  • GNU MCU Eclipse for ARM Cortex-M development
  • STM32CubeIDE for STM32 development
  • Zephyr RTOS plugin for Zephyr development
  • OpenOCD integration for hardware debugging

Configuration Example​

<!-- .cproject for ARM cross-compilation -->
<configuration id="com.st.stm32cube.ide.mcu.gnu.managedbuild.config.exe.debug.1234567890" name="Debug">
    <extension id="org.eclipse.cdt.core.ELF" point="org.eclipse.cdt.core.BinaryParser"/>
    <extension id="org.eclipse.cdt.core.GmakeErrorParser" point="org.eclipse.cdt.core.ErrorParser"/>
    <extension id="org.eclipse.cdt.core.CWDLocator" point="org.eclipse.cdt.core.ErrorParser"/>
    <extension id="org.eclipse.cdt.core.GASErrorParser" point="org.eclipse.cdt.core.ErrorParser"/>
    <extension id="org.eclipse.cdt.core.GLDErrorParser" point="org.eclipse.cdt.core.ErrorParser"/>
    <extension id="org.eclipse.cdt.core.GmakeErrorParser" point="org.eclipse.cdt.core.ErrorParser"/>
    <extension id="org.eclipse.cdt.core.CWDLocator" point="org.eclipse.cdt.core.ErrorParser"/>
    <extension id="org.eclipse.cdt.core.GASErrorParser" point="org.eclipse.cdt.core.ErrorParser"/>
    <extension id="org.eclipse.cdt.core.GLDErrorParser" point="org.eclipse.cdt.core.ErrorParser"/>
</configuration>

Best For​

  • Legacy embedded projects with existing Eclipse setup
  • STM32 development with STM32CubeIDE
  • Zephyr RTOS development
  • Large enterprise projects

4. PlatformIO​

Rating: 8.0/10

PlatformIO is a cross-platform IDE and unified debugger specifically designed for IoT and embedded development.

Strengths​

  • Unified development platform for multiple boards
  • Built-in package manager for libraries
  • Excellent board support (Arduino, ESP32, STM32, etc.)
  • CI/CD integration for automated builds
  • Remote development support
  • Free and open-source

Platform Configuration​

; platformio.ini
[env:rock5b]
platform = linux_arm
board = rock5b
framework = native
build_flags = 
    -DARM64
    -O2
    -Wall
monitor_speed = 115200
upload_protocol = ssh

Best For​

  • IoT development with multiple platforms
  • Rapid prototyping with Arduino/ESP32
  • Cross-platform embedded projects
  • Educational and hobbyist development

5. Qt Creator​

Rating: 7.5/10

Qt Creator is a cross-platform IDE with excellent support for Qt-based embedded applications.

Strengths​

  • Excellent Qt integration for GUI applications
  • Cross-compilation support for embedded targets
  • Integrated debugger with GDB support
  • QML support for modern UI development
  • Free and open-source
  • Good performance and responsiveness

Embedded Qt Configuration​

# .pro file for embedded Qt application
QT += core widgets network

TARGET = embedded_app
TEMPLATE = app

# Cross-compilation settings
CONFIG += cross_compile
QMAKE_CC = aarch64-linux-gnu-gcc
QMAKE_CXX = aarch64-linux-gnu-g++
QMAKE_LINK = aarch64-linux-gnu-g++

# Embedded-specific settings
DEFINES += EMBEDDED_BUILD
CONFIG += release

SOURCES += main.cpp \
           mainwindow.cpp \
           sensorcontroller.cpp

HEADERS += mainwindow.h \
           sensorcontroller.h

Best For​

  • Qt-based embedded applications
  • GUI development for embedded systems
  • Cross-platform Qt projects
  • Industrial HMI development

Specialized Embedded IDEs​

1. STM32CubeIDE​

Rating: 8.0/10

STM32CubeIDE is a free IDE specifically designed for STM32 microcontroller development.

Strengths​

  • STM32-specific features and tools
  • STM32CubeMX integration for code generation
  • HAL library support
  • Free for STM32 development
  • Excellent debugging with ST-Link

Best For​

  • STM32 development exclusively
  • Rapid prototyping with STM32
  • Educational STM32 projects

2. IAR Embedded Workbench​

Rating: 8.5/10

IAR Embedded Workbench is a commercial IDE with excellent optimization and debugging capabilities.

Strengths​

  • Excellent code optimization for size and speed
  • Advanced debugging features
  • Wide architecture support (ARM, RISC-V, etc.)
  • Professional support and documentation
  • High-quality code analysis

Best For​

  • Commercial embedded development
  • Performance-critical applications
  • Professional development teams

3. Keil MDK​

Rating: 8.0/10

Keil MDK is a popular IDE for ARM Cortex-M development with excellent debugging support.

Strengths​

  • ARM Cortex-M optimized
  • Excellent debugging with ULINK
  • RTOS support (FreeRTOS, RTX)
  • Professional development tools
  • Good documentation

Best For​

  • ARM Cortex-M development
  • Professional embedded development
  • RTOS-based applications

Performance Comparison​

Startup Time​

  1. VS Code: 2-3 seconds
  2. CLion: 5-8 seconds
  3. Eclipse CDT: 8-12 seconds
  4. PlatformIO: 3-5 seconds
  5. Qt Creator: 4-6 seconds

Memory Usage (Idle)​

  1. VS Code: 200-300 MB
  2. CLion: 400-600 MB
  3. Eclipse CDT: 300-500 MB
  4. PlatformIO: 250-400 MB
  5. Qt Creator: 300-450 MB

Build Performance​

  1. CLion: Excellent (integrated build system)
  2. VS Code: Good (depends on extensions)
  3. Eclipse CDT: Good (mature build system)
  4. PlatformIO: Good (unified build system)
  5. Qt Creator: Good (Qt build system)

Recommendations by Use Case​

For Beginners​

Recommended: VS Code

  • Easy to learn and use
  • Excellent documentation
  • Large community support
  • Free and open-source

For Professional Development​

Recommended: CLion

  • Advanced features and analysis
  • Excellent debugging capabilities
  • Professional support
  • Worth the investment for teams

For STM32 Development​

Recommended: STM32CubeIDE

  • Purpose-built for STM32
  • Integrated tools and libraries
  • Free for STM32 development
  • Excellent documentation

For IoT Development​

Recommended: PlatformIO

  • Unified platform for multiple boards
  • Built-in package management
  • Excellent board support
  • Free and open-source

For Qt Applications​

Recommended: Qt Creator

  • Native Qt support
  • Excellent QML development
  • Cross-platform development
  • Free and open-source

Setup Guide for Rock 5B+ Development​

VS Code Setup for Rock 5B+​

# Install VS Code
wget -qO- https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc | gpg --dearmor > packages.microsoft.gpg
sudo install -o root -g root -m 644 packages.microsoft.gpg /etc/apt/trusted.gpg.d/
sudo sh -c 'echo "deb [arch=amd64,arm64,armhf signed-by=/etc/apt/trusted.gpg.d/packages.microsoft.gpg] https://packages.microsoft.com/repos/code stable main" > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/vscode.list'
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y code

# Install essential extensions
code --install-extension ms-vscode.cpptools
code --install-extension ms-vscode.cmake-tools
code --install-extension ms-vscode.hexeditor
code --install-extension ms-vscode.remote-ssh
code --install-extension marus25.cortex-debug

Remote Development Setup​

// .vscode/settings.json
{
    "remote.SSH.remotePlatform": {
        "rock5b": "linux"
    },
    "remote.SSH.configFile": "~/.ssh/config",
    "C_Cpp.default.configurationProvider": "ms-vscode.cmake-tools",
    "C_Cpp.default.compilerPath": "/usr/bin/aarch64-linux-gnu-gcc",
    "C_Cpp.default.intelliSenseMode": "linux-aarch64"
}

Conclusion​

The choice of IDE depends on your specific needs, budget, and project requirements:

  • VS Code is the best overall choice for most embedded developers
  • CLion is worth the investment for professional development
  • Eclipse CDT remains strong for legacy projects
  • PlatformIO excels for IoT and multi-platform development
  • Specialized IDEs like STM32CubeIDE are best for specific platforms

Consider your team size, budget, project complexity, and target platforms when making your choice. Most importantly, choose an IDE that you and your team are comfortable with and that supports your development workflow.

Resources​

Happy coding! 💻✨