Occasionally, I get asked to build or modify boxes or prototyping platforms using open-source or off-the-shelf components.
There are multiple reasons to do this:
Sometimes, a client wants to be more hands-on, so I get them started with a working platform, and then they take over from there.
- Access to documentation
- Speed of implementation
- Ease of change and development
- Education for the client
IDEs that suck
Some integrated development environments are better than others. Some are very heavyweight with steep learning curves (looking at you, Eclipse), while others are too simple and, to be frank, a bit annoying to use (yeah, Arduino IDE—you know I’m talking about you!).
Then there are, err, ‘unique’ environments from the larger companies that are stuck in the middle: not fully featured enough to hack around, too simple to do everything I want, and with a vast number of annoying bugs and just plain weird design.
These IDEs are sometimes essential; they are the only game in town, and you’re stuck with them.
IDEs that don’t suck
I have always been a fan of Microsoft Visual Studio. It’s not too crazy, and it’s extensible enough that plugins or extensions are available to suit most tastes. VisualMicro is one such extension.
The idea is straightforward: install Arduino UI to install the backend infrastructure (compilers, libraries, board support, etc.), then use Visual Studio as the front end.
The installation is pretty straightforward; installing a version of Visual Studio – Community Edition will work. Next, if not already installed, throw on Arduino UI (not the silly web version)
Finally, install the VisualMicro extension from the Visual Studio Extension (VSIX) manager and restart.
For those who want a walk-through, hear it from the man himself:
The extension is not free; it has a 45-day trial, but for hobby use, it is only $12 per year. My commercial use is $45/year per machine.
This is money well spent, in my opinion.
Due diligence: I have no affiliation with VisualMicro. I’m writing to raise awareness of an excellent time-saving tool I recently discovered.
