How to install the extension¶
Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF Connect for VS Code Extension Pack turns VS Code into a complete IDE for developing applications with the nRF Connect SDK for devices from the nRF91 Series, nRF53 Series, and nRF52 Series. The extension is supported on Windows, macOS, or Linux. It includes an interface to the compiler and linker, an RTOS-aware debugger, a seamless interface to the nRF Connect SDK, and a serial terminal.
Installing with the nRF Connect SDK (recommended)¶
The nRF Connect for VS Code Extension Pack is meant to be used with the nRF Connect SDK. To install the extension pack, choose one of the following nRF Connect SDK installation options:
- Automatic nRF Connect SDK installation using Toolchain Manager - This is the recommended installation procedure when installing with the nRF Connect SDK.
- Manual nRF Connect SDK installation
Installing on Linux¶
If you are using the nRF Connect SDK version 2.0.0 or higher on Linux, follow the recommended procedure above. If you are using an older version of the nRF Connect SDK, complete the following steps:
- Install the nRF Command Line Tools.
- Install the nRF Connect SDK by following the manual installation steps.
- Install VS Code.
- Install the nRF Connect Extension Pack.
Installing from the Marketplace and VS Code¶
For evaluation purposes or in cases where you already have installed the nRF Connect SDK, you can install the nRF Connect for VS Code Extension Pack separately from the SDK.
To install the nRF Connect for VS Code Extension Pack manually, use one of the following options:
- Visit the Visual Studio Code Marketplace.
- Open the Extensions Ctrl+Shift+X sidebar directly in VS Code and search for the extension pack.
Migrating from other IDEs¶
If you have used the command line or other IDEs for work with the nRF Connect SDK, such as SEGGER Embedded Studio (SES), you can migrate your existing application to the Visual Studio Code. All you need to do is to use the Add an existing application option in the Welcome View and then follow the instructions for building an application.
Opening the extension¶
The installation adds the nRF Connect icon to the Activity Bar of the Visual Studio Code. Click the icon to open the extension or press Ctrl+Alt+N.