The Arduino IDE is the basic development platform used by the beginners. Arduino is an open-source electronics prototyping platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software. It’s meant for artists, hobbyists, and anyone interested in creating innovative projects. However, if you are someone having strong programming background, you will find the classic Arduino IDE to be basic. If you want to have more features into your project development, there is always alternative ways to it. There are alternatives to Arduino IDE that provide advanced functionality such as auto-complete, spell checking, syntax highlighting, file system explorers, and debugging capabilities. Let’s look at some of the alternatives that can expand our Arduino programming experience.

PlatformIO

PlatformIO, new generation toolset for embedded c/c++, is one of the pertinent alternatives for Arduino IDE. It is an open-source, cross-platform Integrated Development Environment for IoT. This platform supports multi projects, themes, library management along with unified debugger. Unlike Arduino IDE, it has intelligent code completion and smart code linter for professional development. Moreover, it supports other boards such as Raspberry, ESP32, ESP8266 and many others. In addition, it provides an attractive and user-friendly interface different from standard Arduino IDE. In terms of features, you get an IDE that is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Atom etc. PlatformIO is also totally free which means you do not need to pay out extra cash when in need of an IDE.

Eclipse Arduino IDE

Most of you might be quite familiar with Eclipse and Netbeans if you are a Java programmer. Eclipse is a versatile environment that supports languages like c/c++, java and so on. They can be used to compile and upload codes to the microcontrollers as well. All you need is to configure the IDE, install the plugin to support this feature. Once installed, select the platform or SDK that include all the libraries necessary to build the application. Learn how to configure Arduino IDE with Eclipse here.

Microsoft Visual Studio

It turns out that you can use visual studio with Arduino! Visual studio code is an Integrated Development Environment from Microsoft. Even though it is a Microsoft IDE, you can use it on both Windows and Mac computers. It supports different programming languages including C, C++, VB.NET, C# etc. In addition, it also supports XML/XSLT, HTML/XHTML, JavaScript and CSS. Moreover, it allows the code editor and debugger to support literally all the languages, provided a language-specific service exists.

Visual Studio helps you write Arduino code easily with syntax highlighting, code error hints. It provides certain vantages like a lot of available extensions, Works on a variety of platforms, Extensive documentation. Also, it supports several Arduino boards and provides you with the necessary libraries.

Programino IDE for Arduino

Programino IDE, with its several features, can be used with Arduino/ Genuino boards or compatible microcontrollers. It supports HTML, JavaScript, C/C++ and several others. This platform provides you with pertinent features like syntax highlighting, code completion, function explorer, code folding. Finally and most importantly it has hardware viewer facility where you can view hardware which makes it easy with its structure, pin number etc.

Ktechlab

Ktechlab is an open-source platform for microcontrollers. The platform supports a wide range of development activities in its environment which includes supportive features missing in the Arduino IDE. It supports circuit simulation, for linear and non linear devices as well.  In addition, It includes program development for microcontrollers and simulating the programmed microcontroller together with its application circuit. It can provide information such as voltage, current flowing through the circuit. Ktechlab c runs on Linux and Windows.

EmbedeXcode

This platform is mainly for those who code on Mac OS. Xcode is a development tool you can use to create Mac and iOS apps. You can also use it to create Arduino programs.  It eases development for the most popular embedded computing boards. If you’re used to developing in Xcode, all you need to do is utilize the embedXcode template to create Arduino programs. Out of all these options, if you’re already using Xcode, this can provide you with a nice, quick transition out of the Arduino IDE.

Codebender

Codebender is an opensource cloud Arduino IDE. It uses a cloud-compiler to convert the source code and upload it in Arduino. Since it works online, you do not need to install the application. It supports several boards and has code highlighting and similar features. Moreover, you can access your code from anywhere which is why its a cloud-based IDE. It supports several boards, and you can upload your board definition incase you do not find a specific board which makes this platform very versatile. In addition, you have a splendid opportunity to view codes written by others and enhance your knowledge.

Atmel Studio

Atmel Studio is an Integrated Development Platform that supports SAM and AVR microcontrollers. The Atmel Studio gives you a seamless and easy-to-use environment to write, build and debug your applications written in C/C++ or assembly code. In sum, it provides all the features to easily develop your application. Additionally, Studio includes Atmel Gallery, an online app store that allows you to extend your development environment with plug-ins developed by Microchip as well as third-party tool and embedded software vendors. 

UECIDE

Universal Embedded Computing IDE – UECIDE is generic IDE based on the Arduino IDE which supports all the available boards. It provides a framework where a board developer can simply drop-in board definitions and chip on the boards without making any modifications to the working of IDE. Thus a potential alternatives to Arduino IDE.

Zerynth

Zerynth is a set of software tools for designing embedded applications and IoT connected devices. It uses any 32-bit microcontrollers and connects to any cloud infrastructure. It is seen mainly in Python & hybrid C/Python language. Likewise, it is the Android for the embedded world. In other words, it is supporting applications in manufacturing, retail, robotics, home automation and all other market sectors of IoT. It allows Time to market reduction, Flexibility and scalability.