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Arduino IDE vs Eclipse: What are the differences?
Introduction
Arduino IDE and Eclipse are two popular integrated development environments (IDEs) used for software development. While they both serve the same purpose, there are key differences that set them apart from each other.
Configuration and Customization: Arduino IDE provides a simplified and beginner-friendly interface with limited configuration options. It is designed to be accessible and easy to use for Arduino microcontroller programming. On the other hand, Eclipse offers extensive configuration and customization options, making it more suitable for advanced users and larger projects. The flexibility of Eclipse allows developers to tailor the environment to their specific needs.
Supported Languages: Arduino IDE is primarily focused on programming the Arduino boards and uses a simplified programming language based on C++. It is specifically designed for Arduino development. Eclipse, on the other hand, supports a wide range of programming languages including C, C++, Java, Python, and more. It is not limited to a specific platform or microcontroller, offering more versatility for different software development projects.
Debugging and Testing: Arduino IDE has limited debugging capabilities, mainly relying on serial printing and LED indicators for troubleshooting. Eclipse, on the other hand, provides advanced debugging features such as breakpoints, watchpoints, and step-by-step execution, making it easier to identify and fix issues in the code. It also offers built-in unit testing, making it more suitable for professional software development.
Integration and Plugin Ecosystem: Arduino IDE comes with a simple and straightforward interface with basic functionalities for Arduino programming. It has a limited plugin ecosystem, offering only a few useful extensions. Eclipse, on the other hand, has a vast plugin ecosystem that allows developers to extend its functionality. It offers integration with various tools and frameworks, making it more adaptable to different software development workflows.
Code Navigation and Refactoring: Arduino IDE lacks advanced code navigation and refactoring features. It does not provide features like automatic code completion, code outlining, or advanced search functionalities, which can make navigation and refactoring complex. Eclipse, on the other hand, provides powerful code navigation tools, making it easier to navigate and understand the codebase. It also offers automated refactoring tools that simplify code restructuring and maintenance.
Project Management: Arduino IDE is primarily focused on individual sketches or small projects. It lacks comprehensive project management features, making it challenging to manage complex projects with multiple files and dependencies. Eclipse, on the other hand, provides a robust project management system with features like project templates, build configurations, and dependency management. It allows developers to organize and build large-scale projects efficiently.
In summary, Arduino IDE is a beginner-friendly and simplistic IDE designed specifically for Arduino development, while Eclipse is a more advanced and versatile IDE that supports multiple programming languages and offers comprehensive customization, debugging, testing, and project management capabilities.
UPDATE: Thanks for the great response. I am going to start with VSCode based on the open source and free version that will allow me to grow into other languages, but not cost me a license ..yet.
I have been working with software development for 12 years, but I am just beginning my journey to learn to code. I am starting with Python following the suggestion of some of my coworkers. They are split between Eclipse and IntelliJ IDEA for IDEs that they use and PyCharm is new to me. Which IDE would you suggest for a beginner that will allow expansion to Java, JavaScript, and eventually AngularJS and possibly mobile applications?
Pycharm is great for python development, but can feel sometimes slow and community version has Somme very annoying restrictions (like they disabled jupyter notebooks plugin and made it premium feature). I personally started looking into VS Code as an alternative, and it has some very good potential. I suggest you take it into account.
The Community version of PyCharm is free and should give you what you need to get started with Python. Both PyCharm and IntelliJ are made by JetBrains. IntelliJ is initially focused on Java but you can get plugins for lots of other things. I subscribe to JetBrains' Toolbox: https://www.jetbrains.com/toolbox-app/ and have access to all of their great tools.
I couldn't imagine using a development tool other than the IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate All Products Pack. A single license allows me to work directly on my server running Ubuntu and/or my workstation running Windows 10 Pro simultaneously. My current project uses HTML, W3CSS, JavaScript, Java, Groovy, Grails, C, GO, Python, Flask, and Rust. For me it's worth every penny of the $150 license fee. And you can try it for free.
Hi, I will give my opinion based on my experience. I have used PyCharm, both community and Professional version. The community has limited functions, like you can't use a Jupyter notebook whereas it's available in the Professional version. PyCharm is slower compared to Visual Studio Code. Also Visual Studio Code is an editor which supports various languages. I myself have used both Visual Studio Code and PyCharm. I feel Visual Studio Code would be better choice. You may as well decide based upon your requirements.
I'd personally recommend Visual Studio Code as it gives you the flexibility of working in any language, so long as there are extensions to support it. It gives you the flexibility to learn Python, venture into Java, Javascript, and eventually AngularJS, and potentially mobile applications. It's also free and you can install it on your personal computer. I think Visual Studio Code would serve your intended use case best.
Visual Studio code is easy to use, has a good UI, and a large community. Python works great with it, but unlike some other editors, it works with most languages either by default or by downloading a plugin. VS Code has built in linting, syntax coloring, autocompletes (IntelliSense), and an api for plugins to do there own tooling.
IntelliJ really is the best for Java, I switched from eclipse years ago and never looked back. As for javascript, python and angular either using the standalone products from jetbrains (pycharm for python, webstorm for js) or installing the relevant plugins for InteliJ will be your best bet. Pycharm etc. are really just InteliJ with some additional plugins installed.
If you starting with Python then PyCharm is better. For Java I would suggest to go with IntelliJ IDEA but people also prefer eclipse so I would say try both and then decide. For JS/Angular/React I would suggest go with VSCode. I personally use it and prefer as its light weight and have good integration with chrome for frontend development.
PyCharm, IntelliJ IDEA are both products of JetBrains. They have a free (limited feature) and paid edition. Eclipse is free. VSCode is also free.
Easy to learn and everything you need
This is a very easy to use tool and gives you the opportunity to start coding right after the installation with almost everything setup automatically by the tool.
All three are great, however, I believe that IntelliJ IDEA's multiple IDE's are slightly more straight-forward and more up-to date than Eclipse. If I had to choose one specifically for Python projects I would go with PyCharm.
Pycharm is all you need to get start coding in python or any of its framework. Its an awesome tool you should give it a try :)
I originally chose IntelliJ over Eclipse, as it was close enough to the look and feel of Visual Studio and we do go back and forth between the two. We really begin to love IntelliJ and their suite of IDEs so we are now using AppCode for the IOS development because the workflow is identical with the IntelliJ. IntelliJ is super complex and intimidating at first but it does afford a lot of nice utilities to get us produce clean code.
Pros of Arduino IDE
- Larger community online1
Pros of Eclipse
- Does it all131
- Integrates with most of tools76
- Easy to use64
- Java IDE63
- Best Java IDE32
- Open source9
- Hard for newbews3
- Great gdb integration2
- Professional2
- Good Git client allowing direct stage area edit2
- True open source with huge contribution2
- Great code suggestions2
- Extensible2
- Lightweight2
- Works with php0
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Cons of Arduino IDE
- No debugger1
Cons of Eclipse
- 2000 Design14
- Bad performance9
- Hard to use4