The mbed Compiler provides a lightweight online C/C++ IDE that is pre-configured to let you quickly write programs and compile and download them to run on your mbed Microcontroller. In fact, you don't have to install or set up anything to get running with mbed. Because it is a web app, you can log in from anywhere and carry on where you left off, and you are free to work on Windows, Mac or Linux, or all three.

It may be online and lightweight, but it is also powerful. The compiler uses the professional ARMCC compiler engine, so it produces efficient code that can be used free-of-charge, even in commercial applications. The IDE includes workspace version control, code formatting and auto-generation of documentation for published libraries. The mbed tools are focused on prototyping and designed for fast experimentation, and complement other professional production-level tools; you can even export directly to other toolchains if you choose, as you progress to productise your design.

You can publish projects directly from your compiler workspace to the mbed.org website to share code with others, and pull existing libraries in to your workspace to get a head start.

Features¶

Code IDE

• Full code editor! Syntax highlighting, standard editor keyboard shortcuts, copy/paste etc
• Personal workspace with multiple files, folders, programs, including drag 'n' drop folder interface
• Code auto-formatter

Compile Engine

• Pre-configured compile engine that "just works", delivering .bin binary file to save to mbed microcontroller
• Switch between different mbed targets with single dropdown
• Output of compile-time messages, including click to go to error and error message wiki
• Build information including graphical display of code size and RAM usage

Built-in Version Control

• Built-in program version control (DVCS)
• Commit, update and branching
• View graphs, diffs, changesets

Importing and Exporting

• Import programs from online catalogue of published programs
• Publish your code directly from the compiler to the mbed Developer Website
• Import from and export to local zip files

Your Programs and Program Workspace¶

Every mbed user account gets their own private compiler workspace which contains their programs. This is private to you, and available wherever you login to mbed.

The compiler IDE also allows you to easily publish your programs or libraries to the code section of the mbed Developer Website, so you can easily share your achievements (or problems!) with others.

Compilation¶

To perform the actual compilation the mbed Compiler uses the industry standard ARM RVDS 4.1 compiler engine, in the default configuration.