The C/C++ software platform and libraries for fast and flexible microcontroller prototyping

The mbed SDK provides a solid C/C++ startup environment and peripheral abstraction libraries to enable clean API-driven coding for microcontrollers. Much of the low-level work normally associated with microcontroller code development can be eliminated, meaning less time spent with datasheets and more on developing and iterating your application prototypes.

The SDK focuses on reusable library functionality, and supports the main functions of the microcontrollers with simple and meaningful peripheral API abstractions that are intuitive and already tested. And there is even a "Hello World!" example for every peripheral, so you'll be able to get started before you even know it.

The mbed C/C++ SDK is fully integrated with the mbed Online Compiler so it all works out-of-the-box, leaving you to worry about application functionality. The SDK is also compatible with other offline ARMCC and GCC toolchains, so you can start your prototype using the speed and simplicity of the mbed online platform, and choose to export at any time if your project demands more control or complex configuration.

High-level Peripheral APIs¶

The mbed SDK gives you an API-driven approach to microcontroller coding.

We've done all the hard work of implementing drivers for the different mbed Microcontrollers, so you don't have to. It is liberating to fire up an interface, knowing it'll just work!

You can code using meaningful abstract objects and API calls, so you don't need to learn the microcontroller hardware details to get going. and there is even a "Hello World!" example for every peripheral, just to get you started before you know it.

Take a look at some of these interfaces to get a feel of how it works: DigitalOut, AnalogIn, SPI, USBMouse, Timer, CAN

But if needed, you can always bypass the APIs and talk directly to the microcontroller hardware using the low-level Cortex Microcontroller Software Interface Standard (CMSIS) APIs. Ideal when they are fine for most of your project, but one aspect needs specific low-level control.

For all the mbed C/C++ SDK APIs, see the mbed Handbook

Support for Multiple Toolchains¶

Our goal with the mbed Compiler and mbed SDK is to enable a consistent and stable fully integrated development platform that just works. This helps provide a consistent context for development, code sharing, and questions and answers with other developers that helps you be more productive, especially when prototyping.

However, the mbed C/C++ SDK used with the mbed Online Compiler is also compatible with a number of other popular ARM microcontroller toolchains!

If you'd like to use the mbed Microcontrollers or mbed C/C++ SDK with an alternate tool, or simply migrate to one as your project develops past prototype, you can choose to export an mbed project to the toolchain of your choice by right-clicking on them in the IDE.

You can read more about this on the Exporting to offline toolchains handbook page.