While it is true, at this time, Arduino is estimated as one of the most famous electronic prototyping platforms of all. Since, it is based on a flexible open source hardware and software that allows to build any kind of project and implement better ideas in the world of technology. So, With Arduino, the biggest limit is the imagination of your users.
For its part, thanks to the fact that this tool is linked to a multiplatform integrated development environment, Arduino manages to facilitate the use of electronics and programming in multidisciplinary projects. For which, it will be necessary install and download the Arduino IDE in order to compile the projects and make sure that Arduino provide device operation with specific programming languages.
On the other hand, to take advantage of the advantages of open source, many designers, artists and hobbyists prefer drive the Arduino IDE via Ubuntu Linux machine. For this reason, in this post, we will show you the steps to follow to download and install Arduino on Linux from scratch and, in addition, the benefits that this guarantees.
Learn step by step how to download and install the Arduino IDE on Linux
Luckily, unlike other platforms available on the market, Arduino It stands for provide a multiplatform environment developed with Java and because of this, it is possible to use it on any operating system independently (Windows, Mac and Linux).
Which means that when downloading the Arduino IDE, users of Linux find a specific option to get the software on your computer for free. But, beyond downloading the program in question, there are many linuxers that wonder how they can perform a proper installation of this environment on their machine.
Reason why, in this section of the post, we will detail each of the steps to follow when downloading and installing the Arduino IDE in Ubuntu Linux:
Download the program
To start, you have to enter the official Arduino website: arduino.cc. From there, proceed to click on the tab that says “Software” at the top and in the drop-down menu, select the option that indicates “Downloads”. Now, in the Downloads box, look for the Linux options and choose the one of your preference (32-bit or 64-bit).
For its part, one of the most modern versions of the Arduino IDE correspond to the branch “1.8.x” and another branch that refers to version “1.0.x”. Valuing that, among them, the main distinction lies in the plate models Arduino with those who have compatibility. Therefore, generally, it is recommended to download the branch “1.8.x”, thanks to the fact that it supports the largest number of recent boards, compared to other versions.
Unzip the downloaded file
Followed by the above, it is time to start decompress the compressed file that is provided, free of charge, by arduino.cc. This, it is advisable to carry it out through the Home and not from the section “Downloads”. Since, in this way, certain problems can be avoided when you clean the system, later.
Once you do this, you will see a package with several files that have two executable files. Which, they are not needed when installing Arduino IDE on Ubuntu Linux, specifically. Well, rather, you will have to open a terminal in the folder to proceed with the following.
Install the Arduino IDE from the terminal
As we indicated above, it is relevant that you proceed to open a terminal from the folder where all the files that make up the package are located provided by Arduino. When you do it, you have to enter the following in the operating system terminal: sudo chmod +x install.sh.
Through this command or command, Linux will proceed to run the corresponding installation file, without having to use a root user account. In addition to this, it is also appropriate start the following in terminal: ./install.sh. Well, with that last instruction, finally, the installation of the development environment of Arduino in you Ubuntu Linux.
Follow the wizard’s instructions
After the above, the most important thing at this point, it is based on following or obeying each and every one of the orders set by the system assistant. With this, once several seconds or minutes are up, you will have fully installed the Arduino IDE on your Linux. Assessing that, automatically, you will see the shortcut on your desktop to start programming all the maker projects you want.
Launch Arduino IDE from Linux
After installing the software Arduino in your team Linux, you will meet a code editor. Which, to function in a timely manner, requires some components to be connected to the equipment. Among them, we highlight: a 5V power cord, a USB printer cable, and an Arduino development board (any model). With this, the program will be able to offer all its functionalities.
In addition, once you have the indicated elements on hand, we recommend you go to the section “Tools” from Arduino IDE and in the option it says “License plate”, You will have to choose the model to use to verify its compatibility. Added to this, it is also essential select the port through which you will communicate with the board and until, enable the option of “Get license plate information” to check its correct communication.
Is Linux the best operating system to program Arduino? Advantages and benefits
In general terms, Linux is distinguished as an operating system that provides great security, is stable and robust, as well as fast and efficient. In addition, due to its capabilities, it is not restricted to people with great computer skills and thus, manages to provide a quality user experience. However, Arduino is cataloged as a multiplatform solution.
With total independence, it offers its users the possibility of working with microcontrollers and thus, creating advanced projects that are very interesting in different areas. Added to that, It has a direct and simple programming environment, which is open source and expandable. Then, given the characteristics of both systems, these can be efficiently related to guarantee the construction of highly trained projects, from an easy and practical environment to handle.
Thanks to this, there are several advantages that reveal the fact of programming Arduino through Linux and here, we point out the most valuable:
- By default, the SDI by Arduino accepts C and C ++ programming languages, making use of special rules based on code structuring. These being computer languages that can be programmed via Linux easily, unlike other OS.
- Arduino is a recognized electronic prototyping platform based on flexible open source hardware and software. Whereas, Linux is free and does not present restrictions in its code. So both Arduino and Linux can complement each other perfectly to adapt to the requirements of each user.
- When building projects with Arduino, the creators do their best to get a good relationship between quality and time. Reason why, they need haste when compiling the necessary codes in the Arduino IDE and said speed, can be offered by Ubuntu Linux by its very nature.
- Thanks to the terminal that supports infinity of commands on Linux, designers or hobbyists using the Arduino IDE will have much more simplicity to run the software and even take action on it. Which also provides greater efficiency to compile projects.