Automated Host Tools
Installs CMake, Python 3, Ninja, DTC, and gcc following the Zephyr getting started guide. Skip it if you already have them.
IDE for Zephyr — Zephyr RTOS Development in VS Code
Build, flash, and debug Zephyr RTOS projects from VS Code
Formerly known as Zephyr IDE.
IDE for Zephyr works either as your full setup or alongside an existing Zephyr install — Docker, devcontainer, or a manual west install — via ZEPHYR_BASE detection.
Why IDE for Zephyr
Automated SDK Install
Drives west sdk to install and manage SDK versions and toolchains for any
architecture you target.
Cortex-Debug Integration
Built-in launch templates for ST-Link, J-Link, OpenOCD, and Black Magic Probe, with helper commands that resolve project, build, ELF, and toolchain paths.
Multiple Workspaces
Register several west workspaces and switch between them seamlessly from one VS Code window.
Team Sharing
Projects, builds, runners, overlays, and west / CMake args live in a
human-readable zephyr-ide.json you can commit.
Twister Testing
Add, run, and reconfigure Twister tests from the same UI as your builds.
Quick Links
Getting Started Install and set up IDE for Zephyr
What's New in 3.0 Highlights of the 3.0 release
User Guide Create projects, builds, and debug sessions
Reference Commands, settings, and launch helpers
Requirements
The extension can install host tools automatically on Ubuntu/Debian, macOS, and Windows by following the Zephyr Getting Started Guide. On other platforms, install the dependencies manually — see Host Tools Installation.
If Zephyr is already installed on your machine, set ZEPHYR_BASE and the extension will use it directly. See External Environments.
Video Tutorials
Getting Help
- Issues: GitHub Issues
- Discussions: GitHub Discussions
- Sample Project: IDE for Zephyr Sample Project