Arduino IDE for Mac is software for writing programs (sketches) for the Arduino platform. This platform is aimed at amateur designers using Arduino to build simple automation and robotics systems. However, sometimes serious projects are created based on Arduino.

Suppose you want to create an industrial-scale project or manage important, highly technical projects. Although the program has a flexible system for implementing your ideas professionally, it was designed to be a learning tool.

Program components

Arduino for Mac consists of a code editor, a project manager, a compiler, and a module for loading firmware into the microcontroller. This integrated environment is written in Java and based on Processing and other open-source software. Unlike the online version of the code editor, the desktop version can be used without an Internet connection.

User-friendly interface

Arduino includes a text editor for program code, a message area, a text output window (console), a toolbar, and menus. The interface consists of the following components:

• File menu. The standard menu is responsible for saving, loading, importing, and exporting files;

• The Sketch Folder menu. By default, Arduino IDE saves each sketch in a separate folder. The folder name is the same as the name specified for the sketch when saved. You can change the working directory for sketch folders in the “Settings” menu item;

• The “Edit” menu contains commands for working with the code of your program. There are hotkeys for quick access to frequently used commands. Another useful function is the ability to copy for forums and in HTML format, allowing you to share your sketches. The clarity of the markup is saved as BB codes or HTML markup;

• Sketch menu. This menu duplicates the “Check / Compile” command from the control panel to check your code for errors and compile it if it is clear;

• The “Show sketch folder” menu opens the working directory of the Arduino IDE specified in the settings. “Add file…” allows you to open a text file or a sketch in a separate tab. We should also mention the import of libraries. Arduino IDE contains many pre-installed libraries.

Primary features

• common accessibility;

• user-friendly interface;

• cross-platform;

• all the necessary tools for work;

• several programming languages;

• The ability to deepen the knowledge of the C++ language;

• a built-in set of example programs;

• functions for saving, exporting, checking, searching, and replacing sketches.