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nRF Connect for VS Code
What nRF Connect for VS Code is
nRF Connect for VS Code is a free extension for developing, building, and debugging applications based on the nRF Connect SDK. Supported devices include the nRF91, nRF70, nRF53, and nRF52 Series. The environment provides interfaces to the compiler and linker, an RTOS-aware debugger, and integrated flashing. A DeviceTree Visual Editor and a wizard for creating new boards support configuration work. It also includes a built-in terminal with command-line and graphical interfaces. The product comprises four Nordic extensions: nRF Connect for VS Code, nRF DeviceTree, nRF Kconfig, and nRF Terminal. Nordic says all four need to be installed and used together for supported SDKs and full functionality. The main extension is available in the Visual Studio Code Marketplace, and Nordic documentation also lists the extensions in the Open VSX Registry for VSIX-compatible editors. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Nordic identifies nRF Connect for Desktop and nRF Command Line Tools as additional desktop tools, and recommends its nRF Connect SDK Fundamentals course for getting started.
Who it suits
This extension suits developers building applications with the nRF Connect SDK for the listed Nordic device series. It is intended for people working in Visual Studio Code or a VSIX-compatible editor.
What it does well
- Free extension for nRF Connect SDK development.
- Supports four listed Nordic device series.
- Includes an RTOS-aware debugger and integrated flashing.
- Provides visual device configuration tools and a board wizard.
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
What to know first
- All four Nordic extensions must be installed and used together.
- Nordic identifies two additional desktop tools.
- The Extension Pack is deprecated.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| nRF Connect for VS Code | IDE extension for nRF Connect SDK development · supports nRF91, nRF70, nRF53, and nRF52 Series | Free |
As nordicsemi.com lists them, read 2 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Open the nRF Connect for VS Code listing in the Visual Studio Code Marketplace, or use the Open VSX Registry for a compatible editor.
- Install the four Nordic extensions: nRF Connect for VS Code, nRF DeviceTree, nRF Kconfig, and nRF Terminal.
- Use the extensions together with a supported nRF Connect SDK.
- Use nRF Connect for Desktop and nRF Command Line Tools as additional desktop tools.
- Follow Nordic’s nRF Connect SDK Fundamentals course for getting started.
Verdict
nRF Connect for VS Code brings build, configuration, and debugging tools for supported Nordic devices into an editor environment. Plan to install all four extensions and account for the additional desktop tools Nordic identifies.
Questions
How much does nRF Connect for VS Code cost?
The listed plan is free.
Which devices does it support?
It supports nRF91, nRF70, nRF53, and nRF52 Series devices.
Which operating systems can run it?
The listed desktop platforms are Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Do I need other extensions?
Yes. Nordic says the four extensions—nRF Connect for VS Code, nRF DeviceTree, nRF Kconfig, and nRF Terminal—must be installed and used together for supported SDKs and all features.
Where can I get the extensions?
Nordic lists them in the Visual Studio Code Marketplace and the Open VSX Registry for VSIX-compatible editors.
Who makes it?
It is made by Nordic Semiconductor, established in 1983 and headquartered in Trondheim, Norway.
Facts from nRF Connect for VS Code's own pages
- Additional tools
- Nordic identifies nRF Connect for Desktop and nRF Command Line Tools as needed desktop tools on the product page. · nordicsemi.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Build and debug
- The IDE provides interfaces to the compiler and linker and an RTOS-aware debugger. · nordicsemi.com, 2 Oct 2026
- CLI and GUI
- The environment includes a built-in terminal and both command-line and graphical interfaces. · nordicsemi.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Company support
- Nordic says it provides technical support through offices and representatives worldwide. · nordicsemi.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Configuration
- Features include a DeviceTree Visual Editor and a Create New Board wizard. · nordicsemi.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Device support
- Nordic lists support for nRF91, nRF70, nRF53, and nRF52 Series devices. · nordicsemi.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Distribution
- Nordic says the extension is available in the Visual Studio Code Marketplace and links to installation instructions in its technical documentation. · nordicsemi.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Extension dependency
- Nordic says all four extensions must be installed and used together for the product to work correctly with supported SDKs and to use all features. · docs.nordicsemi.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Extension Pack status
- As of June 2026, the nRF Connect for Visual Studio Code Extension Pack is deprecated because the main extension installs the other extensions. · docs.nordicsemi.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 1983 · nordicsemi.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Getting started
- Nordic recommends its nRF Connect SDK Fundamentals course in the Nordic Developer Academy for getting started. · nordicsemi.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Headquarters
- Trondheim, Norway · nordicsemi.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Included extensions
- The product documentation describes four Nordic extensions: nRF Connect for VS Code, nRF DeviceTree, nRF Kconfig, and nRF Terminal. · docs.nordicsemi.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Maker
- Nordic Semiconductor says it was established in 1983 and is headquartered in Trondheim, Norway. · nordicsemi.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Open VSX
- Nordic documentation also lists the extensions in the Open VSX Registry for VSIX-compatible editors. · docs.nordicsemi.com, 2 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- The extension lets developers develop, build, and debug applications based on the nRF Connect SDK in Visual Studio Code. · nordicsemi.com, 2 Oct 2026
Where nRF Connect for VS Code stands on Freedom251
- Embedded Development IDEs#10 of 29