Side by side
ESP-IDF Extension for VS Code vs STM32CubeIDE
Both stand on embedded systems toolchains. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan ExtensionLinuxMac+1
The extension provides a broad ESP-IDF development workflow inside Visual Studio Code, from project setup to flashing and debugging. Developers should check the platform prerequisites and confirm their target chip is supported.
Visit ESP-IDF Extension for VS Code Free plan ExtensionLinuxMac+1
STM32CubeIDE combines editing, build, and debugging tools for STM32 development across two variants. Check which variant supports your target and note the 64-bit operating-system requirement.
Visit STM32CubeIDEThe facts
| ESP-IDF Extension for VS Code | STM32CubeIDE | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Extension, Linux, Mac, Windows | Extension, Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | docs.espressif.com | st.com |
| On embedded systems toolchains | #4 of 30 | #15 of 30 |
ESP-IDF Extension for VS Code: what it does well
- Builds projects with CMake and Ninja.
- Flashes devices over UART, DFU, or JTAG.
- Includes device and postmortem debugging.
- Offers tracing, coverage, and binary-size tools.
- Free and open source under Apache License 2.0.
What to know first
- Visual Studio Code is required.
- macOS and Linux have system prerequisite instructions.
- Targets ESP-IDF projects for Espressif chips.
STM32CubeIDE: what it does well
- Free to download and use
- Supports GCC and Clang toolchains
- Includes RTOS debugging and fault analysis
- Supports ST-LINK and SEGGER J-Link probes
- Available for 64-bit Windows, Linux, and macOS
What to know first
- Supports 64-bit operating systems only
- Application is proprietary ST software
- VS Code variant supports STM32 MCUs, not all MPUs
Alternatives to ESP-IDF Extension for VS Code Alternatives to STM32CubeIDE The whole list