To set up ESP-IDF in VS Code, install Espressif’s ESP-IDF extension, use its ESP-IDF Installation Manager (EIM) to install ESP-IDF and its tools, select that installation for your workspace, then run ESP-IDF: Doctor Command to verify the configuration. You can install and configure the software without a board; an ESP32 and compatible USB data cable are needed when you are ready to build for and flash hardware.
Before you start
Install Visual Studio Code on Windows, macOS, or Linux, then open its Extensions view and install Espressif’s ESP-IDF extension. The extension’s installation documentation describes Windows as requiring no additional prerequisites for this extension setup; macOS and Linux users should follow Espressif’s operating-system-specific prerequisite instructions before installation. The extension and its requirements can change, so use the live documentation rather than an old fixed list of tool versions or packages: ESP-IDF Extension for VS Code documentation and extension README.
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You do not need an ESP32 board merely to install ESP-IDF or create and configure a project. For a physical build-and-flash workflow, Espressif lists an ESP32 board, a USB cable, and a Windows, Linux, or macOS computer as hardware requirements. Check the exact board’s USB connector before choosing a cable; not every board uses the same connector. See Espressif’s ESP32 getting-started guide.
Install ESP-IDF and its tools with EIM
- Open VS Code’s Command Palette and run ESP-IDF: Open ESP-IDF Installation Manager.
- In the ESP-IDF Installation Manager, choose and install an ESP-IDF setup along with its associated tools. Follow the installer’s available choices rather than assuming a particular version number; the rolling documentation and installer determine what is current.
- After installation, open the Command Palette and run ESP-IDF: Select Current ESP-IDF Version. Select the setup you just installed for the current workspace. The extension stores this selection in workspace state and configures the environment it needs.
EIM installations are normally detected automatically through eim_idf.json. If that file is outside its default location, the extension setting idf.eimIdfJsonPath lets you point to it. The extension documentation also describes downloading EIM separately; use Espressif’s provided links there if you need that route.
#1 Best Overall
- 2.4GHz Dual Mode WiFi + Bluetooth Development Board
- Support LWIP protocol, Freertos
- SupportThree Modes: AP, STA, and AP+STA
- Ultra-Low power consumption, Compatible with Arduino IDE
- ESP32 is a safe, reliable, and scalable to a variety of applications
Verify the installation
Run ESP-IDF: Doctor Command from the Command Palette and review the configuration it reports. Espressif’s extension FAQ answers “How do I know if the ESP-IDF extension is installed correctly?” by directing users to this command: ESP-IDF Extension for VS Code FAQ.
If the selected setup does not appear to be taking effect, check for manually defined ESP-IDF environment variables. Espressif notes that environment variables take precedence over the setup selected in the extension. Remove conflicting manual values if you intend to use the selected EIM installation, then run the Doctor Command again.
Rank #2
- Dual-Core Performance Up to 240 MHz: Run sensor processing, wireless communication, automation logic and connected-device tasks on a 32-bit dual-core ESP32 platform designed for responsive embedded and IoT projects
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2: Connect to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks or use Bluetooth Classic and BLE for wireless sensors, smart devices, remote controls, home automation and other connected projects
- Flexible Power-Saving Modes: ESP32 power-management features support dynamic clock scaling and low-power operating modes, helping developers reduce energy use in compatible sensing, monitoring and connected-device applications, suitable for battery-powered Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
- USB-C Programming with CP2102: Connect through USB-C for power, sketch uploads and serial monitoring, while GPIO, UART, SPI and I2C interfaces support sensors, displays, motor drivers and other modules (USB-C cable not included)
- Over-the-Air Update Support: Configure OTA functionality through a compatible ESP-32 software framework to update deployed firmware over Wi-Fi without reconnecting the board by USB for every revision
Create a project and choose its ESP32 target
- Use the extension’s project-creation flow to start from an ESP-IDF example or select a sample/template for a blank project. Choose a project appropriate for your intended device and application.
- In the project, set the correct target for the ESP32-family chip you will use. Run ESP-IDF: Set Espressif Device Target and select the matching target; the target needs to agree with the board or module, not just the general ESP32 family name.
- Run ESP-IDF: SDK Configuration Editor to adjust project settings. Save configuration changes before building. Espressif documents these project and configuration steps in its VS Code extension guide.
Build, flash, and monitor a physical board
Once the project target and settings are in place, connect the board using a cable compatible with its connector, select the serial port exposed by the connected device, then use the extension’s build, flash, and monitor actions. The exact device-handling steps can vary by board and operating system; the extension documentation covers these workflows.
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Connector details are board-specific. For example, Espressif’s ESP32-DevKitC V4 guide specifies a USB 2.0 Standard-A to Micro-B cable for that board. Its Micro-USB interface supplies power and supports communication between the computer and module. Treat this as a V4 example, not a universal requirement for ESP32 boards.
Rank #3
- Powerful ESP-32 Board: Unlock the world of Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced electronics with the heart of this kit: the ESP-32 board. It features a powerful dual-core processor, integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, making it perfect for building connected, smart devices that communicate with your phone or the cloud. It's fully compatible with the Arduino IDE for easy programming.
- Super Starter Kit: This kit contains over 35 different modules and electronic components, including sensors, displays, motors, and input devices. From LEDs and buttons to an OLED screen, servo motor, and keypad, you have everything needed to explore a vast range of projects in one box.
- Step by Step Online Tutorial: Jump right in with our detailed, beginner-friendly tutorial. Access 30+ projects with complete code, clear circuit diagrams, and step-by-step instructions. Learn the fundamentals of electronics, coding, and how to utilize the ESP-32's unique capabilities without any prior experience.
- Hands-on Learning for All Skill Levels: Perfect for students, makers, engineers, and hobbyists. Start with basic circuits and coding, then progress to intermediate and advanced IoT applications. Build practical projects like weather stations, smart home controllers, remote-controlled devices, and interactive gadgets. The skills you learn are the foundation for real-world innovation.
- Quality & Great Support: Elegoo is committed to quality. We provide a clear, detailed tutorial guide, refined code, and a well-organized component kit. All modules are carefully selected for reliability and ease of use. Our dedicated technical support team and active online community are ready to help you succeed in your learning journey.
Remote and headless VS Code setups
For SSH, WSL, Dev Containers, Codespaces, and browser-based VS Code contexts, the extension documentation says the setup flow uses the EIM wizard rather than its graphical installer. Follow the extension’s current instructions for the host environment and make sure ESP-IDF and the tools are installed in the environment where the extension will run.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Path and version caveats
Do not rely on a fixed ESP-IDF release, extension release, or toolchain version from an older tutorial: Espressif’s installation documentation is rolling, and the installer presents the current choices. One legacy caveat is version-specific: Espressif says configured paths do not support spaces for ESP-IDF versions earlier than 5.0. That restriction should not be generalized to current versions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 2.4GHz Dual Mode WiFi + Bluetooth Development Board
- Ultra-Low power consumption, works perfectly with the Arduino IDE
- Support LWIP protocol, Freertos
- SupportThree Modes: AP, STA, and AP+STA
- ESP32 is a safe, reliable, and scalable to a variety of applications
Rank #4
- 2.4GHz Dual Mode WiFi + Bluetooth Development Board
- Support LWIP protocol, Freertos;ESP32 is a safe, reliable, and scalable to a variety of applications
- SupportThree Modes: AP, STA, and AP+STA
- Ultra-Low power consumption, Compatible with Arduino IDE
- 1PCS 30Pin ESP32 Development Board 2.4GHz WiFi Dual Cores Microcontroller Integrated with Antenna RF Low Noise Amplifiers Filters
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