Compare the Top Free Embedded Software Development Tools as of April 2025

What are Free Embedded Software Development Tools?

Embedded software development tools are used to write, compile, debug and deploy applications for embedded systems. These tools consist of a range of editors, compilers, debuggers and programming languages specifically designed for embedded computing. Most development tools are provided by embedded system vendors or third-party providers. There is also a variety of open-source and free tools available from various online sources. Embedded software development tools are an essential part of the embedded design process and allow developers to create efficient and reliable software designs for their projects. Compare and read user reviews of the best Free Embedded Software Development tools currently available using the table below. This list is updated regularly.

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    Sublime Text

    Sublime Text

    Sublime HQ

    A sophisticated text editor for code, markup and prose. Use Goto Anything to open files with only a few keystrokes, and instantly jump to symbols, lines or words. Make ten changes at the same time, not one change ten times. Multiple selections allow you to interactively change many lines at once, rename variables with ease, and manipulate files faster than ever. The Command Palette holds infrequently used functionality, like sorting, changing the syntax and changing the indentation settings. With just a few keystrokes, you can search for what you want, without ever having to navigate through the menus or remember obscure key bindings. Sublime Text has a powerful, Python API that allows plugins to augment built-in functionality. Package Control can be installed via the command palette, providing simple access to thousands of packages built by the community.
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    Starting Price: $80 one-time fee
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    Apache NetBeans

    Apache NetBeans

    Apache Software Foundation

    Apache NetBeans is a versatile, open-source Integrated Development Environment (IDE) used for developing applications across a wide range of programming languages, including Java, JavaScript, PHP, HTML5, and C/C++. Known for its modular architecture, NetBeans provides robust tools and features that cater to the needs of developers working on desktop, mobile, and web applications. It includes intelligent code editing, debugging, and profiling capabilities, along with a built-in visual GUI builder for designing Java-based user interfaces. NetBeans also offers support for version control systems like Git, SVN, and Mercurial, facilitating seamless team collaboration. As an Apache Software Foundation project, NetBeans benefits from an active community that continuously improves and expands its functionality, making it a reliable and flexible choice for developers across various domains.
    Starting Price: Free
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    Visual Studio

    Visual Studio

    Microsoft

    Full-featured IDE to code, debug, test, and deploy to any platform. Code faster. Work smarter. Create the future with the best-in-class IDE. Develop with the entire toolset from initial design to final deployment. Improved IntelliSense performance for C++ files. Local development with many common emulators. Simplified test access in Solution Explorer. Git management and repo creation in the IDE. Kubernetes support now included in Microsoft Azure workload. It doesn’t matter what type of app you are building, what language you program in, or what OS you’re on; with Live Share you can instantly share your project with your peers from the comfort of your own tools. No need to clone a repo or set up the environment, to get sharing.
    Starting Price: $45.00 per month
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    MPLAB Code Configurator
    MPLAB® Code Configurator (MCC) is a free, graphical programming environment that generates seamless, easy-to-understand C code to be inserted into your project. Using an intuitive interface, it enables and configures a rich set of peripherals and functions specific to your application. It supports 8-bit, 16-bit and 32-bit PIC® microcontrollers. MCC is incorporated into both the downloadable MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and the cloud-based MPLAB Xpress IDE. Free graphical programming environment. Intuitive interface for quick start development. Automated configuration of peripherals and functions. Minimized reliance upon product datasheet. Reduces overall design effort and time. From novice to expert. Accelerates generation of production ready code. Requiring no downloads, no machine configuration and no waiting, MPLAB Xpress is the easiest way to get started using MCC.
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    Perforce Helix Core
    Perforce version control — Helix Core — tracks and manages changes to your source code, digital assets, and large binary files. But it does so much more than that. Helix Core helps development teams move faster, even as they develop more complex products. And it provides a single source of truth across development. Contributors can sync their work into Helix Core from the tools they’re already using. Plus, Helix Core can handle everything. 10s of thousands of users. 10s of millions of daily transactions, 100s of terabytes of data. And 10,000+ concurrent commits. It can even deliver files quickly to remote users without the WAN wait. And it can be used on-premises or in the cloud. Spend less time dealing with tools and processes — and more time delivering value. Helix Core ensures that everyone is efficient. You'll get fast feedback, flexibility, and automation for faster builds. Stop wasting your developers’ time with manual workflows — and let them get back to coding.
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