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nRF Connect for VS Code
Trondheim, Norway
What it is
nRF Connect for VS Code is a free Visual Studio Code extension for developing, building, and debugging applications based on the nRF Connect SDK. It supports nRF91, nRF70, nRF53, and nRF52 Series devices. Build interfaces connect to the compiler and linker, while an RTOS-aware debugger and integrated flashing support development workflows. A DeviceTree Visual Editor and Create New Board wizard help configure projects. The environment includes a built-in terminal plus command-line and graphical interfaces. The product uses four Nordic extensions: nRF Connect for VS Code, nRF DeviceTree, nRF Kconfig, and nRF Terminal. Nordic says all four must be installed and used together for supported SDKs and full functionality. The extension is available through the Visual Studio Code Marketplace, with Open VSX listings for compatible editors. Nordic also identifies nRF Connect for Desktop and nRF Command Line Tools as additional desktop tools. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
For and against
For
- Supports four Nordic device series
- RTOS-aware debugger included
- DeviceTree visual configuration editor
- Integrated flashing listed
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux
Against
- Four extensions must be installed together
- Additional Nordic desktop tools are identified
- Extension Pack is deprecated
The verdict
nRF Connect for VS Code provides Nordic SDK build, configuration, debugging, and flashing tools inside a free editor extension. Its multi-extension setup and additional desktop-tool requirements should be planned before installation.
Who it suits
This extension suits developers building nRF Connect SDK applications for Nordic device series. It is intended for Visual Studio Code and compatible editor workflows.
Plans and prices
nRF Connect for VS Code
IDE extension for nRF Connect SDK development · supports nRF91, nRF70, nRF53, and nRF52 Series
Read 2 Oct 2026 · nordicsemi.com
On the record
- Additional tools
- Nordic identifies nRF Connect for Desktop and nRF Command Line Tools as needed desktop tools on the product page.nordicsemi.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Build and debug
- The IDE provides interfaces to the compiler and linker and an RTOS-aware debugger.nordicsemi.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- CLI and GUI
- The environment includes a built-in terminal and both command-line and graphical interfaces.nordicsemi.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Company support
- Nordic says it provides technical support through offices and representatives worldwide.nordicsemi.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Configuration
- Features include a DeviceTree Visual Editor and a Create New Board wizard.nordicsemi.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Device support
- Nordic lists support for nRF91, nRF70, nRF53, and nRF52 Series devices.nordicsemi.com · read 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 · read 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 · read 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 · read 2 Oct 2026
- Getting started
- Nordic recommends its nRF Connect SDK Fundamentals course in the Nordic Developer Academy for getting started.nordicsemi.com · read 2 Oct 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 · read 2 Oct 2026
- Maker
- Nordic Semiconductor says it was established in 1983 and is headquartered in Trondheim, Norway.nordicsemi.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Open VSX
- Nordic documentation also lists the extensions in the Open VSX Registry for VSIX-compatible editors.docs.nordicsemi.com · read 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 · read 2 Oct 2026
