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Written by | Wu Ji (WeChat: 603311638)
Original | Article 50 of the series
Approximately 791 words, reading takes about 3 minutes
The software needed for microcontroller programming is actually not much. There are a lot of options online, such as Proteus simulation, LabVIEW, PyCharm, etc., but it is completely unnecessary to install so many at once.
In my years of development, I have really only used about 4 of them the most.
1. Keil Programming Development Environment(Essential)
This is the core tool used for writing and compiling programs, and it has a very important function of simulation, which quickly helps you locate bugs in the program, but it needs to be used with ST-Link or other simulators.
For general 51 series, I use C51 V9.0, and for STM32, I use Keil 4.72 or Keil 5. The 51 and STM32 are not compatible; if you install them, remember to place them in different folders, otherwise, it will affect their usage, mainly because only one can be used at a time.
This software is one that I personally really like; it is optional based on personal preference.
If you have a large C file, it is quite convenient to find functions and variables. I usually use this software to write and modify programs, then compile them using Keil.
However, this software is reportedly rejected in mainland China because the company has done things similar to H&M.
This is a schematic and PCB drawing software. If it’s software development, I usually only use it to view schematics.
There are many similar professional software options, including the domestic Lichuang EDA, which I personally prefer to use, maybe just out of habit.
This is essential for serial port debugging; there are many similar software, but I have always used this one.
Different brands have different download tools. If it is an STC chip, use the one shown above; if it is STM32, use Keil, which also supports serial port downloads but is not as efficient or convenient as Keil.
As for other software, there is no need to install them at the beginning; it’s fine to install them when needed later. Focus your time and energy on microcontroller programming rather than these software.
Additionally, one thing to note is that many people have encountered issues with Altium Designer; if it involves commercial activities, you may be sued for infringement. I have encountered this before, and the solution is to buy the legitimate version. However, I believe most people would not spend a large sum of money to buy a software.
Moreover, when using it, unplug the network cable and try not to directly give the PCB file to the board factory for production; generate Gerber files instead.
I have organized all the above software, including tutorials and tools from beginner to advanced for microcontrollers, which took me a full week. If you need them, feel free to contact me.
