STMicroelectronics development tools now free for Linux users

Semiconductor company STMicroelectronics now enables Linux system users, including professional engineers, academics and hobbyists, to design free of charge with its STM32 microcontrollers.

Most Linux distributions are free, with open-source application software making the Linux world attractive to technology enthusiasts. Until now, however, most development tools for embedded computing have been available only for Windows PCs.

The STM32CubeMX configurator and initialisation tool and the System Workbench for STM32, an integrated development environment (IDE) created by Ac6 Tools, are now both available to run on Linux OS. This means Linux users can start their own embedded projects on STM32 devices, free of charge, without leaving their favourite desktop environment.

“The Linux community is known to attract creative free-thinkers who are adept at sharing ideas and solving challenges efficiently,” said Laurent Desseignes, Microcontroller Ecosystem Marketing Manager, Microcontroller Division, STMicroelectronics. “We are now making it ultra-easy for them to apply their skills to create imaginative new products, leveraging the features and performance of our STM32 family.”

ST’s commitment means users can benefit from free software for configuring microcontrollers and developing and debugging code, together with manufacturer-supported evaluation boards, allowing greater focus on product development. Users do not have to create or adapt their own tools, meaning installation is easy and fast.