Almost all smart electronic products nowadays use microcontrollers, and to implement the functions of a product, the first step is to develop a microcontroller with the functions to implement it. The development of a microcontroller is a very complex task, and before developing a microcontroller, engineers usually need to prepare a microcontroller development environment. So, what are the microcontroller development environments?

　　Microcontroller development environment is mainly divided into two kinds: software environment, hardware environment.

First, the software environment

　　1, Keil programming development environment

　　This is the core of the tool, used to write and compile the program, and one of the most important features is the simulation, quickly help you locate program bugs, but with ST-Link or other emulators with.

　　Generally 51 and STM32 are using different versions of Keil, not compatible, if installed, remember to put in a different folder, otherwise there will be an impact, mainly in the two can only use one.

　　2、Notepad++

　　Notepad++ not only has syntax highlighting and syntax folding, but also supports macros and plug-in modules to expand basic functionality. If a c file with a large amount of code is easier to find functions and variables, I can use this software to write and modify the program and then use keil to compile it.

　　3、AltiumDesigner

　　This schematic and PCB drawing software, if it is software development, usually only use it to see the schematic. There are quite a lot of similar professional software, but also the domestic LIC EDA.

　　4、Download tools

　　Different brands of download tools are different, if it is STC chip then use STC-ISP, if it is STM32 use Keil, also supports serial download, but not as efficient as Keil, and not so convenient.

　　5, simulation tools.

　　General applications rarely use the simulation function. But if you want to develop some complex functions, perhaps to use. This requires some similar with jtag interface programmer, there should be software support.

Second, the hardware environment

　　1, computer.

　　The computer is an important piece of equipment necessary for the development of microcontroller programs. The basic requirements for the configuration of the computer is relatively low, the general computer on the line, the operating system well, windows on the line!

　　2, microcontroller development board.

　　For a beginner learner, have a development board is necessary. This will give you a lot of benefits in your learning. A lot of the practical aspects are achieved through the development board. As for what kind of development board is suitable for you, it depends on your needs and financial budget.

　　3. Download cable.

　　The download cable is a tool used to download the program to the microcontroller and is necessary. Generally when you buy a development board will be configured together.

        Microcontroller development environment mainly contains the above-mentioned software and hardware, as for the other software and hardware, in the early stage is completely unnecessary to install, and so need to use when it is not too late to equip. In addition to the environment, the microcontroller programming aspect also takes a lot of time and effort.