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How does the Arduino IDE/build system work?

I noticed that they use the avr-gcc in the background, but what do they do on top?

They seem to have their own "kind of C" language that transforms into something that then compiles by avr-gcc.

Would someone like to spread some light on how it really works?

  • What language are they using?
  • Are they using something like Make in the background?
  • What intermediate files do they create? Can you listcompile a arduino file, or have a look at the generated AVR assambler?
m.Alin
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asked Apr 24, 2012 at 18:37
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  • \$\begingroup\$ I think the language is C, which is why avr-gcc can compile it. The setup() and loop() functions are just wrappers for other standard functions, ie loop is actually main() \$\endgroup\$ Commented Apr 24, 2012 at 19:03
  • \$\begingroup\$ Here's something that partially answers your question electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/22017/… \$\endgroup\$ Commented Apr 24, 2012 at 19:19
  • \$\begingroup\$ @dext0rb actually it's c++ \$\endgroup\$ Commented Apr 24, 2012 at 20:37
  • \$\begingroup\$ I think we are both correct. "First, the Arduino environment performs some small transformations to make sure that the code is correct C or C++ (two common programming languages)." From the BuildProcess link below \$\endgroup\$ Commented Apr 24, 2012 at 21:03
  • \$\begingroup\$ @vicatcu Actually it's a subset of C++ \$\endgroup\$ Commented Apr 24, 2012 at 21:34

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This page has everything you're looking for, straight from arduino's website.

https://arduino.github.io/arduino-cli/latest/sketch-build-process/

answered Apr 24, 2012 at 19:11
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    \$\begingroup\$ It is preferred to add some detail from the site. In case the link goes dead in the future the answer will still be somewhat useful. \$\endgroup\$ Commented Apr 24, 2012 at 23:30

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