When I am uploading a sketch to my ESP-012F (8266) sometimes I get the error: espota.py: error: option -p: invalid integer value: '{upload.port.properties.port}' Failed uploading: uploading error: exit status
What I observe is that the port for my device is not in the list of ports. For some reason the mDNS no longer sees my device. What is frustrating is, I can ping my device!
The error message is orange, but just above, in white, is the command that is actually run to upload the compiled sketch. I copied this line and pasted it onto a command line.
On that line is -p "{upload.port.properties.port}" I change this to -p "8266" and the upload is successful.
I'm not certain of this, but I think the upload goes faster, too. So on my subsequent compile/uploads, I just compile and execute the upload from the command line.
I have no doubt that "platform.txt - added espota as programmer" makes for a seemless compile/upload solution, but the instructions and descriptions are beyond my capabilities. I note my solution for those that are are not so well versed.
I am glad you point out a better solution for the more experienced.