I just got a monthly sub for Arduino Create out of curiosity... not sure if I just don't get it... but what are people using it for? I don't want to cancel if it's useful... just haven't found a good use for it but would love to hear how others are using it....
Probably more suited to the ACTUAL CREATE section.
There are some answers that cover your Q.
For me though, and don't forget I played with this extensively as a tester.
UPSIDES
A. If the OP of a Q. just posts the share link I can go see it laid out as if it were in the IDE colours and everything. Then one click puts it in my CREATE editor to test.
B. It makes collaboration easier on sketches.
C. And this is quite a big one...You can EDIT libraries directly inside CREATE (paid plans only).
D. You can select versions of libraries because any lib that is on there does keep the versions intact unlike the desktop IDE. Libs are auto updated too.
E. So many libs already in place and quite easy to search through by board type or function like a central repo.
F. Two simple themes OOB. (would like to see more)
G. Supports CLONES OOB.
H. Since the last bandwidth upgrades there have been very few issues and it has been very very stable and I could almost say more so than the desktop releases.
I. ULTRA RAPID support responses to any issues although not seen any for a while and yes Some of us do get to tell the team directly.
J. Most of the workload is taken away from your computer and performed in the backend to improve performance.
K. Can remember which board had which sketch last uploaded to it.
Downsides.
-
Limited storage space for a few people even with the paid plan.
-
Not yet able to add board packages.
-
Does require internet unless you are prepared to go to the trouble of installing a copy of the backend software (can and has been done)
-
Can be an issue over certain networks such as corporate or EDU but often resolved by opening a couple of ports.
-
Can be a PITA to capture serial output and does not have the simple graph option of the desktop
IF's and BUT's
There are upsides and downsides to both platforms but the ONLINE IDE has given the desktop some of its newer features as the team was allowed a little more latitude to test functions in CREATE.
Both are taking a more modular approach starting I think some time just before CREATE went live but I suspect it was partly in anticipation of CREATE. Both are benefiting from each others development.
I am sure there are a few bits I missed and I am a little biased towards CREATE but use both here with equal enthusiasm.
Bob.
Oh I will explore it but not sure if I will ever use the "paid" features... maybe I jumped the gun. Might be something I should get later when it becomes necessary.
I only started using the free version so I can paste code and edit online due to corporate restrictions about installing software. I'm sure the memory allotted will grow...
Can you compile and flash directly from CREATE? If so that's very useful - serial data is vital since it's the closest thing to debugging we have... hope they get it fixed.
Yes you can upload directly from CREATE.
The actual memory is decent enough for most people but the actual SKETCH allowance could be a little higher IMHO.
Then again as a tester i do push the boundaries of what it can and cannot do.
The paid also has some extra boards available too such as ESP's etc.
Also the paid is the one that allows direct library edits.
There is a comparison chart somewhere for the differences. (cannot locate it right now)
Ive seen the comparison... you have to go into plans... Create
If Arduino IDE was the only thing I used it would be more useful. I think it could be helpful for some.
I would be marketing this to educational field as a package.
I think Arduino is pushing Arduino Web Editor pretty hard for the educational market. A lot of schools use ChromeOS computers and Arduino created a Chrome app that allows the Arduino Web Editor to be used on these machines. It's only possible to use the standard Arduino IDE on ChromeOS machines with some complex workaround, and I think very few people are doing that, and likely no schools.