Arduino boards v1.8.6: export compiled binary question

Development Tools IDE 1.x
1

After reinstalling W10 64b and installing Arduino IDE v1.8.13 I discovered that I do not get anymore the extensive list of exported compiled binaries as before.

I did not make a backup of the platform.txt file, so back here for advise please?

My current exported single binary is:

Arduino_blink-flash_test.ino.eightanaloginputs.hex

Previously I did get these amongst others:

Arduino_blink-flash_test.ino.standard.hex
Arduino_blink-flash_test.ino.with_bootloader.standard.hex
Arduino_blink-flash_test.ino.with_bootloader_atmega328p_16000000L.hex
Arduino_blink-flash_test.ino_atmega328p_16000000L.hex
Arduino_blink-flash_test.ino.with_bootloader.eightanaloginputs.hex

My current platform.txt file contents related to exporting binaries is as follows:

## Create output files (.eep and .hex)
recipe.objcopy.eep.pattern="{compiler.path}{compiler.objcopy.cmd}" {compiler.objcopy.eep.flags} {compiler.objcopy.eep.extra_flags} "{build.path}/{build.project_name}.elf" "{build.path}/{build.project_name}.eep"
recipe.objcopy.hex.pattern="{compiler.path}{compiler.elf2hex.cmd}" {compiler.elf2hex.flags} {compiler.elf2hex.extra_flags} "{build.path}/{build.project_name}.elf" "{build.path}/{build.project_name}.hex"

## Save hex
recipe.output.tmp_file={build.project_name}.hex
recipe.output.save_file={build.project_name}.{build.variant}.hex

What is required to get the previously exported binaries back?

2

Maybe the path to them has changed after your installs ?

3

You don't mention to which boards this applies, your output shows Nano.
There has never been additional files for the standard AVR boards. @DrAzzy's ATtiny core did produce e.g. a list file and maybe other cores do as well.

I copied the relevant lines in his/her platform.txt from that into Arduino's AVR core.

4

@sterretje This binary output was for an Arduino ro Mini.

Which relevant lines did you use please?

5

Sure, but how to redress?
What lines are rquired in the platform.txt "#Create Output Files" are required for my desired binary output?

6

I asked chat gpt

“Understanding Arduino Binaries

Binaries in Arduino refer to the compiled output files generated from your sketches. These files typically include formats such as .bin and .hex. They are essential for uploading your code to Arduino boards.

Where Are Binaries Stored?

By default, the Arduino IDE stores these binaries in a temporary directory. The exact location can vary based on your operating system:

  • Windows: Binaries are often found in a hidden directory under `C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Temp\build*

  • Mac/Linux: Binaries are usually stored in a temporary folder like /tmp.

Configuring Binary Storage Location

You can change where the Arduino IDE saves these binaries by modifying the IDE's configuration files. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Locate the Configuration File:

    • For Arduino IDE 1.x, find preferences.txt in C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Roaming\Arduino.

    • For Arduino IDE 2.x, edit the arduino-cli.yaml file located at C:\Users\<YourUsername>\.arduinoIDE.

  2. Edit the File:

    • Add or modify the line to set your desired build path:

      • For preferences.txt: build.path=C:\Documents\Arduino\Build

      • For arduino-cli.yaml: sketch: always_export_binaries: true

  3. Save and Restart the IDE: After making changes, save the file and restart the Arduino IDE to apply the new settings.

Benefits of Custom Binary Storage

  • Easier Access: Keeping binaries in a specific folder makes it easier to manage and track them, especially if you use version control systems like Git.

  • Organization: It helps maintain a clean workspace by preventing clutter in temporary directories.”

I’m guessing as you put new IDE code in place it might now just be putting new files in a temp location. Aren’t the others where you last put them?

7

Thanks for that reply, but for starters 'Preferences' are located in

tUsers\Erik\AppData\Local\Arduino15

But this does not help in getting the export of binaries to the versions I want.

8

You subject mentions 1.8.6 and your post 1.8.13. Is there any particular reason you have not installed 1.8.19? Or even the much newer 2.3.7?

I don't know whether back in 1.8.6 you got those various permutations or not, but the exact binaries produced do depend on which board platform package has been selected.

9

Arduino board package is 1.8.6
Arduino IDE is 1.8.13

Do you mean I have to look in other board platform.txt, such as @sterretje referring to @DrAzzy's ATtiny core?