I have scanned and searched for the Best Practices in setting up the Arduino IDE file structure. So far, I can not find notes on what works easiest and most error free. It would be nice to see where experienced programmers install the IDE, starting at root, and why they have set things up the way they did. For example, is there a structure which best eases IDE updates and protects all of your personally created stuff? I've seen many small scale tips which look valuable, but never the big overall picture with enough detail to duplicate it. Any ideas?
If you use the installer to install the Arduino IDE then the default locations are best. You don't mention what OS you are running so I can't be more specific.
On a Mac the IDE is installed in:
/Applications/Arduino
The built-in libraries can be reached only by opening the Arduino app (control-click on it and select Show Package Contents.
You will find the hardware configuration files under:
/Applications/Arduino.app/Contents/Resources/Java/hardware/
You will find the built-in libraries under:
/Applications/Arduino.app/Contents/Resources/Java/libraries/
Your sketches are under:
/Users/username/Library/Arduino/
If you add any hardware configuration files, put them under:
/Users/username/Library/Arduino/hardware
If you add any libraries, put them under:
/Users/username/Library/Arduino/libraries
Thanks johnwasser! I did not realise that the installer existed, just some partially conflicting ideas from a diverse group of users. 'Forgot to mention Op Sys is Win7. Thanks for breaking out the structure for me! I loathe the "Library" in Win7 since it summarily relegated some of my files to the Cosmic Bit Bin. If the installer insists on forcing me into that Library, your structure note will be most helpful in my "manual" install. I am beginning a "serious" project soon, and need to upgrade the IDE as well, and it seems like a good time to "start clean".
Thanks again for your prompt and complete reply!
I have win 7 pro, it installed the IDE under Program Files/X86 programs I think.
Might just be C:\Arduino also.
Everything else goes in the path set up under File:Preferences.
I have 7 x64 pro, installed 1.5.7 with the installer to default location, have non-installed 1.5.8 in My Documents, preferences path is set to F:\Arduino for both also have 1.5.8 non-installed on F:\Arduino-1.5.8 where F: is USB flash drive so where I go my libraries and sketches go.
Regards,
Graham
In the IDE, FIle:Preferences, select a folder where you want your stuff to go.
I think mine is just My Documents/Arduino Stuff