How do you edit .cpp and .h files in a library? I've been using Windows Notepad but it makes it hard to track down error messages when it just says something like "expected 'whatever' at line 372:
What do you people use to develop libraries? Are there any good C++ text editors available freeware?
If its just quick edits, I use Notepad++. It has syntax highlighting (so variable types etc. are highlighted in a seperate colour), plus it also has line numbers which match up with what the Arduino compiler spits out.
maybe Editra ? (editor)
My first foray into editing cpp and h files and just wanted to thank Tom...It is just what I needed.
Below IDE main status bar is a "Tab" bar with your *.ino file tab.
On the right side of this "Tab " bar is an obscure "pull down" button, barely visible.
Use it to "create" new "tab" / file and name it MyFile.h or Jane.h or Tarzan.h or whatever.
Copy your x .h and x .cpp files into the new file.
Use precompiler directive #include to add you new file into the *.ino file.
Compile and start fixing errors.
External editors are fine, but this is why this one is called IDE,
Have fun.
Jim
julyjim:
Below IDE main status bar is a "Tab" bar with your *.ino file tab.
On the right side of this "Tab " bar is an obscure "pull down" button, barely visible.
Use it to "create" new "tab" / file and name it MyFile.h or Jane.h or Tarzan.h or whatever.
Copy your x .h and x .cpp files into the new file.
Use precompiler directive #include to add you new file into the *.ino file.
Compile and start fixing errors.
External editors are fine, but this is why this one is called IDE,
Have fun.
Jim
That works for .cpp and .h files in sketches but for editing libraries(which is what cyborg5 asked about) it's not so simple because the Arduino IDE treats files in the libraries folder as read only. If you want to use the IDE to edit libraries you need to create a folder named .development in the library root folder and also you are required to have a library.properties file, which you will need to create using a text editor. The IDE requires there to be an .ino file with the same name as the folder containing it. This file won't be used by the library so you can leave it blank. I use that file for my notes/to do list for developing the library, It could also be used as a test sketch.
I also like Notepad++. I do use the IDE's editor for writing sketches and libraries but only because it allows me to be a more effective beta tester, otherwise I would much rather use a better editor. Whatever you do, don't use Windows Notepad. If you want something very similar to Notpad, but appropriate for writing code, try AkelPad. It doesn't have all the advanced functionality of Notepad++ but it is well done.
That'l teach me to resurrect an old post...Can we let it RIP again please ?
Ballscrewbob:
That'l teach me to resurrect an old post...Can we let it RIP again please ?
My mistake too.
Need glasses.
Jim
atmel studio is the best.