How to Install Arduino IDE on Linux Mint 21 or 20

Navigating the embedded systems and IoT development world requires a reliable and user-friendly platform. The Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE) fits the bill, offering a range of features catering to novice and experienced developers. This guide will show you how to install Arduino IDE on Linux Mint 21 or its older stable release, Linux Mint 20.

Why Choose Arduino IDE on Linux Mint?

• User-Friendly: The IDE’s intuitive interface makes it accessible to beginners while offering the complexity advanced users need.
• Cross-Platform: Available on Windows, Linux, and MacOS, the Arduino IDE is versatile and can be used by many developers.
• Library Support: Extensive built-in and custom library support simplifies hardware interfacing, expanding the IDE’s functionality.
• Hardware Compatibility: Beyond Arduino boards, the IDE also supports a range of third-party hardware.
• Community Support: A robust global community contributes to its development and provides valuable resources.

The upcoming guide will detail the installation process on Linux Mint, showcasing Arduino IDE’s cross-platform flexibility and ease of use. Stay tuned for step-by-step instructions.

Section 1: Install Arduino via APT on Linux Mint 21 or 20

Step 1: Refreshing and Updating Linux Mint System Packages Before Arduino Installation

Before we dive into the actual installation of the Arduino IDE, ensuring your system is up to date is crucial. Updating the system packages eliminates the possibility of any version conflicts or dependency issues during the Arduino IDE installation process.

Run the following command to update your system:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

In the command above, sudo is used to grant administrative privileges for the operation. apt update refreshes your local package index, and apt upgrade updates all the currently installed packages to their latest versions.

Step 2: Arduino IDE Installation via APT Repository on Linux Mint

Having updated our system, we’re ready to install the Arduino IDE. One efficient way of accomplishing this is via the APT (Advanced Package Tool) repository.

The APT repository provides an up-to-date software version, but it’s essential to note that the latest version might not always be available. If you’re keen on utilizing the latest versions of Arduino IDE as soon as they’re released, you might want to consider installing via Flatpak or Snapcraft.

To install Arduino IDE from the default APT repository, run the following:

sudo apt install arduino

The sudo apt install arduino command tells the APT package manager to install the Arduino package. ‘sudo’ provides administrative privileges for the command, ‘apt’ calls the package manager, ‘install’ is the operation we want to perform, and ‘arduino’ is the package we wish to install.

It’s important to note that while the APT repository provides a stable and compatible version of the Arduino IDE, it may not always be the latest version. If you want to work with the most recent versions of Arduino IDE, consider using the Flatpak method for installation.

Section 2: Install Arduino IDE via Flatpak and Flathub on Linux Mint 21 or 20

In Linux Mint distributions, Flatpak is typically installed by default and Flathub should already be enabled. However, if you’re new to Linux Mint or Flatpak, it’s a good idea to run the command to enable Flathub just to be on the safe side.

Step 1: Activation of Flathub for Arduino on Linux Mint 21 or 20

Flatpak, a technology for building, distributing, installing, and running sandboxed desktop applications on Linux, provides another method to install the Arduino IDE on Linux Mint. Flatpak uses a repository model, and Flathub is the most well-known and widely-used Flatpak repository.

Before installing the Arduino IDE, you must ensure Flathub, a third-party package manager, is enabled on your Linux Mint system. If it’s not, you’ll need to add it. This process expands your software sources, providing access to a broader range of applications.

To enable Flathub, input the following command in your terminal:

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

This command adds the Flathub repository to your list of remotes in Flatpak. The --if-not-exists option ensures that the repository isn’t added again if it already exists, preventing potential conflicts.

Step 2: Arduino IDE Installation — Stable or Beta Release on Linux Mint 21 or 20

With Flathub enabled, you’re now ready to install the Arduino IDE. Flathub offers two versions of Arduino IDE: the stable release (Arduino IDE v1) and the beta release (Arduino IDE v2).

The stable release is the thoroughly tested and reliable version of the Arduino IDE, suitable for those prioritizing stability and reliability. On the other hand, the beta release is a newer version currently being tested. It may include new features but can also potentially have some bugs.

To install the stable version of the Arduino IDE, use this command:

flatpak install flathub cc.arduino.arduinoide -y

For those looking to experiment with the beta version, you can install it using:

flatpak install flathub cc.arduino.IDE2 -y

In both commands, flatpak install calls the Flatpak tool to perform an installation operation. The flathub keyword specifies the remote repository from which to fetch the application. The -y option stands for “yes” and is used to automatically answer “yes” to any prompts, providing a seamless installation process.

Section 3: Initiating the Arduino IDE

Once you’ve successfully installed the Arduino IDE on your Linux Mint system via either the APT or the Flatpak method, the next step is to launch it. The procedures vary depending on the method of installation and your preferences. We provide insight into Command-Line Interface (CLI) techniques and the Graphical User Interface (GUI) method.

Command-Line Interface Technique for APT Installation

If you installed the Arduino IDE using the APT method, you could quickly start it using the terminal, which is a straightforward and efficient way for those comfortable with command-line interfaces.

In your terminal, enter the following command:

arduino

The arduino command initiates the Arduino IDE. It’s a simple and direct command that takes advantage of Linux’s ability to run programs directly from the terminal. This feature can significantly enhance your workflow if you’re comfortable with CLI operations.

Command-Line Interface Techniques for Flatpak Installation

If you used the Flatpak method for installation, the command to initiate the Arduino IDE would depend on your installed version.

For those who installed the stable version (Arduino v1.x), use the following command:

flatpak run cc.arduino.arduinoide

And if you installed the beta version (Arduino v2.x), start it with this command:

flatpak run cc.arduino.IDE2

In both commands, flatpak run calls the Flatpak tool to run an application. The subsequent part of the command specifies the application identifier for the Arduino IDE versions. These identifiers, cc.arduino.arduinoide and cc.arduino.IDE2, are unique identifiers that Flatpak uses to manage its applications.

Launching Arduino IDE via the Graphical User Interface

If you’re more comfortable with GUI or wish to avoid the terminal, you can easily find and launch the Arduino IDE through Linux Mint’s graphical interface.

To find the installed Arduino IDE application, navigate the following path on your Linux Mint system:

Taskbar > Programming > Arduino IDE

This path directs you to your applications’ “Programming” subsection, where the Arduino IDE icon should be visible. You’ll initiate the Arduino IDE by clicking on this icon, ready to start developing your projects.

Section 4: Insights for Mastering Arduino on Linux Mint

As you explore Arduino, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the Integrated Development Environment (IDE). This guide provides key insights and recommendations to enhance your experience using Arduino IDE on Linux Mint, mainly focusing on the open-source community edition.

Step 1: Personalizing the Arduino IDE Environment on Linux Mint

Making the most of your Arduino IDE requires tailoring the environment to your preferences. This includes adjusting various settings, enabling helpful features, and learning key shortcuts for efficient workflow. Let’s explore some methods of customization and optimization for your development environment:

• Modifying the Editor: The Arduino IDE editor is customizable, allowing you to change the aesthetics according to your liking. To make these changes, navigate to File > Preferences. Here, you’ll find options to adjust the font size, color scheme, and more to make your programming environment as comfortable and visually appealing as possible.
• Enabling Line Numbers and Code Folding: Debugging, especially with larger programs, is made easier with these features. To activate them, go to File > Preferences and select Display line numbers and Enable code folding.
• Using Shortcut Keys for Verify and Upload: The Arduino IDE allows shortcut keys to speed up your workflow. For instance, Ctrl+R verifies your code, and Ctrl+U uploads it to the Arduino board. Familiarizing yourself with these shortcuts can save time and enhance your programming experience.

Step 2: Understanding v1.x and v2.x Beta Versions on Linux Mint

Arduino IDE comes in two versions, v1.x and v2.x Beta, each with its unique advantages. Understanding these versions can help you choose the right one for your project:

• Stability with v1.x: If you are working on a critical project, using the Arduino IDE v1.x is advisable. This version is widely recognized for its stability, and the community offers many resources to assist you in troubleshooting any challenges that may arise.
• Exploring New Features with v2.x Beta: For those feeling adventurous and eager to experiment with newer features, Arduino IDE v2.x Beta might be the right choice. It offers a more modern user interface and enhanced debugging features. However, as it is still in development, be prepared to encounter bugs or incomplete features.

Step 3: Engaging with the Arduino Community

One of the greatest assets when working with Arduino is its supportive and lively community. To make the most of your Arduino experience, don’t shy away from community engagement:

• Participating in Forums: Arduino boasts an active forum where members share their projects, ask for assistance, and help others. By actively participating, you can greatly enrich your learning experience and even form valuable connections.
• Learning from Existing Projects: Numerous projects created by other Arduino enthusiasts are available online. Studying these projects can provide inspiration and a broader understanding of what’s possible with Arduino.
• Sharing Your Work: Sharing your projects with the community opens up opportunities for constructive feedback. The insights gained from experienced developers can provide new perspectives and contribute to enhancing your Arduino programming skills.

Example Arduino 1.x:

Example Arduino 2.x:

Section 5: Maintenance Commands for Arduino on Linux Mint

Maintaining your Arduino IDE on Linux Mint is essential to ensure its optimal performance. This involves regular system updates and, when necessary, uninstalling the software. It’s important to note that these steps vary depending on the method you used to install Arduino IDE—either the APT or Flatpak. Let’s delve into each process in more detail.

Updating the Arduino IDE on Linux Mint 21 or 20

Regular updates of the Arduino IDE are paramount to running your system smoothly. They provide bug fixes, security patches, and sometimes new features. Even if you have auto-updates configured, it’s a good idea to manually check for updates occasionally to ensure no errors have interrupted the automatic update process.

Updating Arduino IDE via the APT Method on Linux Mint

If you’ve installed Arduino IDE using the APT method, you can check for updates and install them by entering the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt update

This command initiates a system-wide check for updates, including your Arduino IDE, ensuring all your installed packages are up-to-date.

Updating Arduino IDE via the Flatpak Method

The update process is slightly different for those who have installed Arduino IDE using Flatpak. The following command can be used to check for and install any available updates:

flatpak update

Uninstalling the Arduino IDE on Linux Mint 21 or 20

There may be instances when you need to uninstall the Arduino IDE from your system. The removal process, like the update process, varies based on your installation method—APT or Flatpak.

Remove Arduino IDE via the APT Method on Linux Mint

If you installed Arduino IDE using the APT method, you can uninstall the software by running the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt remove arduino

This command removes the APT version of Arduino IDE from your system.

Uninstalling Arduino IDE via the Flatpak Method on Linux Mint

Removing the software differs slightly if you use the Flatpak method to install Arduino IDE. Depending on whether you installed the stable or beta version, use the following commands:

To remove the stable version:

flatpak uninstall --delete-data cc.arduino.arduinoide -y

To remove the beta version:

flatpak uninstall --delete-data cc.arduino.IDE2 -y

These commands effectively remove the corresponding version of Arduino IDE from your system and delete associated data.

Conclusion

After a comprehensive journey through installing and maintaining the Arduino IDE on Linux Mint 21/20, we can confidently assert that the process, while detailed, is perfectly manageable. We’ve navigated the installation through both APT and Flatpak methods, optimized the Arduino IDE environment, familiarized ourselves with different IDE versions, engaged with the Arduino community, and learned how to execute maintenance commands for optimal performance.