Most Linux distributions are free, and open-source application software makes the Linux world attractive to technology enthusiasts. Until now, however, most development tools for embedded computing have been available only for Windows PCs.

STMicroelectronics has decided to right this wrong by releasing their System Workbench for STM32 Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for Linux. Supported by the openSTM32.org community, the IDE is now available for download together with the accompanying STM32CubeMX configurator and initialization tool. Tools installation is easy and fast, which contrasts with established practice in the Linux world, where users often have to create or adapt their own tools with minimal support. This means that Linux users can now quickly start developing projects on ST’s 32-bit ARM Cortex-M devices, free of charge, without leaving their favorite desktop environment.