Code Composer Studio™ is an integrated development environment (IDE) that supports TI’s Microcontroller and Embedded Processors portfolio. Code Composer Studio comprises a suite of tools used to develop and debug embedded applications. It includes an optimizing C/C++ compiler, source code editor, project build environment and debugger. The intuitive IDE provides a single user interface taking you through each step of the application development flow. Familiar tools and interfaces allow users to get started faster than ever before. Code Composer Studio leverages the open source Theia IDE, a VS Code like IDE framework, to provide build, edit and debug flow for TI embedded devices.
2.1. System Requirements¶
2.1.1. Hardware¶
| Memory | Disk space | Processor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 8GB | 3.0GB | x86_64 multi-core |
| Recommended | 16GB+ | 6.0GB+ | x86_64 multi-core (8+ threads) |
Note
It is possible to run on an Apple Mx processor with a supported macOS version with Rosetta.
Warning
It is strongly advised to have a system that exceeds the recommended requirements. While Code Composer Studio will run on a system that meets the mininum requirements, the performance will likely be poor.
2.1.2. Operating System¶
Please note that Code Composer Studio is a 64bit application and thus will not run on 32bit operating systems.
2.1.2.1. Windows¶
- Windows 11 64bit
- Windows 10 64bit
2.1.2.2. Linux¶
Supported distributions include:
- Ubuntu 24.04 64bit
- Ubuntu 22.04 64bit
- Ubuntu 20.04 64bit
Code Composer Studio will run on other distributions but these are the officially supported and tested distributions.
2.1.2.3. macOS¶
Each Code Composer Studio release is validated against a set of macOS releases. This release was validated with:
- macOS 15 (Sequoia)
- macOS 14 (Sonoma)
- macOS 13 (Ventura)
2.2. Theia IDE¶
Code Composer Studio is based on the Theia IDE open source software framework. See the General IDE chapter for more information on the Theia IDE.
2.3. Licensing¶
There is no license fee associated with Code Composer Studio. Users are free to download and install Code Composer Studio without having to purchase a license. The license terms for Code Composer Studio are shown at installation and can also seen here.
2.4. Contents¶
Code Composer Studio is a suite of development tools including an editor, project management system, compiler, debugger, and visualization tools.
2.4.1. IDE¶
IDE stands for Integrated Development Environment. It refers to an environment that brings together the tools needed to develop software. Typically this means an editor, build system and debugger. This enables the development of software without having to continually switch between tools.
The editor in Code Composer Studio includes a wide breadth of features to make development easier. Standard features such as customizable syntax highlighting and code completion are present
The project management system allows for the building of projects with either the TI LLVM Compiler or GCC. It also integrates with standard source control software such as Git.
The integrated debugger allows for the debugging of applications running on TI embedded devices and is discussed in more detail in the debugging chapter.
2.4.2. Compiler¶
C/C++ Compilers are provided for each instruction set. In most cases this is a TI proprietary compiler.
2.4.3. Resource Explorer¶
Resource Explorer helps you find all the latest examples, libraries, demo applications, datasheets, and more for your chosen platform.
Filtering by device, or by TI LaunchPad™ Kit, the interface enables you to filter the content to only what is relevant to your chosen platform. Resource Explorer will show you not only the resources that you have installed on your local computer but also those that are located online and available for download. When you select an example from a software package that you have not yet installed Resource Explorer will allow you to install that package, and any necessary dependencies, and then allow you to import the example into your workspace.
Resource Explorer can be accessed from menu View → Resource Explorer.
More information on Resource Explorer is available here.
2.5. Debug Probes¶
TI offers a wide selection of debug probes that enable software development on TI embedded processors. TI’s debug probes are designed to meet different needs in terms of functionality and budget. Each probe is compatible with Code Composer Studio
Developing software typically requires downloading the resulting program to the embedded processor it was written for. A debug probe provides a debug communication pathway between a host computer and the embedded processor. This allows for downloading of the program as well as controlling the processor to enable debugging.
2.6. Training¶
Training resources are available from the Code Composer Studio Academy.
2.7. Support¶
The E2E support community is the primary method for obtaining support for developing on TI processors. The Getting Support section provides more information on support resources.