The Arduino IDE is free and open-source software to write and upload your programming code. It consists of an editor with features like assisted editing enabled by the compiler so you can do everything from within one program without switching between files or windows as often – it does help streamline things! The tool also enables better compiling because errors will be noticed before uploading. This means less time wasted on coding and more time spent on the project.
In the following tutorial, you will learn how to install Arduino IDE on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS Jammy Jellyfish desktop with APT, Snap, or Flatpak method using the command line terminal along with instructions on how to update and remove the software in the future if required.
Update Ubuntu
First, update your system to ensure all existing packages are up to date to avoid conflicts.
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -yInstall Arduino IDE – APT Method
The first and easiest method is to install Arduino using the Ubuntu Jammy repository. This version is often up-to-date, but if you prefer working with the latest versions, then using the Flatpak or Snapcraft version would be best.
sudo apt install arduino -yInstall Arduino IDE Client – Snapcraft Method
The second option is to install Arduino as a snap. The Snapcraft package manager should be installed on your Ubuntu desktop unless you have removed it previously and is often the easiest solution to install packages quickly on Ubuntu systems.
For users that removed snapd, re-run the following command.
sudo apt install snapd -yOnce installed, you will need to restart your system, or else the icons may not appear; if you skip a repeat and notice any issues, reboot.
rebootSnap installed? Skip the following few lines and proceed straight to the installation with Snap
Next, some packages come in classic, so you need to create a symlink to enable classic snap support, so it is best to run this command for the best snap compatibility.
sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snapInstall the core files to avoid conflicting issues.
sudo snap install coreNext, enter the following snap command to install.
sudo snap install arduinoInstall Arduino IDE – Flatpak Method
The third option is to use the Flatpak package manager. Flatpak is not installed natively on Ubuntu 22.04, given Canonical is behind both Ubuntu and Snaps, but it is available to install if you so wish.
First, install the Flatpak manager if it was removed previously.
sudo apt install flatpak -yFor users installing Flatpak for the first time, it is often recommended to reboot your system. Failure to do this can occur with odd issues, such as paths not being generated for icons.
sudo rebootSKIP THE REBOOT IF FLATPAK IS INSTALLED.
Next, you need to enable Flatpack using the following command in your terminal.
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoNext, you can install the standard v1 of Arduino IDE or the newer version of Arduino IDE v2, currently in beta.
Install Arduino IDE Stable
flatpak install flathub cc.arduino.arduinoide -yInstall Arduino IDE Beta
flatpak install flathub cc.arduino.IDE2 -yOnce installed, you can proceed to launch.
How to Launch Arduino IDE
The IDE application can be found by following the path.
Activities > Show Applications > Arduino IDE
Alternatively, you may want to use it for applications quite frequently. Right-click the icon and add it to favorites, making the icons appear on the taskbar.
Once open, you will land at the default application start screen, where you can begin.
Granted Permissions for Arduino IDE
Users that install Arduino may encounter the following message “The Arduino IDE will not be able to upload programs to boards because this user (joshua) does not have permission to access USB boards.”. This may not occur for every user and can be ignored or skipped if you are not uploading to boards.
As above, to fix this, use the following command replacing “username” with your own.
sudo usermod -a -G dialout usernameLastly, reboot your system.
sudo rebootHow to Update/Upgrade Arduino IDE
Next are the commands to run in your terminal to check for updates. These commands will blanket check all installed packages on your system that match the installation package manager. Ideally, you should run this regardless, even if auto-updates are set up to ensure your system is up-to-date and no update errors occur for newer users.
Update Arduino IDE APT Method
sudo apt updateUpdate Arduino IDE Snapcraft Method
sudo snap refreshUpdate Arduino IDE Flatpak Method
flatpak updateHow to Remove (Uninstall) Arduino IDE
Remove Arduino IDE APT Method
For users that installed the APT version, remove the application as follows.
sudo apt autoremove arduino --purge -yRemove Arduino IDE Snapcraft Method
sudo snap remove --purge arduinoRemove Arduino IDE Flatpak Method
To remove the Flatpack version of Arduino, run the following command.
Remove the stable version:
flatpak uninstall --delete-data cc.arduino.arduinoide -yRemove the beta version:
flatpak uninstall --delete-data cc.arduino.IDE2 -yAnother handy hint can be to use the following command to ensure Flatpak has not left behind any unnecessary packages as it is known to sometimes.
flatpak remove --unusedComments and Conclusion
Arduino IDE is a text editor with different features. It helps write code, compile it, and upload the code to Arduino boards. The software has been designed keeping in mind simplicity and ease of use. So far, there have not been any major complaints about the software. If you are an Arduino beginner, you should start using the Arduino IDE to code your projects.
