Get started with Arm Development Studio
Introduction
Import and build example project
Debug the example
Other compilers and project types
Next Steps

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About this Learning Path

Skill level:  Introductory
Reading time:  30 min
Last updated:  08 Jul 2026
Skill level:
  Introductory
Reading time:
  30 min
Last updated:
  08 Jul 2026
Author:Ronan Synnott, Arm
Arm IP:Cortex-A Cortex-R Cortex-M Neoverse
Tags: Performance and Architecture Baremetal Arm Development Studio Arm Compiler for Embedded Arm Fast Models DSTREAM
Author:
  • Ronan Synnott, Arm
Arm IP:
Cortex-A Cortex-R Cortex-M Neoverse
Tags:
Performance and Architecture Baremetal Arm Development Studio Arm Compiler for Embedded Arm Fast Models DSTREAM

Who is this for?

This is an introductory topic for embedded software developers new to Arm Development Studio.

What will you learn?

Upon completion of this Learning Path, you will be able to:

  • Import and build an example project
  • Debug the example code running on a Fixed Virtual Platform (FVP)
  • Debug the example code running on a board with a DSTREAM debug probe

Prerequisites

Before starting, you will need the following:

  • Some familiarity with embedded programming is assumed

Summary

AI-assisted

This summary was drafted with an approved AI-assisted workflow and reviewed by Arm contributors before publication. Human technical review remains part of the process so the final page reflects engineering rigor, accuracy, and Arm editorial standards.

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You’ll launch Arm Development Studio, import and build a supplied example, and debug it on a Cortex-M Fixed Virtual Platform (FVP) or on hardware via a DSTREAM probe. Using the ready-to-use startup_Cortex-M3_AC6_FVP.launch configuration, you’ll inspect the debug settings and start a session that runs without target hardware on an MPS2+-based Cortex-M3 (AN385) model. You’ll also see where to adjust the project to use a different Arm Compiler for Embedded version when required. By the end, you’ll build and execute under the IDE with a working debug connection on either an FVP or a supported board.

Frequently asked questions

AI-assisted

These FAQs were drafted with an approved AI-assisted workflow and reviewed by Arm contributors before publication. Human technical review remains part of the process so the final page reflects engineering rigor, accuracy, and Arm editorial standards.

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How do I launch Arm Development Studio from the command line?
Run armds_ide from a terminal to open the IDE.
What should I do when the workspace configuration pane appears?
Click Finish to accept the default setup. The workspace is the base directory where the IDE stores your projects and build output.
Do I need target hardware to run the example?
No. Use the provided Fixed Virtual Platforms to execute and debug the example without hardware. If hardware is available, you can run it on a board using a DSTREAM debug probe.
Where is the FVP debug configuration for the example?
Open startup_Cortex-M3_AC6_FVP.launch in the project folder. Double-click the file to inspect the predefined settings before starting a debug session.
How do I select a different Arm Compiler for Embedded version for the project?
Install the required compiler version using the Arm Compiler for Embedded install guide. Then open Project > Properties and change the compiler used by the project in the build settings.
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