How to Use Raspberry Pi Pico With Arduino IDE
Raspberry Pi Pico has created a buzz in the maker's community ever since its launch. If you don't know what Pico is or how it is used, I recommend you check "How to get started with Raspberry Pi Pico" which covers the configuration and set up of MicroPython to program the Pico.
Although MicroPython is easy and efficient to use, it still is a learning curve for those who are already good with C/C++. So in this instructable, we will see how pico can be programmed using Arduino IDE.
Before we can start uploading codes to our Pico we need to set up the Arduino IDE so it recognizes the Pico board. Thanks to Earle F. Philhower we can now add Raspberry Pi Pico onto our Arduino IDE. To do that first, download and install the IDE and follow the steps given below.
Go to Tools >> Board >> Raspberry Pi Rp2040 Boards and select Raspberry Pi Pico.Now connect the board to your computer using a USB. But make sure you hold down the "BOOTSEL" button while you connect. This will open the Pi as a storage device.Next, go to File >> Examples >> Basics and select Blink. This will open a new window with Arduino's default blink sketch.Just press the upload button and wait for a few seconds.
