How to Install Arduino on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04

Arduino is an open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software. It’s an ideal tool for anyone looking to create interactive projects and prototypes, from hobbyists to professional developers.

Key Features of Arduino:

• User-friendly Platform: Simplifies the process of working with microcontrollers.
• Wide Range of Boards: Various models, such as Arduino Uno, Nano, Mega, and more, cater to different project needs.
• Extensive Library Support: Numerous pre-written libraries make coding easier.
• Cross-Platform IDE: Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Community and Resources: A vast community with abundant tutorials, forums, and resources.

Applications and Benefits:

• DIY Projects: Ideal for creating custom gadgets and home automation systems.
• Educational Purposes: Great for learning electronics and programming basics.
• Prototyping: Efficient for developing prototypes for larger projects.
• Internet of Things (IoT): Connects everyday objects to the internet for data collection and control.
• Wearable Tech: Used in developing smart wearable devices.

With the introduction out of the way, let’s explore how to install Arduino IDE on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04 utilizing terminal commands and various methods.

Method 1: Install Arduino via Ubuntu’s Default Repository

Update Your Ubuntu System Before Arduino Installation

Before diving into the installation process, ensuring that your Ubuntu system is up-to-date is prudent. This step is vital because outdated system packages may lead to software conflicts or performance issues. The command to update your Ubuntu system is:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

When you execute this command, you are doing two things. The sudo apt update command updates the package lists for upgrades for packages that need upgrading, as well as new package lists for packages that just came out. The sudo apt upgrade command then upgrades the actual packages.

Install Arduino via APT Command

The APT method can install the Arduino IDE directly from the official Ubuntu repository. The repository often carries a stable software version, ensuring a balance between new features and reliability. However, it might not be the absolute latest version available. If you need the most recent version of Arduino IDE, consider using the Flatpak or Snapcraft method, which we’ll explore later.

The command to install Arduino IDE using APT is:

sudo apt install arduino

Upon executing this command, the APT utility will resolve all dependencies and install the Arduino IDE onto your system.

Method 2: Install Arduino via Snap

Snap is an alternative installation method that provides a user-friendly way to deploy applications. In this section, we’ll guide you through installing the Arduino IDE using Snap.

Ensuring Snap’s Availability on Your System

Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, developed Snap as a software deployment and package management system. Your Ubuntu installation should include Snap by default unless you manually remove it.

If you have previously removed Snap from your system or it is not installed for some reason, you can reinstall it with the following command:

sudo apt install snapd -y

This command reinstalls the Snap Daemon (snapd), which is the background service that manages and maintains your snaps.

Install Arduino on Ubuntu via Snap Command

With the necessary prerequisites sorted, you can install the Arduino IDE with the following command:

sudo snap install arduino

Just like the previous installation methods, sudo gives you administrative privileges, snap calls the Snap package handler, install is the command to install a package, and ‘arduino’ is the package we want to install.

Method 3: Install Arduino via Flatpak and Flathub

Flatpak is another potent universal package management system for Linux, much like Snap. It offers the benefit of isolating applications from the rest of your system. Each Flatpak app runs in its environment, reducing potential conflicts and improving security. This section will delve into installing the Arduino IDE via Flatpak and Flathub.

Note: If your system lacks Flatpak, it must be installed first. For step-by-step instructions on installing the most recent supported version of Flatpak on Ubuntu, please refer to our guide on installing Flatpak.

Activating the Flathub Repository for Arduino

Enabling the Flathub repository is the first necessary action before installing the Arduino IDE via Flatpak. Flathub is a central hub for hosting Flatpak applications. It serves as a store from which you can access and install many applications.

To activate the Flathub repository, the following command should be entered in your terminal:

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

This command integrates the Flathub repository into your Flatpak configuration. This integration allows you to use a wide range of applications, including the Arduino IDE.

Install Arduino via Flatpak Command

With the Flathub repository now activated, the next step is installing the Arduino IDE. To accomplish this, the flatpak install command is used. Below is the specific command to install Arduino IDE:

Install Arduino IDE Stable

flatpak install flathub cc.arduino.arduinoide -y

Install Arduino IDE Beta

flatpak install flathub cc.arduino.IDE2 -y

This command installs the Arduino IDE from the Flathub repository, granting you access to the latest version of the application.

Launch Arduino via GUI or CLI

Now that you have installed the Arduino IDE on your system, you might want to learn how to launch it. Whether you prefer the command-line interface (CLI) or a graphical user interface (GUI), we have instructions for you. Here is how to launch the Arduino IDE from both environments.

CLI Methods for Arduino

Launching applications from the terminal can often be quicker and provide additional information that might be helpful for troubleshooting. Depending on how you installed it, here are the methods for launching the Arduino IDE.

APT CLI Method for Arduino

If you installed the Arduino IDE using the APT method, you could launch it with this simple command:

arduino

Snap CLI Method for Arduino

For those who chose the Snap installation method, the following command will initiate the Arduino IDE:

snap run arduino

Flatpak CLI Methods for Arduino

If you’ve installed Arduino IDE via Flatpak, the commands will vary depending on the version you installed. Here they are:

For Arduino v1.x, use this command:

flatpak run cc.arduino.arduinoide

For Arduino v2.x, use this command:

flatpak run cc.arduino.IDE2

GUI Method for Arduino

The Arduino IDE can be located and launched through the Ubuntu GUI for users who prefer graphical interfaces. Here’s the path you need to follow:

• From the desktop, navigate to the Activities menu in the top-left corner.
• Click on Show Applications at the bottom of the sidebar.
• Scroll or search for Arduino IDE in the applications list.

With these methods in your arsenal, you can launch the Arduino IDE in the way that suits you best.

Managing Arduino

Update Arduino

Keeping the Arduino IDE up-to-date gives you access to the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches. It is a good practice to check for updates periodically, even if automatic updates are enabled. Each package management system provides its command to update installed packages.

Here are the commands for the three familiar package managers:

APT Update Command for Arduino

Use the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt update

Snap Update Command for Arduino

Execute this command in your terminal:

sudo snap refresh

Flatpak Update Command for Arduino

Run the following command:

flatpak update

Remove Arduino

At some point, you might need to uninstall the Arduino IDE from your system. The commands for this operation differ based on how the Arduino IDE was installed.

APT Remove Command for Arduino

If you used the APT package manager for installation, use this command to remove the Arduino IDE:

sudo apt remove arduino

Snap Remove Command for Arduino

For the removal of a Snapcraft-installed Arduino IDE, use this command:

sudo snap remove arduino

Flatpak Remove Command for Arduino

Different commands are used to uninstall the Flatpak version of Arduino, such as the stable and beta versions.

To remove the stable version:

flatpak uninstall --delete-data cc.arduino.arduinoide -y

To remove the beta version:

flatpak uninstall --delete-data cc.arduino.IDE2 -y

Conclusion

Alright, let’s tie it all together. We’ve explored three paths to installing Arduino on Ubuntu: the trusty APT, the versatile Flatpak, and the ever-convenient Snap. It’s all about picking the lane that suits your workflow best. Whether you’re sticking with the straightforwardness of APT, craving the cutting-edge versions from Flatpak, or going for the snap of Snap’s simplicity, you’re now equipped to dive into your electronics projects. Just a final note, keep your system updated, and don’t shy away from experimenting with different installation methods to find what best fuels your creative ventures.

Useful Links

Here are some valuable links related to using Arduino:

• Arduino Official Website: Visit the official Arduino website for information about the platform, features, and download options.
• Arduino Documentation: Access comprehensive documentation for detailed guides on using and programming Arduino boards.
• Arduino Forum: Join the Arduino forum to discuss issues, share solutions, and get support from other Arduino users.
• Arduino Project Hub: Explore the Project Hub for a collection of Arduino projects, tutorials, and inspiration.
• Arduino User Groups: Connect with local Arduino user groups to collaborate, learn, and share experiences with other enthusiasts.