Using Precompiled Headers with GNU gcc in Eclipse

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Some of my robotics projects take a rather long time do a full build. When I developed applications with Visual C++ on the host, using precompiled headers gave me a big boost in compilation speed. I was looking for the same in similar with GNU and gcc, and as expected: gcc does support precompiled headers too. And indeed, I was able to cut down compilation time by 30% :-). So this post is about how to use gcc with precompiled headers in Eclipse/CDT to give my builds a boost.

using precompiled header

using precompiled header

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New in Eclipse Mars: Launchbar

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In “Going to Mars: Building a DIY Eclipse IDE for ARM Embedded Microcontrollers” I described how to install an Eclipse based IDE for ARM, based on Eclipse Mars (4.5) and CTD (8.7). There are many great new features in Eclipse Mars which makes that switch worthwhile: the Launchbar:

Launchbar in Eclipse Mars

Launchbar in Eclipse Mars

A dream is are now a reality: a really, really easy way to build, run/debug an application!

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Going to Mars: Building a DIY Eclipse IDE for ARM Embedded Microcontrollers

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It has been a while since I published my ‘build my own DIY IDE’ (see “DIY Free Toolchain for Kinetis: Part 1 – GNU ARM Build Tools“). I have used that approaches in my classes successfully. Now a new semester is coming up, so time to update the instructions using the latest Eclipse IDE (Mars) and tools (GCC ARM Embedded (launchpad) with GNU ARM Eclipse).

Eclipse Mars Splash Screen

Eclipse Mars Splash Screen

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Better Debugging with Eclipse: Step Into Selection

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Some might say that Eclipse is too powerful and has too many features. But to me, the many small and somehow hidden gems can make a big difference in my daily life. One of these features is ‘Step Into Selection’ while debugging.

Very often I have a source line with nested function calls like this:

Nested Functions

Nested Function Calls

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Programming Kinetis with CodeWarrior from the DOS Shell

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In “CodeWarrior Flash Programming from a DOS Shell” I showed how to program a device from the DOS shell. Because that example was for ColdFire and CodeWarrior for MCU10.2, here is the same for a Kinetis (FRDM-KL25Z) and CodeWarrior for MCU10.6. In my workspace (c:\tmp\wsp_10.6) I have a project folder (FRDM-KL25Z).

I’m using the ‘Flash Programmer’ to sneak the needed commands:

Sneaking Commands from Flasher

Sneaking Commands from Flasher

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Lakeside View

Image

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It was a very warm (32°C) and beautiful summer Sunday. Spent some time at the ‘house lake’. The picture shows a view over Lake Lauerz to my home village on the other side:

Lake View

Lake View over Lake Lauerz (click to enlarge)

Far to the left the Rigi, with the Rossberg in the middle. On the left of the Rossberg is the rock slide area from 1806 (see “Hacking the Heating System for Cooling – Geothermal Drilling with extra Benefits“). On the right the Spiegelberg and then far to the right part of the Mythen.

Happy Laking 🙂

Updating Segger Tools in Eclipse Kinetis Design Studio

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Segger releases often new application and firmware updates. If I install an IDE like the Freescale Kinetis Design Studio, it comes with that firmware version available at that time. How to take advantage of a new Segger release?

Segger Download Page

Segger Download Page

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