You can use Visual Studio Code (VSCode) to develop Azure Internet of Things solutions using Azure services; like Azure IoT Hub, Azure IoT Edge, and device applications. Microsoft provides a rich set of tools that can be used for Azure IoT development along with other development tools you may be needing such as C#, Python, Node.js, etc.

Visual Studio Code supports running on Windows, macOS, or Linux operating systems. So, you have your personal choice of development machines when developing Azure IoT solutions.

Once Visual Studio Code is installed, you’ll need the following tools / extensions installed to begin Azure IoT development locally:

• Azure IoT Tools for Visual Studio Code
• Docker extension for Visual Studio Code
• Visual Studio Code extension for your preferred language:
  • C# extension for VSCode
  • Python extension for VSCode
  • Java Extension Pack for VSCode
  • C/C++ extension for VSCode
• Azure IoT EdgeHub Dev Tool if you’re developing IoT Edge Modules in any language other than C.

Additionally, when developing code solutions using Visual Studio Code on your local machine, you’ll need to install the appropriate language-specific tools as well. Here are some examples of these additional language-specific tools you may need to install for your preferred development language:

• .NET Core SDK for C# and Azure Functions
• Python and Pip for Python development
• Node.js for Node and Javascript development
• Java SE Development Kit and Maven for Java development

When building Azure IoT Edge modules, you will also need to install Docker Community Edition on your local development machine.

If you are developing device applications utilizing Arduino hardware, then the Arduino extension for Visual Studio Code will be needed to code your Arduino based IoT device hardware for your solutions.

Happy IoT coding!

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