Setting Up the Toolchain

Learn how to install and configure the tools you need to write, compile, and upload C code to the Raspberry Pi Pico.

To program your Raspberry Pi Pico in C, you’ll need a toolchain — the set of software tools that compile your code and upload it to the board.

This lesson walks you through installing the official Pico SDK and CMake-based toolchain.

What You’ll Need

• A Raspberry Pi Pico (or Pico W)
• A computer running Linux, macOS, or Windows (WSL recommended)
• A micro-USB cable
• Some patience for first-time setup!

Step 1: Install Prerequisites

On Linux (Debian/Ubuntu)

sudo apt update
sudo apt install cmake gcc-arm-none-eabi build-essential libnewlib-arm-none-eabi git

On macOS

Install Homebrew, then:

brew tap ArmMbed/homebrew-formulae
brew install cmake gcc-arm-embedded

On Windows

Use WSL with Ubuntu for best results. Inside WSL, use the Linux steps above.

Step 2: Download the Pico SDK and Examples

mkdir -p ~/pico
cd ~/pico
git clone -b master https://github.com/raspberrypi/pico-sdk.git
cd pico-sdk
git submodule update --init

Now clone the example projects:

cd ~/pico
git clone -b master https://github.com/raspberrypi/pico-examples.git

Step 3: Set Environment Variables

Add the SDK path to your shell config:

echo "export PICO_SDK_PATH=~/pico/pico-sdk" >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc

Step 4: Build a Sample Project

cd ~/pico/pico-examples/blink
mkdir build
cd build
cmake ..
make

You should now have a file called blink.uf2 — this is the binary you’ll upload to the Pico.

Step 5: Upload to the Pico

1. Hold down the BOOTSEL button on the Pico
2. Plug it into USB
3. A new USB drive called RPI-RP2 will appear
4. Drag and drop the blink.uf2 file onto the drive

Your Pico will reboot and start blinking the onboard LED!

Summary

You now have:

• A working C toolchain with the Raspberry Pi Pico SDK
• The ability to compile and build .uf2 firmware files
• A method for flashing code onto your Pico

Next up: Your First Program in C, where you’ll write a custom C program from scratch and upload it to the Pico.

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