arduino-cli

List connected boards

$ arduino-cli board list

$ arduino-cli compile --fqbn [arduino:avr:uno] [path/to/sketch]

$ arduino-cli upload --port [/dev/ttyACM0] --fqbn [arduino:avr:uno] [path/to/sketch]

$ arduino-cli compile --fqbn [arduino:avr:uno] --port [/dev/ttyACM0] --upload [path/to/sketch]

$ arduino-cli sketch new [MySketch]

$ arduino-cli core install [arduino:avr]

$ arduino-cli lib search [servo]

$ arduino-cli lib install "[Servo]"

arduino-cli command [flags]

arduino-cli is the official command-line tool for Arduino development. It provides board and library management, sketch compilation, upload functionality, and serial monitoring without requiring the Arduino IDE.
The tool uses Fully Qualified Board Names (FQBNs) to identify target boards, formatted as vendor:architecture:board (e.g., arduino:avr:uno). Board platforms must be installed before compiling for them.
Typical workflow: install the target platform with core install, compile the sketch with compile, and upload with upload. The --upload flag can be added to compile to perform both steps together.
The tool supports custom libraries via --libraries flag, board configuration via --build-property, and integrates well with IDEs like VS Code for Arduino development workflows.

board list

List connected Arduino boards with ports and FQBNs

List all known board types

Compile an Arduino sketch

Upload compiled binaries to a board

Create a new sketch in the sketchbook

Install a board platform (e.g., arduino:avr)

Update the platform index

Install a library from the library manager

Search for libraries

Open serial monitor to communicate with the board

Fully Qualified Board Name (e.g., arduino:avr:uno)

Port address (e.g., /dev/ttyACM0 or COM3)

Export compiled binaries to the sketch folder

Directory for compiled artifacts

Verify uploaded binary after upload

Use a specific programmer for upload

Upload requires appropriate permissions for serial ports; on Linux, users typically need membership in the dialout or uucp group. The upload command does not compile automatically; use compile --upload for a combined operation. Board platforms must be installed before first use.

arduino-cli was developed by Arduino and released in 2018 as a modern replacement for the older Arduino command-line tools. It was created to enable headless Arduino development, support CI/CD pipelines, and provide a foundation for third-party IDE integrations. The tool shares its core with the Arduino IDE 2.0 and is actively maintained.

avrdude(1), platformio(1), screen(1), minicom(1)