Since May, we have been offering a prerelease version (3.x) of the STM32CubeIDE for Visual Studio Code extensions. This version gave early adopters access to the latest features and improvements.
These enhancements have now been merged into the official release version (2.x), marking a key milestone in the deployment of STM32CubeIDE for Visual Studio Code.
What is changing for developers?
- Release tracks are merged: the prerelease, which is version 3.x of our extensions, is merged back into the 2.x release track. Moving forward, all developers will enjoy one single 3.x version, integrating all extensions and main packages.
- Automatic user migration: all VS Code users previously working with the 2.x release track will migrate to the 3.x version of our extensions. We have replaced the complete tool architecture, but we expect minimal end-user disruption.
- Transition to VS Code extension pack: developers previously relying on the 2x version, and who used to have a single STM32 for Visual Studio Code extension, will now find around fifteen STM32 extensions. This extension split paves the way to greater installation flexibility and improved maintainability.
- Transition from CubeCLT to cube bundle manager + CMSIS-PACKs: the new VS Code extension version removes the CubeCLT dependency. Instead, we introduce the cube bundle manager that automatically downloads, installs, and updates CLI tools and STM32 device support. Developers no longer need to install a full new CubeCLT package to access the latest compiler or benefit from the latest STM32 device support. CubeCLT will later be deprecated.
- Debugging improvements: version 3.x uses the ST custom DAP instead of Cortex® debug DAP. Developers will need to create new launch configurations to access new debug features like improved RTOS debug.
Why this transition?
- Moving from prerelease to release reflects the natural evolution from beta to stable software.
- Version 3.x offers enhanced installation workflows, better update management, broader STM32 MCU support, and improved maturity. These improvements are now available in the official release (2.x).
- Although some initial bugs remain and several advanced STM32CubeIDE debug features are yet to come in Visual Studio Code, version 3.x provides a strong foundation for future development.
The prerelease track may return to a smaller scope to enable early access to new features.
For help with the migration, download the user guide available directly in STM32CubeIDE for Visual Studio Code.
Your feedback is essential in shaping the future of STM32Cube for Visual Studio Code as it allows us to tailor it precisely to your requirements. We look forward to reading your ideas and questions on our community forum!
First published on Oct 13, 2025
