Introduction
Welcome & Overview
Welcome to the official Analog Data Toolchain Setup documentation. Whether you're preparing for an upcoming workshop, following the Edge AI course, or setting up your development environment as a maker or professional — this guide has you covered.
Prerequisites
Check system requirements and install core tools like Git and Python.
Platform Guides
Step-by-step setup guides for ESP-IDF, STM32, and Raspberry Pi.
Docker Setup
Maintain reproducible build environments using containers.
Language Refreshers
Brush up on embedded C and Python basics before diving in.
What You'll Find Here
This documentation covers end-to-end setup for the most popular embedded and IoT development platforms, across all major operating systems.
Hardware Platforms
| Platform | What It Is |
|---|---|
| ESP32 — ESP-IDF v6 | Professional Espressif SDK with FreeRTOS, Wi-Fi, BLE, and AI inference |
| STM32 | STMicroelectronics ARM Cortex-M boards — industry-standard embedded MCUs |
| Raspberry Pi SBC | Full Linux SBC for Edge AI, computer vision, and IoT gateways |
| Raspberry Pi Pico | RP2040/RP2350 microcontroller — MicroPython or C/C++ SDK |
| MicroPython | Python on microcontrollers — ESP32, Pico, and more |
Development Tools
| Tool | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Docker & Docker Compose | Containerized builds and reproducible development environments |
| VS Code | Cross-platform IDE with ESP-IDF, STM32, and MicroPython extensions |
Language Refreshers
| Refresher | Who It's For |
|---|---|
| C Refresher | Variables, pointers, structs, embedded C patterns — ESP-IDF focused |
| Python Refresher | Python basics, NumPy, ML/DL with TensorFlow, serial data parsing |
Operating Systems Supported
Every guide in this documentation covers all three major platforms:
| OS | Supported |
|---|---|
| Windows 10 / 11 | ✅ |
| Ubuntu 22.04 / 24.04 LTS | ✅ |
| macOS 13 Ventura or later (Intel + Apple Silicon) | ✅ |
Who Is This For?
This documentation is built for a wide range of learners and professionals:
- Workshop attendees — attending an Analog Data hands-on workshop (ESP32, STM32, Edge AI)
- Subscribers — following along with the Analog Data Build newsletter
- Edge AI learners — working through the AI on the Edge curriculum
- Makers and hobbyists — setting up an embedded dev environment for personal projects
- Professional engineers — evaluating toolchains for product development
Course & Community Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Edge AI with ESP32 curriculum | aiwithedge.analogdata.io |
| Analog Data Build newsletter | build.analogdata.io |
| Edge AI platform | edgeai.analogdata.io |
| GitHub repository | github.com/analogdatacorp |
Getting Help
If something in this guide isn't working for you:
- Check the Troubleshooting section at the bottom of the relevant page
- Search this documentation using the search bar (
⌘K/Ctrl+K) - Reach out via the Analog Data community channels