Developer Studio 2.2.0 Release note

• Upgrade/Install instructions
• Features
• Known Limitations
• Bugs Fixed
• 2.2.0
• 2.1.1
• 2.1.0
• 2.0.0
• 1.2.0
• 1.1.2
• 1.1.1
• 1.1.0
• 1.0.2
• 1.0.1

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Upgrade/Install instructions

First time install
Please use the provided installer and just follow the steps in order to install Developer Studio for the first time.

Upgrade
Updates are automatically checked at each Developer Studio launch, and it is possible to upgrade to the new version just by following the instructions.
It is also possible to start the updates checking job by using the Help > Check for Updates menu.

Important notes concerning existing workspaces/projects compatibility and upgrade:

• Exported settings handling (since 2.1.1)
  From 2.1.1, Developer Studio uses the built-in CDT mechanisms to handle settings export/import between depending projects.
  A library project shall export the settings to be applied in any application project depending on it (cf. Project Properties > C/C++ General > Exported Settings).
  Library projects created with Developer Studio will automatically benefit from these settings management.
  Projects created with a former Developer Studio version will have to be upgraded to export settings correctly. Please refer to the forum for more information.
  
  
• New project medatada format (since 1.2.0)
  From 1.2.0, Developer Studio uses a new metadata format for handling Open AT projects.
  When reusing an existing workspace which was created with an older version (i.e. 1.1.2 or older), projects are automatically converted to this new format, but won't be compatible anymore with former versions.
  If you plan to still handle projects with former versions, it is recommended to start a fresh new workspace with Developer Studio 2.2.0, and to import the needed projects from the former workspace to the new one.

Note concerning upgrade from 1.1.0 release or older:
If you are currently using Developer Studio version 1.1.0 or older, it is not possible to upgrade it to 2.2.0 release; you have to use the provided Software Installer instead, in order to install it in an empty new directory.

Installation over an Eclipse platform

It is possible to install Developer Studio as a set of plug-ins over an existing Eclipse platform.

• Prerequisites: Developer Studio 2.2.0 requires Eclipse Indigo (3.7.1) version. Download it from http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/
  (Best choice to start is Eclipse for C/C++ Developers)
  Developer Studio plug-ins can be installed on Win32 and Linux (32 or 64 bits) platforms
• Go to Help > Install New Software
• Add the following URL as new update site (drag'n drop the URL to the Eclipse dialog box):
  • http://updatesite.sierrawireless.com/developerStudio
• Make your choice regarding the features you want to be installed on top of your Eclipse:
  * Developer Studio for Eclipse category:
      - Either use the Developer Studio all-in-one feature, which will install all the functionalities and toolchains.
      - Or use the Developer Studio base plugins for just Target Management access, and Open AT Projects Management to have full featured Open AT IDE (without toolchains)
  * Developer Studio: Toolchains category: Choose the toolchain you want to install among the proposed ones.
• Click Install and follow the steps.

Installation of Developer Studio source code (advanced users only)

Developer Studio source code is available for Eclipse developers.
Please follow the steps above to install Developer Studio plug-ins over an Eclipse SDK.
Developer Studio source code can be retrieved by checking the whole Source code category, before selecting the Install button.

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Features Developer Studio 2.2.0

1. Packages management

• Capability to download "package-bundled" applications from Package Manager view
• Capability to explore packages resources directory with the system explorer
• Package Manager perspective, allowing to manage package repositories and installed packages.
• Capability to download and install packages from remote update sites.
• Packages documentation integrated in the Developer Studio help.
• Capability to configure the installed packages location.
• Capability to upgrade target firmware from Package Manager view

2. Develop

• Lua projects support (bytecode generation from .lua files)
• Outline support in Lua source code editor
• Project creation wizard with Target Platform configuration and easy access to samples documentation
• C/C++ support
• Project Management: Project Creation Wizard / Import Project / Import Open AT Software Packages
• C/C++ Source Code Editor
  • Readability: Explicit syntax color coding
  • Views: Project View / Function call hierarchy view / Include file hierarchy view
  • Searching: Indexation engine and shortcuts
  • Writing: Word completion
• Lua source code editor
• Application settings editor ([New in 2.2.0] including flash mapping configuration) and code generation
• Project dependencies management (automated compiler/linker settings update when adding/removing a project dependency)

3. Build

• C/C++ compilers support
• Additional build steps support
• Compiler: GCC ARM EABI 4.4.1 / GCC ARM ELF 4.0.1 / MinGW / ADS Compliant / RVDS (3.1, 4.0) Compliant
• Compilation Flags: Managed for full project or file by file
• Compilation Options: Managed for full project or file by file
• Incremental Build
• Build Reporting: Explicit error and warning message / Direct access to source code linked to errors and warnings
• Batch build capability (invoke a project build from the command line)
• Open AT Plug-ins packaging facility (through scripts), for distribution to the community.
• Enhanced build configuration wizard.
• Automatically embeds information on integrated components version (Open AT OS and Plug-ins) in the application binary
  This information is readable thanks to the ATI9 command (available starting from Firmware version R7.4)
• Paths to GCC/MinGW compilers are configurable (capability to use an external distribution)
• MinGW build support under Linux
  (only if i586-mingw32msvc-gcc cross-compiler toolchain is installed on the system)

4. Target Connectivity

Devices View:

• Configurable baud rate autodetection
• Multiple targets connection handling
• Development mode/Production mode configuration
• Project - Connection link
• Multiple log start/stop actions (handling AT/Traces/Info logging on selected ports)
• Raw binary stream record facility
• Virtual ports creation from previously recorded or target retrieved file (e.g. for backtraces or traces offline decoding)
• Added capability to hide/show ports

Download:

• Sanity checks before download (alive target, valid DWL file, compatible memory (RAM/ROM) configuration)
• File Type: Application Binary / Firmware binary / Bootloader binary
• File Format: DWL
• Prompt before redownload the same DWL file to the target (requires 7.43 FW or higher)

Info View:

• Target Serial Number / Target Mode / Embedded module Identification / Embedded Software Identification
• Open AT application presence detection
• Embedded binaries data retrieval
• Target memory configuration retrieval
• Target ports states summary
• USB PID (Product Identifier) configuration
• File logging

AT Console:

• Dynamic Help for AT commands (link to the related documentation page)
  for Firmware and Plug-ins applications AT commands
• Configurable colouring in development/production mode
• Scroll lock
• File logging
• Timestamping

5. Debug

Trace:

• Traces view text filter
• Traces view font configuration
• Traces characters replacement configuration
• Trace Sorting / Time Stamp / Log
• Development mode enablement saved on the target (only with Firmware 7.44 and above versions)
• Scroll lock
• File logging
• Management of trace levels tooltips defined in Application Settings editor
• [New in 2.2.0] Traces built-in and user profiles management (with export/import support)
• [New in 2.2.0] RAM dump mode support

Backtraces decoding:

• Backtrace view content saving to file
• Retrieve and decode backtraces stored in the module
• Clear stored backtraces
• Explicit backtrace messages
• Hyperlinks to application source code
• Automated AXF file selection from project link

Flash objects:

• Access to flash objects partitions contents (cf. ADL Flash Service API)
• Read/Write/Delete access to flash objects
• [New in 2.2.0] Capability to create new flash objects (with raw data, or by uploading a file)
• [New in 2.2.0] Capability to upload flash object to files

Memory Access:

• Access to application memory (ROM/RAM symbols) without needing to start a debug session
• Symbols filtering and sorting
• Read/Write access to RAM symbols

Heap Memory Status:

• Retrieve the list of currently allocated heap memory blocks
• Automated symbols file selection from project link
• Global information about Heap memory size and current usage

Tasks Status:

• Retrieve the list of running Open AT tasks
• Displays information about:
  - task status
  - task name (as defined in Application Settings)
  - call stack size/current usage/max usage
  
• Shortcut to Application Settings editor and code editor when project link is active

[New in 2.2.0] Memory Mapping:

• Displays information about Open AT application flash and RAM mapping on the connected module
• Allows to configure Flash mapping
• Links to other views

[New in 2.2.0] File System (requires Firmware version >= 7.50):

• Provides an "explorer" allowing to browse the module's File system area
• Recursive upload/download between the module and the host system
• Format/Delete/Copy/Move/Rename/Directory creation facilities

Step by step debugging:

• Embedded GDB (only with Firmware 7.45 and above versions)
• Remote Task Environment
• JTAG

6. Miscellaneous

• Capability to install Developer Studio components separately (Target Management, Development Environment and Toolchains)
• Easy access to Sierra Wireless Partners software
• Software Updates automatically checked on start-up
• Generic Software installer allowing to download an install latest software versions
• Based on Eclipse Indigo 3.7.1 (What's new) and CDT 8.0.1 (What's new)
• CVS and SVN repositories connection support
• Integrated Help
• Integrated Software Update
• [New in 2.2.0] Technical report editor
• Windows Platform Support: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7
• Linux support (including Target Management features and 64 bits Linux)
  Available only by installing over an existing Eclipse platform.
• Developer Studio source code available
  Available only by installing over an existing Eclipse platform.

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Known limitations & bugs

1. Build system / Open AT Projects management

• Workspace paths with space characters are not supported
• No synchronization check between the Firmware version used in a project, and the one running on the connected Module

2. Target management

• Heap memory status does not contain links to source code
• 7.44 Firmware bug impact (fixed in 7.45 and above): on USB connection, as soon as Development Mode is configured to resist to target reset, AT commands answers are not displayed.
  Workaround: in the preferences, disable the development mode persistence option when working with an USB connection

3. Run & Debug

• 7.45 Firmware bug impact (fixed in 7.46 and above): embedded GDB step by step debugging is not always reliable (e.g. running a step after a breakpoint on a switch statement sometimes doesn't enter in any case).
  Workaround: prefer working by modifying breakpoints position and resuming the execution
• RTE on Windows 64 bits systems: RTE debugging uses a virtual serial port driver named "com0com". This driver is currently not signed, and 64 bits systems refuse to enable it in normal conditions.
  Workaround: com0com driver can be enabled by switching the OS in test mode (cf. com0com readme file for more information)

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Bugs fixed and minor enhancements

Release 2.2.0

1. Packages Management

• Enhanced packaging capabilities for multiple module types

2. Development

• Fixed: Packages selection error when changing dependencies in library project creation wizard

3. Target Management

• Added capability to enable/disable ports on the target
• Online help enhancements for AT commands in console
• Added links from most of TM views to Memory Mapping view
• Added support for SL808X modules
• Added pre-download checks for module type, and if DWL file contains memory mapping
• Added visual decorator when waiting for USB connection while target is reseting
• Added application delete action
• Fixed: Flash objects partitions reading bug on big flash memories
• Fixed: Devices view layout minor bug fixes
• Fixed: AXF file locking bug when selected in Backtraces view
• Fixed: Timeout bugs on connection and target information loading
• Fixed: Retry counter bug in XModem download when there is more than 10 packets failure
• Fixed: Bad backtrace title when decoded "in live" (i.e. just before target reset)
• Fixed: Some USB ports disappeared once opened and ports list is refreshed
• Fixed: Regression: it wasn't possible to start a download when the module is blocked in bootloader mode
• Fixed: Backtrace decoding in C++
• Fixed: USB reset support under Linux

4. Build

• Supports Open AT application build for SL808X modules

Release 2.1.1

1. Target Management

• Enhanced sanity checks before and after download operations
• New "Devices" view actions and information layout
• Change target baud rate in few clicks
• Detected baud rate display (when baud rate detection is enabled)
• Warning in traces configuration if running application isn't configured to embed traces
• Added task identifier information in decoded backtraces title
• Improvements and check steps added to open/close/info loading operations
• Support of reset over new USB ("as COM port") driver
• Fixed trace view scroll bug as soon as display buffer is full
• Fixed trace view replacement bug for "%" characters

2. Development

• Improved project dependencies management, now based on CDT "Export Settings" feature
• Added capability to let interwork ARM EABI GCC and RVDS build configurations
• Fixed many issues in project dependencies management
• Fixed delta generation bug for applications built with ARM EABI GCC
• Added new toolbar button to create a new Include Folder in one operation
• Default memory configuration set to 1MB+ in project creation wizard
• Now support build configuration creation from standard CDT UI (Build Configurations Manager)
• Introduced concept of "common settings" (i.e. settings common to all build configurations); these settings are automatically applied to any newly created build configuration.
• Persist active build configuration in project settings (i.e. over a project import)
• Added traces tooltips configuration in Application Settings editor
• Fixed many issues in build configurations creation/copy handling
• On new project creation, automated filling of name and version fields in Application Settings editor, even for sample-based projects

3. Build

• Support of multiple configurations selection in headless build command
• Fixed include error detection marker

4. Debug

• Improved sanity checks before debug session (GDB or JTAG), making debug session setup more reliable and easy
• Download and target check can now be performed in JTAG debug session
• Updated JTAG and GDB cheat sheets
• Fixed serial port persistence bug in debug configuration

Release 2.1.0

1. Miscellaneous

• Fix bug in Internet connectivity initial check

2. Packages Management

• Added filtering capabilities in Package Manager preferences
• Fix available repositories "disappearance" bug when updating Developer Studio (fix efficient when updating from 2.1.0 release)
• Bug fix: made "cancel" buttons efficient while installing package, and while looking for package updates

3. Build

• Generates new DS_DEBUG symbol when active configuration is a "Debug" one
• Catch "file not found" link error in problems view
• Fixed random build bug in headless mode
• Fixed exception when editing task table and trying to remove main task

4. Target Management

• Save enabled levels information in traces log file
• New option to start immediately a new traces log file
• Default trace log file path proposal takes care of the project link, if any
• Separated commands console view, allowing to deal separately with build and TM consoles
• Fixed: traces view columns width/enablement persistence
• Fixed: display bug when trace contains more than 6 "%" replacement characters

5. Debug

• Added options to reset target before and/or after a GDB debug session
• Added check to prevent starting debug session with a "Release" configuration
• Fixed several bugs regarding launch configuration creation
• Fixed JTAG launch configuration handling
• Fixed Step-by-step debugging bug (fixed in Firmware 7.46)

Release 2.0.0

1. Miscellaneous

• Remove embedded JRE to reduce final install size by 10%
• Dependencies to Developer Studio components and requirements are now flexible enough to let the user upgrade them without having to wait for the next DS official release.
• Fix bug in source plug-ins installation (for build system)

2. Packages Management

• Autodetect WIPSoft application nodes in WIP plug-in packages
• Fixed packages installation bug in Program Files directory with Windows Vista/7

3. Build

• Added -O3 option management in ARM compilers
• Make headless build fails on compilation error
• Bug fixed in conversion job when Firmware package dependency is missing

4. Target Management

• Added preference to display warning when unknown trace ID is received
• Traces elements filter checkbox state is now saved in the preferences
• Added preference to remember user decision when asking to redownload the same dwl file
• Added confirmation dialog when requiring for Backtraces cleaning
• Added link to detected Firmware package in status view
• Updated some messages (already opened port, no backtraces stored)
• Fix bugs on remote traces CSV file initialization and reload
• Fix memory leak bug on long traces recording sessions (e.g. recording traces from three modules on one whole night or more)
• Fix bug on Firmware "DUMP" traces decoding
• Fix bugs on backtraces decoding (automatic refresh on target reset now disabled, decoding performances enhanced as soon as AXF file is unchanged, cancel button now efficient during long-running operations)
• Fix bug on AXF file selection in Backtraces view
• Fix bug on backtraces decoding on 3G FXT modules

5. Debug

• Display a warning when more than 2 breakpoints are enabled in Open AT Target Debug Configuration
• Fixed "com0com" installation issue for RTE debug

Release 1.2.0

1. Packages management

• Already installed packages are grayed in available packages view, and install action is disabled on them
• Capability to import packages from another Developer Studio install
• Fixed: packages sorting order in all views

2. Develop

• Added possibility to disable application settings editor (and to remove generated.c file)
• Modified trace embedding confguration terminology
• Automatic update + lock of memory type configuration when using plug-ins requiring 1MB+ settings
• Fixed: synchronization issues between the UI and the really used build configuration (dependencies include paths not updates, etc...)
• Fixed: toolchains choice restricted by plug-ins selection in the project creation wizard

3. Build

• Added capability to tag a file, in order to always recompile it on each build
• Added capability to configure error parsers
• Highlighting include and link errors in problems view
• Many fixes concerning link issues with ARM EABI GCC toolchain (C++, inline code)
• Added capability to configure GCC linker script to map sections to application code or RAM areas
• Fixed: delta generation bug introduced in 1.1.2

4. Run & Debug

• Capability to change the used port in launch configurations
• Fixed: perspective switch to Target Management is configurable on Open AT Target application run/debug

5. Miscellaneous

• Added Linux 64 bits support

6. Target management

• Fixed: Developer Studio crashes on operations related to Target management (connect, baudrate autodetection, download)
• Fixed: Trace logging is disabled as soon as the target resets
• Fixed: Target info view is not automatically refreshed
• Added capability to configure Traces and Console buffers length
• Added capability to configure Traces file logging format
• Added action to reset the module
• Added capability to start a download even if module is already in bootloader mode
• Explicit status markers on configuration/connection issues in Target Management views
• Added capability to configure Traces timestamp format
• Added capability to restore production mode when closing connection and/or Developer Studio application
• Fixed: handling of +++ and Ctrl-Z/ESC for text commands in the console
• Fixed: %p handling in traces
• Fixed: target reset handling over USB connection

7. Headless mode / Packages integration

• Add capability to package both Debug and Release built libraries
• Add capability to package "ready to download" applications
• Add capability to package plug-ins with libraries
• Make -samplelib option working with libraries from other plug-ins (in wmnew.opt files)

Release 1.1.2

1. Packages management

• Implemented: background install procedure + "proportional" progress monitor
• Package column in Installed Packages view is now resizable (to show full package name when it is too long)
• Release note tab added in Properties view when selecting a package in Installed Packages view
• Added a confirmation dialog when deleting a repository from Available Packages view
• Fixed: Software Updates were not working after a package installation
• Fixed: Exception when trying to install new package while updates checking job was running

2. Develop

• Generated files names & paths are now changeable in the Application Settings editor.
• Application Settings editor reworded for clarification
• Bugs fixed concerning application settings editor content reseted when project properties are modified
• Used plug-in version selection bug fixed (both old and new versions were kept until old version was unselected again in the UI)
• New project location edit box not cleared anymore when default checkbox is unselected
• Code editor: grayed sections are now matching with the currently active build configuration

3. Build

• Error parsers enhanced to report missing errors wrt. the console output
• Added graphical decorator on the currently active build configuration output folder in the project explorer
• Configure ARM license variables definition in a separated preference page
• Fix usage of tcc with RVDS; now use armcc with the relevant option to choose Thumb or ARM mode

4. Run & Debug

• Fixed: launch configuration was locked when previous launch was canceled due to compilation errors
• Fixed: "Label error" issue on breakpoint stop in RTE

5. Miscellaneous

• Added Windows 7 support

6. Headless mode / Packages integration

• Add -mem option support in wmnew.opt files for samples integration
• Add requiredMemTypeID property support for packages integration, to force a required memory type on project creation, when depending on the integrated package
• Add stackSizeProcessingRequired property support for packages integration, to declare if integrated samples source codes already manage stack size declaration according to the used toolchain, or not.
• Add helpBooks property support for packages integration, to declare a list of HTML help books to be integrated
• Bug fixed: when creating in headless mode a sample project depending on a sample library (e.g. Application_Download), the dependency reference was not correctly set and the project was not building correctly.
• Modified default RVDS options to make link possible with new EABI compatible GCC.

Release 1.1.1

1. Install / General

• Issues fixed regarding install/uninstall of some packages

2. Build system / Open AT Projects management

• Popup error messages when project package dependencies are missing have been replaced by error markers in the Problems view
• When changing a project's dependency on an SDK profile, all packages dependencies are modified (including plug-ins)
• ATI9 info was not always updated when modifying project dependencies
• Sometimes, "An internal error occurred during: "C/C++ Indexer" message war appearing at project creation/import.
  
• Library projects dependencies are now managed automatically
• It is now possible to import a project created under a Windows Developer Studio into a Linux Developer Studio

3. Run & Debug

• Trace and shell views were closed when launching a new Run/Debug session

Release 1.1.0

1. Install / General

• Uninstall of packages was refused if used by at least one project.
• Help > Software Update menu was not enabled on 1.0.2
• Fix display/indexing issues on Traditional Chinese OS and others

2. Build system / Open AT Projects management

• Developer Studio created project was unable to build after import if it had dependencies on other workspace projects
• ARM ELF GCC / MinGW build was failing if path to SPM Registry is too long (>~100 characters, ie. workspace path >~50 characters with default settings)
  Now embedded compilers are managed in Developer Studio install location, and a warning is displayed in Developer Studio preferences if the install path is too long.
• Cleaning of unnecessary files on project import from IDE V1/creation from a sample

3. Target management

• Debug traces logging to file feature was not usable ("cyclic buffer" behavior, beginning of the file was lost after some time)
• Confirmation messages removed on connection/download success
• Text AT commands (a.g. AT+CMGW) were not supported in shell (Ctrl-Z did not work)

4. Run & Debug

• Warning message when trying to start several launch session at the same time.
• Automatic connection to the target (if not already done) when launching for the first time.

Release 1.0.2

1. Install / General

• Desktop/Start menu shortcuts added for all users
• Online update site available for software update
• "Out of memory" error fixed

2. Build system / Open AT Projects management

• Build errors fixed with ARM ELF GCC & MinGW under Windows Vista
• Remove useless Release configuration for application projects in RTE mode
• Default configurations at project creation time are new Target ARM ELF GCC and RTE MinGW

3. Target management

• DUMP frames sent by the Firmware were not correctly decoded

4. Run & Debug

• Launch configurations (Run/Debug) can be simply created by using the Run/Debug toolbar button
• Automatic switch to Target Management perspective when running a project in RTE

Release 1.0.1

1. Install

• Desktop/Start menu shortcuts added by the Developer Studio light installer
• Windows Vista support issues

2. Build system / Open AT Projects management

• No need anymore to take care about the libraries order on the ARM ELF GCC linker command line
• Some plug-ins samples (e.g. from C-GPS plug-in) dependencies to other plug-ins not correctly managed
• It was not possible to change the current OS version in a library project
• Bad symbol name generation for C-GPS plug-in (makes the build fail with ARM compilers)
• Incremental build was not working (relink of the application was performed on each build request)
• Added by default the -fno-profile option on ARM ELF GCC compiler command line
• IDE V1 project import was not working when source paths out of the project directory were referenced
• IDE V1 library project import was not working
• IDE V1 project import did not import symbols declared with the -flag option
• Several issues fixed concerning IDE V1 projects import depending on library projects

3. Target management

• Target Management Toolbar icons strange behaviour when an automatic build is triggered
• Empty trace levels configuration box after an undetected target reset
• Traces containing a %u format character not correctly displayed
• COM port identifier not correctly configured if greater than 9
• Target management doesn't go anymore to "connected" state if the COM settings are incorrect
• New toolbar button in the trace view usable to force the target back to Debug after an undetected reset