Main Tools and Actions

The Header toolbar contains the buttons you will use most while programming: build, flash, monitor and support.

1. Left Side: Toggle Sidebar (Menu)

• Icon: ☰ (hamburger menu).
• Function: open or close the left Sidebar (File Explorer).
• Shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + B.
• When to use: close it for more coding space, open it to manage project files.

2. Build & Flash

(4) Verify (compile). (5) Serial Monitor. (6) AI Assistant. (7) Account & credits.

▶️ Verify (Compile)

• Icon: green triangle (Play).
• Function: sends your code to the cloud compiler to detect errors without touching the board.
• Features:
  • The compilation cannot be cancelled once started, but the editor stays unlocked — keep coding while it runs.
  • The button switches to a spinning Loader2 state and is disabled to prevent spam clicking.
  • A free quota badge on the button shows the free compiles remaining this hour (60 Free/Lite, 120 Pro, 240 Max; badge turns red when nearly exhausted, amber with a coin icon when credits are being charged). After the quota, each compile costs 2 credits.
  • Results appear in the Console with Flash/RAM usage or detailed errors.
• Shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + R or F9.

➔ Upload Firmware

• Icon: orange arrow.
• Function: compiles the sketch and flashes the firmware to the board over WebSerial.
• Requirement: the button only appears when a device is connected. If you press Ctrl/Cmd + U while disconnected, the IDE blocks the action with a red "Not Connected — Please connect a device before uploading" toast and a console log.
• Progress: the button spins during upload; the Output Panel logs the start and the success message (no detailed percentage).
• Shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + U or F10.

3. Debug & Help

💻 Serial Monitor (Terminal)

• Icon: > _.
• Function: toggles the Output Panel at the bottom and switches to the Serial Monitor tab.
• When to use: view Serial.println() output from the board or send commands to it.
• Shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + M.

🤖 AI Assistant

• Icon: Bot.
• Function: opens the right AI sidebar. Ask the AI to explain code, find bugs, generate functions, review the sketch or draw wiring diagrams.
• Shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + /.

🎧 Support

• Icon: Headset.
• Function: opens the in-IDE Support panel with quick help topics (e.g., uploading code, WebSerial port errors) and a live chat where you can send text and screenshots.

4. Right Side: Account & Credits

The avatar shows your credit balance with a color code (green = sufficient, yellow = running low, red = empty) and your initials. The dropdown contains your email, current plan, the credit breakdown, Manage Credits, the Affiliate Program and Logout.

Next: Managing Credits & Membership Plans