Build nRF Connect SDK Project via Command Line

Question

Hi, 
 
 I'm working on an application for the nRF9160 using the nRF Connect SDK. I want to integrate this app into our build system and thus would like to be able to build the project via the command line. One thing I'm concerned about is what operations Segger EM Studio is doing behind the scenes when you click "Open nRF Connect SDK Project... ". Doing this links all of the Zephyr files as well as the GNU ARM Embedded Toolchain files. 
 
 So my question is, Is there a way to replicate this on our build server using the command line? 
 
 - Jack

Martin Lesund · Answer

Hi Jack, 
 Just adding to what jbrzozoski is referring to:

When using the command line you need to define the environment variables for the GNU Arm Embedded toolchain: 
 
 export ZEPHYR_TOOLCHAIN_VARIANT=gnuarmemb
export GNUARMEMB_TOOLCHAIN_PATH=/c/gnuarmemb 
 
 Set up build environment 
 
 cd $NCS_BASE/zephyr
source zephyr-env.sh 
 
 To build and flash the application using ninja ( you can also use cmake to build with make instead of ninja ) 
 
 cd $NCS_BASE/nrf/samples/nrf9160/mqtt_simple/
mkdir build && cd build

# Use cmake to configure a Ninja-based build system:
cmake -GNinja -DBOARD=nrf9160_pca10090ns ..

# Now run ninja on the generated build system:
ninja
ninja flash 
 Also worth noticing that there is a difference when building Secure/Non-Secure Zephyr applications . 
 
 Extra tip: 
 To flash precompiled .hex files you can either use the nRF Connect Programmer application or do it via command line nrfjprog : 
 
 nrfjprog --program <application>.hex -f nrf91 --sectorerase -r --verify

Best Regards, Martin L.

jbrzozoski · Answer

Yes. Most of what is happening "behind the scenes" is creating an output directory, running cmake, and possibly adjusting configuration. All of this is based on normal Zephyr build flow, which was developed on command line primarily. 
 You can find more detailed instructions here: 
 https://developer.nordicsemi.com/nRF_Connect_SDK/doc/latest/zephyr/getting_started/index.html#getting-started-run-sample

Build nRF Connect SDK Project via Command Line

Top Replies