Mbed is an open-source platform and real-time operating system (RTOS) designed for Internet of Things (IoT) and embedded applications. It is built around 32-bit ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers and provides developers with an ecosystem of tools, libraries, and community support. The platform includes an operating system, cloud-based and desktop development environments, security features, and support for a wide range of hardware boards.
Mbed has been widely adopted by engineers, students, and companies for building connected devices and prototypes. It emphasizes modularity, allowing developers to use APIs, connectivity options, and security protocols in a flexible way. However, the platform has been scheduled to reach its end of life in 2026, after which its tools and services will move into archive status.
Key Features of Mbed
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Real-Time Operating System: Provides multitasking and real-time features for embedded applications.
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Development Tools: Includes Mbed Studio (desktop IDE), Mbed CLI (command-line tools), and Keil Studio Cloud (online IDE).
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Security Libraries: Offers Mbed TLS and Mbed Crypto for encryption, authentication, and secure communications.
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Hardware Support: Compatible with hundreds of ARM Cortex-M based development boards and modules.
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Community and Resources: Large developer community offering code samples, libraries, and discussions.
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Lifecycle Note: Official support and development will end in 2026, with resources archived for reference.
Table: Mbed.com at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | RTOS and ecosystem for IoT and embedded development |
| Core Tools | Mbed Studio, Mbed CLI, Keil Studio Cloud |
| Security | Mbed TLS, Mbed Crypto |
| Hardware Support | Wide range of ARM Cortex-M development boards |
| Community | Active developer base with shared libraries and forums |
| Lifecycle Status | Active until 2026; platform will transition to archive thereafter |
Conclusion
Mbed.com has played a significant role in making embedded development more accessible, offering a complete platform that blends an operating system, tools, and community support. While it has been a cornerstone for IoT projects, its planned end of life in 2026 signals the need for developers to consider alternative platforms for future development.