Editing Nios II (section)

=== Software creation process ===
A separate package, called the Embedded Design Suite (EDS), manages the software development. Based on the [[Eclipse (software)|Eclipse]] IDE, the EDS includes a C/C++ compiler (based on the [[GNU toolchain]]), debugger, and an instruction-set simulator. EDS allows programmers to test their application in simulation, or download and run their compiled application on the actual FPGA host.

Because the C/C++ development-chain is based on [[GNU Compiler Collection|GCC]], the vast majority of [[Open-source software|open source]] software for [[Linux]] compiles and runs with minimal or no modification. Third-party operating-systems have also been ported to Nios II. These include Micrium [[MicroC/OS-II]], [[eCos]], [[Segger_Microcontroller_Systems|Segger Microcontroller]] embOS, [[ChibiOS/RT]], [[μCLinux]] and [[FreeRTOS]].

GCC 15 removed support for Nios II processors due to Nios II's discontinuation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GCC 15 Ends Support For Altera Nios II Embedded Processors |url=https://www.phoronix.com/news/GCC-15-Drops-Altera-Nios-II |access-date=2025-01-22 |website=www.phoronix.com |language=en}}</ref>