User Managed Mode - 2025.2 English - UG1400

If you prefer to manage your source code hierarchy and build process in a unique way (i.e. by crafting your own Makefile or CMake files), you can use User Managed Mode. This mode empowers you by offering enhanced support and debugging capabilities, especially when you oversee the build flow. Additionally, the User Managed Flow simplifies the process, making the build launch more seamless and user-friendly. If you prefer command line flow to develop your application, User managed flow is an ideal choice. This flow supports Makefile based projects.

User Managed Mode is automatically activated when no components are found, but files are detected in the current workspace, allowing you to manage and configure their files directly and build or debug Makefile-based projects.

1. Start the Vitis Unified IDE.
2. Open a workspace that has no JSON file and contains extra folders to display the User Managed Mode screen.
   
   
3. Create the build configuration and initiate the build:
   1. Hover the cursor over Build to select Setting button.
      
      
   2. Click + New Build Configuration or you can click + button to generate a new configuration for a build.
   3. Input the build, clean and run directory.
   4. Click Build to build the project.
      
      
4. After the build completes, create the Run/Debug launch configuration with the following steps.
   1. Hover the cursor over Debug and select Setting.
   2. When the launch configuration file Launch.json appears, click + New Launch Configuration or click the + button to create a new launch configuration. The Vitis tool supports two design types for embedded application component.
   3. An embedded standalone application has two debug options:

      Configure the Device and Start Debug

      Use this option for debug or run the bare-metal application component. Specify the XSA file and click Submit to create the configuration file. Wait until the Launch Configuration file pops up. Refer to Launch Configurations for setting references.

      Attach to Running Target

      If you perform debug on the already running target, select this option and click Submit. You need to provide the target connection.

   4. An embedded Linux application has two debug options:
      1. Transfer the Elf file and start debugging

         If a Linux application need to be run or debugged, select this option and provide the elf. Next, provide the necessary information for run or debug.

      2. Attaching to Running Processor on Linux Target

         To debug a Linux application on an already running Linux target, select this option and click Submit. Provide the target connection and executable file for run or debug.