PIC Programming

MPLAB X IDE and MPLAB XC8 Compiler

MPLAB X IDE

The MPLAB X IDE is the integrated development environment that enables the user to create a source file, edit, compile, simulate, debug, and send the generated code to the target microcontroller with the help of a compatible programmer/debugger device.

Figure: MPLAB X IDE

You can download the MPLAB X IDE from Microchip Inc. website.

For detailed information on MPLAB X IDE, check Microchip Inc. website.

MPLAB XC8 Compiler

The MPLAB XC8 Compiler is a C compiler developed for PIC10/12/16/18 family of microcontrollers. We also have versions for the 24-bit and 32-bit PIC microcontrollers.

The MPLAB XC8 compiler has three versions: Pro, Standard, and Free. The main difference between the different versions is the level of optimization applied during the compilation.

The XC8 compiler must be installed after installing the MPLAB X IDE. You can install MPLAB XC8 Compiler from the Microchip Inc. website.

Related Resource: Beginning C for Microcontrollers: Making Electronics Dance with Software 

John Mulindi

John Mulindi has a background in a technical field and he writes on topics ranging from automation, computer systems, embedded systems, mechatronics to measurement and control.

Recent Posts

Rigid-Flex PCBs: Enhancing Durability and Flexibility in Electronic Devices

The world of electronics is constantly evolving, allowing designers and manufacturers to push the boundaries…

2 months ago

Key Features of PIC16X84 Family of Microcontrollers

PIC microcontrollers are fabricated by Microchip Technology. PIC16C84 and PIC16F84 are the two microcontrollers in…

9 months ago

ADD Instruction in Intel 8051 (MCS-51) Microcontroller

The ADD instruction tells the microcontroller’s CPU to add the source byte to register A…

9 months ago

Main Features of Intel 8086 Microprocessor

8-bit microprocessors are limited in their speed (the number of instructions that can be executed…

9 months ago

Basic Features of 68HC11 Family of Microcontrollers

The 68HC11 (also abbreviated as 6811 or HC11) is an 8-bit microcontroller that was introduced…

9 months ago

Process Synchronization using Semaphores

Mutual exclusion typically imposes some conditions on access to a given resource by two or…

10 months ago