HI-TECH / XC8 C Compilers
Getting Started with C Programming of Microchip PICs is made simpler with my book series "Beginner's Guide to Embedded C Programming. C Programming is just like any other compiler including the BASIC compilers in that it takes a higher level of programming language and converts it to assembly code that gets assembled into the 1's and 0's that get programmed into the Microchip PIC device.
MPLAB is the software recommended to write software for the Microchip PIC devices and it now has been updated to MPLAB X. The differences are many and one of the biggest is that MPLAB X will run on Windows, Linux or Mac while the original MPLAB only runs on Windows.
The C Compiler used with MPLAB for the 8-bit PIC devices, that we focus on here at this site, is name the HI-TECH C compiler. This was a third party compiler that Microchip bought. the Microchip XC8 compiler has been released with the MPLAB X to replace the HI-TECH C compiler. Underneath the XC8 though is mostly the HI-TECH C compiler so your code transfers easily.
Here is the best part, both MPLAB/HI-TECH C Compiler and MPLAB X/XC8 compiler are all free to download. And not some time limited version. A full working version
MPLAB is the software recommended to write software for the Microchip PIC devices and it now has been updated to MPLAB X. The differences are many and one of the biggest is that MPLAB X will run on Windows, Linux or Mac while the original MPLAB only runs on Windows.
The C Compiler used with MPLAB for the 8-bit PIC devices, that we focus on here at this site, is name the HI-TECH C compiler. This was a third party compiler that Microchip bought. the Microchip XC8 compiler has been released with the MPLAB X to replace the HI-TECH C compiler. Underneath the XC8 though is mostly the HI-TECH C compiler so your code transfers easily.
Here is the best part, both MPLAB/HI-TECH C Compiler and MPLAB X/XC8 compiler are all free to download. And not some time limited version. A full working version
Software
MPLAB/HI-TECH is only available on the Microchip Archive site. I use this setup in my books because that's all that was available back when I wrote them. The MPLAB will install and then ask you if you want to install the HI-TECH compiler so one download has it all. You can get the version I recommend for my books at this site:
MPLAB/HI-TECH software for my Beginner's Guide to Embedded C Books
MPLABX/XC8 are available from the Microchip website. They require a separate download and installation. You can get them at the links on this page.
MPLAB X/XC8 download links and documentation
You will also need a programmer plus development board and Microchip PIC device. I used the PICkit 2 Starter kit with my books. You can still get that at various locations including here:
MPLAB/HI-TECH software for my Beginner's Guide to Embedded C Books
MPLABX/XC8 are available from the Microchip website. They require a separate download and installation. You can get them at the links on this page.
MPLAB X/XC8 download links and documentation
You will also need a programmer plus development board and Microchip PIC device. I used the PICkit 2 Starter kit with my books. You can still get that at various locations including here:
Programmers
PICkit 2 Starter Kit - This includes the PIC16F690, the Low Pin Count Development Board, PICkit 2 Programmer and USB cable. MPLAB and MPLAB X both work with the PICKit 2 but newer devices (anything with a part number 12F1 or 16F1 are not supported).
PICkit 3 Starter Kit is recommended for using the MPLAB X/XC8 combination. PICkit 3 supports all the devices from within MPLAB and MPLAB X.
