Embedded C Programming
Book and Starter Kit

I wrote my Beginner's Guide to Embedded C Programming based on the PICkit 2 Starter Kit hardware. You can still get this starter kit for around $50. This was designed to be a low cost (under $100) way to get started programming in Embedded C. From there I expanded the setup with the Volume 2 and Volume 3 of the series.
This is where I recommend you start if you are just a beginner to Programming PICs in C Language.
This is where I recommend you start if you are just a beginner to Programming PICs in C Language.
Here are the pieces used in this book and starter kit setup.
MPLAB 8 IDE
Use this for creating the software and for programming and debugging your program.
Its a free download and also comes on the CD included with the Starter Kit.
HI-TECH C Compiler
The compiler converts your software into the 1's and 0's required to program the microcontroller.
It's included with the MPLAB 8 download.
Programmer
This sends the 1's and 0's produced by the compiler to the memory of the microcontroller.
The programmer costs around $35 separately but its included with the starter kit.
The software to control it is included within the MPLAB IDE.
Optional Alternatives:
Hardware
The low pin count demo board is included with the starter kit and has a PIC16F690 along with four LEDs, a switch and potentiometer pre-wired to the microcontroller. This makes it real easy to complete the projects in the book.
The CHIPINO Module that has a Microchip PIC16F886 microcontroller is used in Volume 3 and its a great option for future easier development due to the vast number of pre-built Arduino shields that also work with the CHIPINO.