1 MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

MPLAB X IDE is a software tool that helps in developing embedded applications on Microchip microcontroller units (MCUs) and digital signal controllers. MPLAB X IDE can be installed on Windows, Linux and MAC operating systems. This helps the user to continue the software development for an MCU without any operating system dependencies.

MPLAB X IDE comprises of the following:

• A full-featured programmer-friendly text editor
• Utilities required for MCU firmware development, such as compiler, assembler, Linker
• Debugger engine with a set of powerful debug utilities, such as breakpoints, watch windows, I/O views
• A project manager that provides integration and communication between IDE and language tools
• Software simulators
• Plugins (to add to the capabilities of MPLAB X IDE), which can be installed and used

MPLAB X IDE supports a wide range of Microchip’s 8-bit, 16-bit and 32-bit MCU and MPU portfolios. This document is specific to 32-bit (Arm and PIC32) microcontrollers. To check a specific device for support, refer to the device support documents listed in the References section of this document.