1.5 Programming and Debugging Microcontrollers

The MPLAB X IDE supports Microchip various programming and debugging tools, which can be referenced from the device-support documents listed in the section References.

The user can start debugging session in the MPLAB X IDE by choosing any one of these options:

From the toolbar, click (the Debug Project icon).
Choose the Debug Main Project from the drop-down menu:
Figure 1-1. Debug Main Project

Note: If multiple projects are opened in the MPLAB X IDE, the one which is set as the main project will be targeted for the debug session.

During the debugging session, the following basic and advanced features required for debugging are available in the MPLAB X IDE:

Step Into, Step Over, Step Out, Run to cursor
Setting breakpoints
Hold in reset, Run
Viewing a variable in Watch window
Device peripheral register content in I/O view
Device’s memory content in Memory view
The Disassembly view of the code when instruction level debugging is needed

Note: Simulator support is available for few devices. Refer to the device support document for additional information, which are listed in the section References.