5 MPLAB® X Users Getting Started

MPLAB X with PIC18F56Q24 Curiosity Nano

Prerequisites

MPLAB X installed
The PIC18F56Q24 Curiosity Nano Board is connected to MPLAB X via the on-board USB connector connected to the embedded debugger. The USB powers the kit and the embedded debugger will enable debugging and programming via the USB.
Microchip University Course: Introduction to MPLAB® X IDE
Microchip University Course: Overview of the Microchip Code Configurator (MCC)
Microchip University Course: MPLAB® Data Visualizer (for Curiosity Nano)

Workflow

Launch MPLAB X.
The page shown in the figure below will appear when PIC18F56Q24 Curiosity Nano is connected to MPLAB X.
Figure 5-1. PIC18F56Q24 Curiosity Nano Page in MPLAB® X
Start creating a new project by clicking File→New Project or using the <Ctrl+Shift+N> shortcut, as shown in Figure 5-2.
Figure 5-2. Create New Project in MPLAB X IDE
Select the Categories→Microchip Embedded and Projects→Standalone Project template and click Next.
Figure 5-3. New Project Window
Select PIC18F56Q24 and click Next.
Figure 5-4. Device Selection Window

Then select the board and the desired compiler, if there are any.
Select an available compiler (e.g., XC8 (v.2.45)) and click Finish.
Figure 5-5. Compiler Selection Window
Type in the name (e.g., LED_TOGGLE) and location (e.g., C:\) of the project and click Finish.
Figure 5-6. Project Name and Location Selection Window
Create a new main.c file by clicking File→New File or using the <Ctrl+N> shortcut.
Figure 5-7. Create a New File in MPLAB X
Select the Categories→C and File Types→C Main File template, then click Next.
Figure 5-8. New File Window
Type in the file name (e.g., main) and click Finish.
Figure 5-9. File Name Window

Replace the main.c file with the following code snippet:

#include <xc.h>

int main(void) {

    PORTF   = 0x00;                   /* Clear PORTA */
    LATF    = 0x00;                   /* Clear Data Latch */
    ANSELF  = 0x00;                   /* Enable digital drivers */
    WPUF    = 0x08;                   /* Enable weak pull-up for SW0 */
    TRISF   = 0x08;                   /* Configure SW0 (RF3) as input and LED0 (RF2) pin as output */

    while (1) {
        /* Check the status of SW0 */
        /* 0: Pressed */
        if (PORTFbits.RF3 == 0) {
            LATFbits.LATF2 = 0;       /* LED0 ON */
        }
        else {
            LATFbits.LATF2 = 1;       /* LED0 OFF */
        }
    }
    return (EXIT_SUCCESS);
}

Add #include <xc.h> in main.c. In the code editor, the code will appear as shown below.

Build the code by clicking Production→Clean and Build Main Project or using the <Shift+F11> shortcut.
Program PIC18F56Q24 with the project code and start debugging by clicking Debug→Debugging Main Project.
Steps 12 and 13 can be accomplished in a single click by using the Debug Main Project option from the toolbar.
Figure 5-11. Debug Main Project
Verify that LED0 is lit when SW0 is pushed on the PIC18F56Q24 Curiosity Nano.