5.3 MPLAB® XC8 Compiler

The XC compilers are comprehensive solutions for the software development of any suitable project. The MPLAB XC8 compiler supports all 8-bit PIC® and AVR microcontrollers⁽²⁾, and it is available as free, unrestricted-use download. A pro license is also available. By using a pro license, the user will obtain a more efficient code. Additionally, a certified XC8 Functional Safety license is now available.

When combined with the MPLAB X IDE, the front-end provides editing errors and breakpoints, that match corresponding lines in the source code, and single-stepping through C source code to inspect variables and structures at critical points.

More information on Microchip’s MPLAB X IDE can be found on the user guides page, by searching for “MPLAB X IDE User’s Guide”.