4.3 Quick Debug/Program Reference

The following table is a quick reference for using the MPLAB PICkit 4 In-Circuit Debugger as either a debugging or programming tool.

Attention: MPLAB PICkit 4 does not support debug headers.
Table 4-1. Debug vs. Program Operation
ItemDebugProgram
Needed HardwareA computer and target application (Microchip demo board or your own design).
Debugger, USB cable, and power supply (if needed).
Device with on-board debug circuitry.Device (with or without on-board debug circuitry).
MPLAB X IDE 
selectionProject Properties, ICD 4 as Hardware Tool.
Debug Main Project icon
.
Make and Program Device icon
.
Program OperationPrograms application code into the device. Depending on the selections on the Project Properties dialog, this can be any range of program memory. In addition, a small debug executive is placed in program memory and other debug resources are reserved.Programs application code into the device. Depending on the selections on the Project Properties dialog, this can be any range of program memory.
Debug Features 
AvailableAll for device – breakpoints, etc.N/A
Serial Quick-Time 
Programming (SQTP)N/AUse the MPLAB IPE to generate the SQTP file.
Command-line OperationUse MDB command line utility, found by default in:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microchip\
MPLABX\vx.xx\mplab_platform\bin\mdb.bat
Use IPECMD, found by default in:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microchip\
MPLABX\<vx.xx\mplab_platform\mplab_ipe\ipecmd.exe
.
Programmer-To-GoN/APrograms application code stored on a microSDHC card inserted in the MPLAB PICkit 4 into the device.