6.3.3 Loadable Projects and Files: Bootloaders

To combine a bootloader with application code:

  1. Create one project for your application and one project for your bootloader.
    Note: In the New Project wizard, you have the option to create both projects by selecting Add Project after you have created the application project (instead of Finish.)
  2. Load the bootloader project or hex file into the application project. See 6.3.2.1 Projects Window – Loadables Setup or 6.3.2.2 Project Properties Window – Loading Setup for how to do this.

The next time you build your application project, the resulting hex file will be a combined bootloader/application hex file. Any debug files will also be combined.

For build errors, see 6.3.2.3 The Preferred Method to Use Loadables or the sections below.

MPLAB XC8 – PIC18 MCU Example

The following Microchip webinar details how to combine a bootloader with application code for a PIC18 MCU using MPLAB XC8 and MPLAB X IDE:
 Linking PIC18 Bootloaders and Applications

MPLAB XC16 Bootloader Example

See the MPLAB XC16 C Compiler User’s Guide (DS50002071) or Help file for an example bootloader.

MPLAB XC32 Bootloader Example

See the PIC32 Bootloader Application Note (DS01388) on the Microchip website.