4.2 Operational Overview

Note: Ensure you read 3.2 PC Connections and 3.3 Target Connections before completing Step 5.
To debug and program code using the MPLAB PICkit Basic In-Circuit Debugger:
  1. Download and install the latest MPLAB X IDE from the MPLAB X IDE webpage. MPLAB IPE is included in the MPLAB X IDE installer. See MPLAB X IDE documentation for how to create a project for developing application code and how to debug code.
  2. Find examples of code in MPLAB Discover or search for Microchip content on GitHub, such as Microchip PIC & AVR Examples.
  3. Find a compiler for on your application device on the MPLAB XC Compilers webpage.
  4. Purchase MPLAB PICkit Basic and optionally the Debugger Adapter Board.
  5. Launch MPLAB X IDE. Plug in MPLAB PICkit Basic to the computer using the USB cable. Ensure you target is correctly connected.
  6. Open your project or an example project in MPLAB X IDE. Right click on the project name in the Projects tab and select Properties. In the Project Properties dialog, ensure that PICkit Basic is selected under Connected Hardware Tool. Then select the PICkit Basic Category under a Conf(iguration) and setup options from the Option Categories list.
    Note: This is where you select power to target if desired.
  7. Read the following sections for details on operation for your application device.
  8. For a complete list of debugger limitations for your device, see the online Help file in MPLAB X IDE (Help > Help Contents > Hardware Tool Reference Help > Limitations - Emulators and Debuggers).