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. Purchase MPLAB PICkit Basic and optionally the Debugger Adapter Board.
  2. Download and install the latest:
    1. Visual Studio (VS) Code from Download Visual Studio Code
    2. MPLAB for VS Code Extensions from Extensions for Visual Studio Code (search for MPLAB.)
  3. Find and install a compiler for on your application device from the MPLAB XC Compilers webpage.
    Note: If MPLAB XC Compilers have already been installed for MPLAB X IDE, MPLAB for VS Code may already have scanned and registered these compilers. To verify this, in the command palette (Ctrl+Shift+P) enter MPLAB: List toolchains. If an XC Compiler is installed while VS Code is open, in the command palette enter MPLAB: Add toolchain and then select (Auto) Scan to register this compiler.
  4. Find examples of code in MPLAB Discover or search for Microchip content on GitHub.
  5. Plug MPLAB PICkit Basic into the computer using the USB cable. Ensure you target is correctly connected.
  6. Open your project or an example project. Then click to verify that PICkit Basic is connected.
  7. Read the following sections for details on operation for your application device.