MPLAB® X and XC8 Compiler

The XC compilers are comprehensive solutions for the project’s software development. The MPLAB XC8 compiler supports all 8-bit PIC microcontrollers and is available as a free and unrestricted use download. When combined with the MPLAB X IDE, the front end provides editing errors and breakpoints that match corresponding lines in the source code. Single stepping through C source code inspects variables and structures at critical points.

Step-by-step instructions on how to set up a bare metal project for PIC is found in the MPLAB XC8 Getting Started Guide. For further details on the XC8 compiler, consult MPLAB XC8 C Compiler User’s Guide.

An introduction in the MPLAB X environment and an installation guide is found in the Getting Started - MPLAB X IDE Essentials - 01: Installation and Ecosystem. More information on Microchip’s MPLAB X IDE is found at MPLAB X IDE User’s Guide.