The MDB is automatically installed with the MPLAB X IDE. To download the latest version, go to the Microchip web site (www.microchip.com).
Generate a .cof or .elf file for debugging. (If simply programming a device, a hex file is sufficient.) The project can be built with MPLAB X IDE or using third-party compilers, as long as a .cof or .elf file is generated. The .cof/.elf file is a linked executable file that contains symbolic debugging information.