User`s guide

MPLAB

IDE User’s Guide

2.3 TUTORIAL OVERVIEW

In order to create code that is executable by the target PICmicro MCU, source files

need to be put into a project. The code can then be built into executable code using

selected language tools (assemblers, compilers, linkers, etc.). In MPLAB IDE, the

project manager controls this process.

All projects will have these basic steps:

• Select Device

The capabilities of MPLAB IDE vary according to which device is selected. Device

selection should be completed before starting a project.

• Create Project

MPLAB IDE Project Wizard will be used to Create a Project.

• Select Language Tools

In the Project Wizard the language tools will be selected. For this tutorial, the

built-in assembler and linker will be used. For other projects, one of the Microchip

compilers or other third party tools might be selected.

• Put Files in Project

Two files will be put into the project, a template file and a linker script. Both of

these exist in sub-folders within the MPLAB IDE folder. It is easy to get started

using these two files.

• Create Code

Some code will be added to the template file to send an incrementing value out an

I/O port.

• Build Project

The project will be built – causing the source files to be assembled and linked into

machine code that can run on the selected PICmicro MCU.

• Test Code with Simulator

Finally, the code will be tested with the simulator.

The Project Wizard will easily guide us through most of these steps.

Note: Some aspects of the user interface will change in future product releases

and the screen shots in this tutorial may not exactly match the appearance

of the MPLAB IDE desktop in later releases. New features will be added as

additional parts are released. None of the functions described in this tutorial

will be removed, but more features may be added.The on-line help is the

most up-to-date reference for the current version of MPLAB IDE.