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Getting Started with MPLAB X IDE

1.0 Introduction

MPLAB X IDE is the new version of software program that develop applications for Microchip microcontrollers and digital signal controllers.
Differ from previous version, it is developed completely in-house and based on the open source NetBeans IDE from Oracle
Supports the ability to enter File Code Templates with license headers or template code
It also provides many new features that will be especially beneficial to users of 16-bit and 32-bit families where programs can grow to be extremely complex.
Link to download MPLAB X IDE: MPLAB X IDE

MPLAB^® XC8 is Microchip’s simple and comprehensive line of compilers that :

Supports all 8-bit PIC family (user only need to install one compiler for PIC 10, 12, 16 and 18)
Integrates with MPLAB^® X IDE and all Microchip development tools
Link to download MPLAB XC8: MPLAB XC8 Compiler

In this tutorial (by taking Cytron Technologies DIY project as an example), you will learn how to:

>> Install the MPLAB X IDE and MPLAB XC8 Compiler

>> Add the source file to MPLAB X project

>> Convert MPLAB v8 project to MPLAB X project

>> Build the codes and load to the targeting device

2.0 Getting Started

We will be using the sample code of DIY project – PR5 for this example. You can download it here.

3.0 How to install the MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler

3.1 MPLAB X IDE

Steps:

3.2 MPLAB XC8 Compiler

Steps:

4.0 Creating Projects

Standalone Project:

Video on Creating Standalone New Project MPLAB X IDE

By taking DIY Project 5 _ Line Following Robot as an example to build the code,

Steps:

1. Start the new project wizard by:

Click the New Project icon on the main toolbar.or
Click the main menu and select File ► New Projector
On the keyboard, press: Ctrl + Shift + Nor
Right click on the project window(white space), a pop-up menuwill appear and choose New Project

2. Choose the project type:

From the Categories: choose Microchip Embedded
On the Projects column: choose Standalone Project

3. Choose the type of device:

Family: All Family (or you can choose the type of family in order to choose the type of device faster)
Device: Type in the type of device use (can choose from the list)
PIC16F84a ☞ PR 1, 2, 3
PIC16F727 ☞ PR 28
PIC16F777 ☞ PR 19
PIC16F876A ☞ PR 7, 8, 9B, 10A, 10B, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29
PIC16F877A ☞ PR 5, 6A, 17, 23, 31

*choose PIC16F877A for this case because the sample code is using PIC16F877A

4. Select the tool

Under Hardware Tools: Choose PICkit 2 (using UIC00B)

5. Select C Compiler or assembler

Choose the corresponding compiler for the source code
Depending on the source file using
mpasm (v5.45) >> PR 1, 2, & 3
XC8 (v1.00) >> PR 5, 6, 7, 8, 9B, 10A, 10B, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 31

*choose XC8 for this case because the sample code is using C language

6. Name the project and choose a directory

Choose the project name as you like
Set the location for the project to be created
Name the project folder
Click finish
Done

5.0 Adding existing file to project

Steps:

1. Project tree

A project tree will appear in the upper left part of the IDE. User is now ready to add the source files to it.
Right click on the Source Files ► Add Existing Item… or Add Existing Items from Folders…

Choose the corresponding source file from the disk (you have downloaded and extract the file)

If you choose to add an existing item:
- Select the source file (*.c) *Choose PR5.c for this example.
- Choose the store file’s path from the radio buttons near the bottom right. Choose Relative.
- Click the Select button.
If you choose to add existing items from folders:
- Click on the Add Folder… button
- Select a directory that contains files you want to add to the project
- Click the Select button in the Select Source File Folder dialog
- Repeat for as many folders as you wish to add
- Click on the Add button

Done

*Note: The same applies for adding the header file and linker file to the project.

2. Build Code

Build the codes by clicking the icon on the toolbar

3. Load program

Connect the programmer(with the device connected) to the computer
Press icon to load the program to the device

If you are using the PICkit 2 Programmer software,

Download, Install and Open the PICkit 2 Programmer software
Go to Tools ► Check for Communication
File ► Import Hex ► Project folder ►dist ► default ►production ► choose the hex file ► click Open

Click Write

4. Done

6.0 Converting an MPLAB v8 project to MPLAB X

Video on converting MPLAB 8® Projects to MPLAB X® ID

Steps:

1. Start the new project wizard by:

Click the New Project icon on the main toolbar.or
Click the main menu and select File ► New Projector
On the keyboard, press: Ctrl + Shift + Nor
Right click on the project window(white space), a pop-up menu will appear and choose New Project

10. If the project that you created cannot detect the source files, header files or linker files, you can manually add them to the project that you created by referring to section 5.0 Adding existing file to project

* * Video on how to Make a Project, Compile and Upload Code to a PIC Microcontroller**