Prerequisites

There are three main pieces you will need in order to get started -  Software, Hardware, and Documentation. We'll cover each of these in detail here. If you are unfamiliar with the 8-bit PIC^® MCU, then you might consider also reviewing the training module Getting Started With The PIC16F1xxx MCU, which provides a detailed understanding of the 8-bit architecture.

You will need to understand how to use the MPLAB® X IDE. This is the software application used to develop code, compile the code and program the device on the development board.

MPLAB^® X IDE

The MPLAB^® X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is a free application that includes:

• Full-Featured Editor
• Direct Control of the Compiler
• Direct Control of the Programming Tools
• Debug Capability with Breakpoint, Single Step Control, and Data Display
• Total Project Organization through a Simple Folder System

MPLAB X will become the main software interface you will use to develop your Microchip 8-bit PIC MCU applications. For more detail on all the features of this software tool, there is a separate training module - Get Started with MPLAB X IDE and Microchip Tools.

This tutorial targets the basic features you need to get your first project running on the MPLAB X IDE.