which compiler to use? (new in PIC)

[fitri]

hi everyone~
im new in PIC, i want to build a prototype of home automation system. i am planning to use PIC16f877a. is that posibble?
And i also dont know which compiler i need to use? one of my friend sugest me to use CCS compiler (it use c language rite?)
i dont realy know how to use it. can somebody give any sugestion?
thx~
regard
fitri.

[Brian Griffin]

hi everyone~
im new in PIC, i want to build a prototype of home automation system. i am planning to use PIC16f877a. is that posibble?
And i also dont know which compiler i need to use? one of my friend sugest me to use CCS compiler (it use c language rite?)
i dont realy know how to use it. can somebody give any sugestion?
thx~
regard
fitri.

You can try the Hi-tech compiler for PIC as a good start.

If you are using PIC18F series, use the MPLAB C18 one.

Also, aim for the CCS and MikroC if you have some money as the compilers are cheaper than the full version Hi-Tech or the MPLAB C18 ones.

[fitri]

thx brian,
em..i already have ccs compiler, should i just use it?
and another question..when i create a program, i build a c source file. is that correct? should it be hex file?
i write program in ccs, and then compile it and import it to pickit. is my procedure correct?

thx for ur suggestion

[Brian Griffin]

No worries about the CCS. It's a very good compiler as well.

Take note that there are two versions of CCS - one is attached with the MPLAB IDE (Integrated development environment) and one is a seperate IDE by itself.

Yes, if you create a program, make sure you "Create New Project" in its respective "Projects" drop down menu.

The compiled C will be in the form of hex file.

[shahrul]

thx brian,
em..i already have ccs compiler, should i just use it?
and another question..when i create a program, i build a c source file. is that correct? should it be hex file?
i write program in ccs, and then compile it and import it to pickit. is my procedure correct?

You must create project, set compiler, then write code on C file. The hex file compiled by the software.
This example step2 using MPLab.

[ober]

Yup, there are plenty of C compiler for PIC out there. Most of them have their own strength and weakness.

Since you already have CCS on hand, just use it.

[Brian Griffin]

Yup, there are plenty of C compiler for PIC out there. Most of them have their own strength and weakness.

Since you already have CCS on hand, just use it.

My only grouse of using the CCS is one have to pay for the 1-year maintenance and renewing it isn't cheap. The 1-year maintenance is for compiler updates and new microcontroller support.

[Sab]

Hi Experimenters,

Can i used micro C source code and compile in Mplab IDE Hitech C compiler?

[Brian Griffin]

Hi Experimenters,

Can i used micro C source code and compile in Mplab IDE Hitech C compiler?

You can but you need to modify the codes. The C between these compilers are slightly different.

[Sab]

Thank you Brian.