So you want to create a new project or work on an existing project using the MPLAB® Code Configurator (MCC) Melody graphical programming environment, but which software development tools do you need? Where do you get them and how do you install them?
When you get to the MPLAB X IDE webpage, you’ll find the download button near the top of the page. Clicking this takes you further down the page to a section that allows you to select the download for your operating system. Start downloading and installing the MPLAB X IDE by clicking Download. Select a download location on your computer and wait for it to complete.
Select Applications allows the selection of applications and device support to install. More selections mean more installation time and more hard drive space.
MPLAB Integrated Programming Environment (IPE) is not required for this course, so uncheck this box. If you want to install this later, rerun the MPLAB X IDE installer. The only device support for MCC is 8-bit MCUs and 16-bit dsPIC® Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs). If you also want to work on 32-bit MCUs, leave its corresponding box checked and click Next >.
The Setup Wizard shows that it’s ready to start the installation process. Click Next > and wait for installation to complete.
When installation is complete, the Setup Wizard asks if you want to launch the IDE or install the MPLAB XC compilers. The MPLAB XC8 and/or XC-DSC compilers still need to be installed, so check their corresponding boxes and click Finish. The compiler will start to download.
License Type allows you to choose which version of the compiler you want to install. The Free compiler version is the same as the paid versions, with higher levels of optimization disabled. Select the Free version and click Next >.
Compiler Settings allows you to apply the settings to all users of the computer and to add the MPLAB XC8 PATH environment variable which is required to use the compiler outside the IDE. Keep the default selections and click Next >.
When installation completes, you will have the option to buy or evaluate a PRO license, or just click Next > to use the free version. Click Finish to complete the installation.
Click image to enlarge.
Congratulations! Now that the MPLAB X IDE and compiler are installed, you’re ready to create a new project or work on existing MCC Melody-based projects.
If you need to work with Microchip Support staff directly, you can submit a technical support case. Keep in mind that many questions can be answered through our self-help resources, so this may not be your speediest option.
