This is a heads up on the EOL for MPLAB IDE 8

MPLAB IDE v8.92 which is due to be released in June 2013, will be the last MPLAB 8 version that will contain new device support. The IDE will always be available from the website to use with the current support level at the time of release. For new devices after this release please switch to use MPLAB X IDE.

http://www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=1406&dDocName=en023073

 

I knew it! I've been trying to get used to MPLAB X just for such an occasion. I still don't like it, but looks like I don't have much choice anymore.

There's just something about a windowed environment that I like...

 

I use MPLab X all of the time. I really don't understand why people don't like it but maybe it is because I work in the very similar Eclipse environment.


The one thing that I do not like is the actual interface to the pick kit. I miss the ability to confirm the connection to the device with reconnect.

 

Does that mean I am wasting time trying to learn to use 8.89?

 

Does that mean I am wasting time trying to learn to use 8.89?

Probably. It is really up to you. I would imagine v8.92 would be support for a year or two but you would not be able to use the newer chips.

If you can live with that then MPLab should be fine but I suppose if you are learing something new you might as well start off with the latest release MPLabx.

 

I find MPLAB 8.89 very confusing, so if I am going to struggle, it might as well be with MPLABX. I am installing v1.70 on my desktop computer as I type.



ETA: I already see one thing I like better - no more workspaces.

 

Does that mean I am wasting time trying to learn to use 8.89?

I'm still using MPlab 8. Support for the older chips which beginners like me use are well supported under MPlab 8, but some of them don't work properly with MPlab X. Check the MPlab X errata for the chips that you are likely to be using:
Look at the readme files in the release notes on the downloads part of this page.
http://www.microchip.com/pagehandler/en-us/family/mplabx/

 

I 'personally' think it's premature to EOL 8 because there is a planned large upgrade (to Netbeans 7.2) for X v2.00 that's planned. I love using X on Linux but I was hoping for a stable release based on 7.2 before new chip support was dropped in 8.

From the MCHP DEV team via their forum.

We are looking to start a merge into the Netbeans 7.2 platform at the end of this year which should be available to our customers mid next year. This is being targeted as MPLAB X IDE v 2.00.

 

I have an LED flashing on a 10F200 via MPLABX. Of course, it took some clicking and hoping, but it's flashing.

 

I have an LED flashing on a 10F200 via MPLABX. Of course, it took some clicking and hoping, but it's flashing.

You the man!

 

I have an LED flashing on a 10F200 via MPLABX. Of course, it took some clicking and hoping, but it's flashing.

You the man!

The hard part is learning to use the UI.

Some really neat features are:

If you type LATAbits. (for example) you can list all of the variables under LATAbits.

If you type #include " then hit ctrl-space, all of your header files will be listed.

#include < will list headers in your header directory.

Ctrl-space will list any headers or variables that you have defined.

 

And if you simply press #, it will list all the # directives then you can select include then space and it will list your include files.

 

Thanks. It is easier to me than 8.89; that's not to say that I know anything really about either one. I just finished printing the UG for MPLABX, and I am determined to read it through. (I don't like reading from a computer screen.)

 

Thanks. It is easier to me than 8.89; that's not to say that I know anything really about either one. I just finished printing the UG for MPLABX, and I am determined to read it through. (I don't like reading from a computer screen.)

You are like my Dad. He prints EVERYTHING. He goes through printer cartridges like crazy.

 

I still use the PICSTART PIC programmer and MPLAB X doesnt support it !
SO I have kept a copy of MPLAB zip file on my pc.

 

MPLAB IDE 8.92 is out. Archives here: http://www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=1406&dDocName=en023073

 

I still use a PICSTART plus programmer which is not supported under Mplab X.

I have kept a zip file of MPLAB in case I need to reinstall it.