Free replacement for MPLABX as IDE?

djsb · Joined: 29 Jan 2011 Posts: 37

I am tired of setting up the CCS plugin for MPLABX and then coming back to use it a few months later to find that it doesn't work any more. I've had to set it up at least four times, and now it STILL does not work properly.
I could use the command line for PCM and then program the hex file into my device using a SNAP, ICD3 or PICK kit using IPE, but then I don't get to see any errors etc in a convenient way.
Does anyone use any FREE IDE's (Notepad++ for instance)? I'm considering buying the workshop compiler, but cant decide which 13 devices to configure for it. PCWHD is tempting, but I'll have to wait for a favourable exchange rate before I spend nearly 500 English pounds on it. Pity there are no Black Friday deals today.

temtronic · Posted: Fri Nov 29, 2024 11:27 am

Interesting as I've used MPLAB V8.92 for ,sigh decades on several PCs / Windows versions and never,ever had to reinstall. it just works.
I suspect you're using a PC that does 'other things' like Internet, accounting, email, etc. and perhaps when 'they' update, they corrupt the MPLABX operations ?
I'm sure others will know.

Ttelmah · Joined: 11 Mar 2010 Posts: 19520

If he is using a chip supported by 8.92, then this is free, and is better by far
than MPLAB X.
You can as others have reported use any number of code platforms to
give syntax checking, and then just program with CCSLOAD.
MPLAB X should not be that bad. I've got older versions still installed and
running fine from years ago.. 4.20, 5.25, and the current versions, and they
all work when I return to them. Key (of course), is to turn off auto updating
and just do a manual update when you want. The automatic updates do
sometimes seem to do silly things.
There was one change needed to the plugin a year or more ago, but
otherwise it just works.

PrinceNai · Joined: 31 Oct 2016 Posts: 480 Location: Montenegro

For me the only thing that matters is that the chip is old enough to be supported by MPLAB. MPLABX is or will be the reason to switch to something else. There are cheaper and more powerful options with the same disgusting interface, but working. My workflow is to write everything in CCS, then import it to MPLAB. MPLAB is aware of any change in code. I've tried Notepad++, but it was just adding another level of complication. MPLAB simply works, from WIN 95 on. I can not understand why Microchip is trying to replace something wonderful, in spite of all the comments either here or on their own forum. Unbelievable, having the best of the best and going somewhere south from there.

Ttelmah · Joined: 11 Mar 2010 Posts: 19520

Do a search on:

"why did Microchip get rid of MPLAB".

You will find hundreds of replies, voicing how much people hate MPLAB-X.
It does now normally work. The first perhaps 50 versions did not even manage
that.

On a scale of 1 to 10, The last versions of MPLAB, were perhaps a fairly solid
7. The layout and interface a bit clunky, but worked well. MPLAB-X, manages
perhaps a 3. Layout and interface even worse, and thousands of oddities
about how to actually get it to work.