C programming is a powerful and versatile language widely used in embedded systems, including microchip environments. Its efficiency and control over hardware make it an ideal choice for developing firmware for microcontrollers. This article will guide you through the process of writing, compiling, and running C programs for microchips. We will use the MPLAB X IDE and the XC8 compiler, which are specifically designed for Microchip's PIC microcontrollers.

Examples:

1. Setting Up the Environment:

   • Download and install MPLAB X IDE from Microchip's official website.
   • Install the XC8 compiler, which is required for compiling C code for PIC microcontrollers.

2. Creating a New Project:

   • Open MPLAB X IDE.
   • Go to File -> New Project.
   • Select Microchip Embedded -> Standalone Project.
   • Choose your device (e.g., PIC16F877A) and click Next.
   • Select the XC8 compiler and click Next.
   • Name your project and choose the location to save it, then click Finish.

3. Writing Your First C Program:

   • In the Projects tab, right-click on Source Files and select New -> C Main File.
   • Name your file (e.g., main.c) and click Finish.
   • Write the following code in main.c to blink an LED connected to PORTB:

#include <xc.h>

// Configuration bits
#pragma config FOSC = HS        // Oscillator Selection bits (HS oscillator)
#pragma config WDTE = OFF       // Watchdog Timer Enable bit (WDT disabled)
#pragma config PWRTE = OFF      // Power-up Timer Enable bit (PWRT disabled)
#pragma config BOREN = ON       // Brown-out Reset Enable bit (BOR enabled)
#pragma config LVP = OFF        // Low-Voltage (Single-Supply) In-Circuit Serial Programming Enable bit (RB3 is digital I/O, HV on MCLR must be used for programming)
#pragma config CPD = OFF        // Data EEPROM Memory Code Protection bit (Data EEPROM code protection off)
#pragma config WRT = OFF        // Flash Program Memory Write Enable bits (Write protection off)
#pragma config CP = OFF         // Flash Program Memory Code Protection bit (Code protection off)

#define _XTAL_FREQ 20000000     // Define the system clock frequency

void main(void) {
    TRISB = 0x00;               // Set PORTB as output
    while(1) {
        PORTB = 0xFF;           // Turn on all LEDs on PORTB
        __delay_ms(500);        // Delay for 500 ms
        PORTB = 0x00;           // Turn off all LEDs on PORTB
        __delay_ms(500);        // Delay for 500 ms
    }
}

4. Compiling and Uploading the Code:

   • Click on the Build button (hammer icon) to compile the code.
   • Connect your PIC microcontroller to your computer using a programmer (e.g., PICkit 3).
   • Go to Run -> Run Main Project to upload the code to the microcontroller.

5. Running the Program:

   • Once the code is uploaded, the microcontroller will start executing the program.
   • You should see the LEDs on PORTB blinking on and off every 500 milliseconds.