Free replacement for MPLABX as IDE?

[djsb]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[jeremiah]

[djsb]

Thanks everyone for your replies. It looks like I will be going with buying the full PCWHD suite. As I've bought the PCM and PCH compilers before, I can upgrade for a reasonable price. I also get the FULL set of compilers that comes with an integrated IDE.
Had another go at MPLABX today and wasted another hour or so on top of the whole of last Friday trying to get it to work.
I like using the CCS compilers, and they are much easier to use than XC8.
It would still be nice to know how to get the CCS command line compilers working with Visual Studio Code. I can then pass the knowledge onto the students I work with in my Job. Free is good from a student perspective.

[Ttelmah]

Have you looked at this thread?:

[url]
http://www.ccsinfo.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=59296
[/url]

[djsb]

Thanks Ttelmah and everyone else,

I will give the Visual Studio Code set up a try at some stage. At the moment, I just need something that works and doesn't get in the way of me actually learning to use CCS and the actual hardware in more depth.
I've been asked to review an academic years worth of code examples, so MPLABX (or a combination of the plugin and MPLABX) not working is just getting in my way. Not sure what the root cause is yet, but I'll find out eventually.

[temtronic]

curious as to which PIC you're using....maybe MPLAB 8.92 will work for you ??

Also, consider a dedicated PC for PICs. Cheap these days and NO need for internet connection or upgrades.

[djsb]

The classes use PIC16F819, PIC16F1827 and PIC16F1847 (all 18 pin) and the version of MPLABX and CCS PCM is an older version and works fine (MPLABX 6.xx and PCM 5.xx respectively).
As I work from home occasionally, I use the newer versions of both on my home PC. I'm using MPLABX 6.20 and the compiler is 5.11 or thereabouts.
This is the last version of MPLABX that supports programming with the ICD3 programmer we use in the labs.
It should work on my PC as well. I'm still not sure why. Maybe there is a problem with the packs that MPLABX downloads? Not sure.

[Ttelmah]

Er.

You are making problems you don't have.
_ALL_ of those chips are supported by MPLAB 8.92. Just use this. Has the
simulator, ICD, etc. etc..
Forty times better, and I've got versions installed ten years ago still merrily
running.

[djsb]

Thanks Ttelmah,
Downloading it now. I'll give it a try.










PS I'm also going to try aligning with the version I use at work as that works with no problems. Whatever just works, I'm going to stick with.

[temtronic]

Hint. After you install MPLAB 8.92, go to the 'build configuration' and select 'release' instead of the default 'debug'. That way, when you F10-compile, the code will be correct to download into the PIC and run.
If you select 'debug' , it adds 'stuff' expecting you to be 'debugging' the code.
Since I only use the Real World to 'debug', MY default is 'release'.