Newbie main() error problem

[jabackma]

Hi, All,
I am brand new to this compiler, and created a project with three files, one of which has a main() in it. When I try to compile, I get a

No MAIN() function found

error, as the first file it compiles is not main.c - main.c is the middle of the three Source Files listed, but that should not matter I think. I can rightclick compile main.c fine though.

So my question is: why is it insisting that it needs a main() just to compile one of the other c files? It should whine about main() not existing at link time.

John

[newguy]

Even though CCS has trumpeted how their new version 4 has a linker, many people have found that the linker either doesn't work or doesn't work properly.

If you're using version 3 (even if you're using version 4), you have to compile ONE big file. All files must be #include(d) in the primary file - the one that you ultimately compile. This primary file is the one with the main() function.

[jabackma]

Thanks for the quick reply.
This is a brand new, shiny just off the lot compiler for the 16F parts.

So what you are saying is I can only have one .c file? That seems odd... when I did the Project Wizard it let me add all the Source C Files I wanted.

So have one source file, say main.c in Source Files, then
#include "file1.c"
#include "file2.c"

etc at the beginning of it?

[newguy]

Right. If you name your project "test", the wizard will create test.c and test.h files. The first line of test.c will be #include "C:\whatever\test.h". DO NOT include other .c files ABOVE this line......that's a big no-no.

#include as many .c files after this that you wish, but before the main().

[jabackma]

Actually, my MPLAB 7.5 does not create any files.

I tried throwing all my simple files in one file, along with main() and it compiled! So that is one solution.

If I try to take baby steps towards multifile, lets say I have a file

"led_display.c"
#include "led_display.h" //line one of the file
#include "switch.c"
...

and in "led_display.h"
#include <16F917.h>

I then get a compile error on :
-Can not change device type this far into the code

which is stupid because the error points to the first line of 16f917.h

//////// Standard Header file for the PIC16F917 device ////////////////
#device PIC16F917 <this>
#nolist

Maybe I just need a good example of a multi file C project in the public domain that works. I note that all the demo files are standalone one C file apps.

[newguy]

Here's an example of a typical .h file generated by the CCS wizard:

[PCM programmer]

See my post in this thread which shows how to organize the main
source file:
http://www.ccsinfo.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18649

See my first post in this thread, which shows how the Project Window
in MPLAB should look:
http://www.ccsinfo.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=27115

See this thread for info on how to add the additional source files
to the "Other Files" section in the MPLAB Project Window:
http://www.ccsinfo.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=25826

[jabackma]

Thanks, guys, I now have it working with more than one C file.

Man, that was more difficult then in the Atmel or TIDSP world!