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CHAPTER 5 MPLAB
Introduction MPLAB is a Windows program package that makes writing and developing a program easier. It could best be described as developing environment for some standard program language that is intended for programming a PC computer. Some operations which were done from the instruction line with a large number of parameters until the discovery of IDE "Integrated Development Environment" are now made easier by using the MPLAB. Still, our tastes differ, so even today some programmers prefer the standard editors and compilers from instruction line. In any case, the written program is legible, and well documented help is also available. 5.1 Installing the program -MPLAB
MPLAB consists of several parts:
Welcome screen at the beginning of MPLAB installment At the very beginning, it is necessary to select those MPLAB components we will be working with. Since we don't have any original Microchip hardware components such as programmers or emulators, we will only install MPLAB environment, Assembler, Simulator and the instructions.
Selecting components of MPLAB developing environment As it is assumed you will work in Windows 95 ( or a newer operating system), everything in connection with DOS operating system has been taken out during selection of assembler language. However, if you still wish to work in DOS, you need to deselect all options connected with Windows, and choose the components appropriate for DOS.
Selecting the assembler and the operating system Like any other program, MPLAB should be installed into some directory. This option could be moved into any directory on any hard disc of your computer. If you didn't have a more pressing need, it should be left at selected place.
Choosing the directory where MPLAB will be installed
Users who have already had MPLAB (older version than this one) need the following option.
Option for users who are installing a new version over an already installed MPLAB Start menu is a group of program pointers, and is selected by clicking on START option in the lower left corner of the screen. Since MPLAB will be started from here, we need to leave this option as it is.
Adding the MPLAB to the start menu Location that will be mentioned from here on, has to do with a part of MPLAB whose explanation we don't need to get into. By selecting a special directory , MPLAB will keep all files in connection with the linker in a separate directory.
Determining a directory for linker files Every Windows program has system files usually stored in a directory containing Windows program. After a number of different installments, the Windows directory becomes overcrowded and too big. Thus, some programs allow for their system files to be kept in same directories with programs. MPLAB is an example of such program, and the bottom option should be selected.
Selecting a directory for system files After all of the above steps, installment begins by clicking on 'Next'.
Screen prior to installment Installment doesn't take long, and the process of copying the files can be viewed on a small window in the right corner of the screen.
Installment flow After installment have been completed, there are two dialog screens, one for the last minute information regarding program versions and corrections, and the other is a welcome screen. If text files (Readme.txt) have opened, they would need to be closed.
Last minute information regarding program versions and corrections. By clicking on Finish, installment of MPLAB is finished.
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