Choose right compiler

Selection of compiler depends on various factors.

  • Programming Language
  • length of registers (8bit, 16bit, and 32bit)

Programming Language

There are many compilers for different languages. Most notable programming languages are Assembly language and C language.

Length of internal registers

PIC Microcontroller family contains several types and it also categorized using length of registers. There are 8 bit, 16 bit and 32 bit type Microcontrollers and each does have separate compilers.

There are official and third-party compilers available for PIC Microcontrollers. Official compilers are developed and maintained by Microchip, the PIC Microcontroller manufacturers.

Official compilers

  • MPLAB XC8 – 8bit C compiler
  • MPLAB XC16 – 16bit C compiler
  • MPLAB XC32 – 32bit C compiler
  • MPASM – Assembly language assembler