Tracing code in MPLAB Sim

[rhino]

Nice tip Bruce!

[ErnieM]

While it is true you cannot compile with PBP from within MPLAB, you CAN use PBPW, which is the windows version of the PIC Basic Pro compiler. This means you can write, compile, simulate, and program your device all from the same IDE (and for those of us moving from MPLAB assembly, this is an environment we're quite familiar with).

Make sure you've installed the MPLAB plug-in. When you're starting a new PBP project in MPLAB using the Project Wizard, just pick the "microEngineering PicBasic Toolsuite" ("microEngineering PicBasic Pro Toolsuite" if you have it) and browse for PBPW.EXE (not PBP.EXE).

You will also get full text highlighting of your basic code.

One thing I like is using MPLAB to help set configuration bits. Use the MPLAB configure bits menu to make the settings as you wish. The configuration word will be displayed under "Value." Then copy this number into your program like so:

@ __config 0x3FC4 ; configuration bits

No messy lookups for what function sets what bit. You will need to comment out the standard __config statement in the PBP .INC file or azn error will result. I've also added a message reminding me I've changed the .INC file in case later I assume I've set it.

Including the COD file is a help, gives a bit more info to the Program Memory window. Still, I'll keep it and the Disassembly Listing window open for code walking. It helps to see which Basic line is being executed.