Microchip Technology XC8 Standard Compiler (Workstation) SW006021-1 SW006021-1 User Manual
Product codes
SW006021-1
MPLAB
®
XC8 C COMPILER
USER’S GUIDE
2012 Microchip Technology Inc.
DS52053B-page 11
Chapter 1. Compiler Overview
1.1
INTRODUCTION
This chapter is an overview of the MPLAB XC8 C Compiler, including these topics.
1.2
COMPILER DESCRIPTION AND DOCUMENTATION
The MPLAB
®
XC8 C Compiler is a free-standing, optimizing ANSI C compiler. It sup-
ports all 8-bit PIC
®
microcontrollers: PIC10, PIC12, PIC16 and PIC18 series devices,
as well as the PIC14000 device.
The compiler is available for several popular operating systems, including 32- and
64-bit Windows
64-bit Windows
®
, Linux and Apple OS X.
The compiler is available in three operating modes: Free, Standard or PRO. The Stan-
dard and PRO operating modes are licensed modes and require a serial number to
enable them. Free mode is available for unlicensed customers. The basic compiler
operation, supported devices and available memory are identical across all modes.
The modes only differ in the level of optimization employed by the compiler.
dard and PRO operating modes are licensed modes and require a serial number to
enable them. Free mode is available for unlicensed customers. The basic compiler
operation, supported devices and available memory are identical across all modes.
The modes only differ in the level of optimization employed by the compiler.
1.2.1
Conventions
Throughout this manual, the term “compiler” is used. It can refer to all, or a subset of,
the collection of applications that comprise the MPLAB XC8 C Compiler. When it is not
important to identify which application performed an action, it will be attributed to the
compiler.
the collection of applications that comprise the MPLAB XC8 C Compiler. When it is not
important to identify which application performed an action, it will be attributed to the
compiler.
Likewise, “compiler” is often used to refer to the command-line driver. Although specif-
ically, the driver for the MPLAB XC8 C Compiler package is called xc8. The driver and
its options are discussed in Section 4.7 “XC8 Driver Options”. Accordingly, “compiler
options” commonly relates to command-line driver options.
ically, the driver for the MPLAB XC8 C Compiler package is called xc8. The driver and
its options are discussed in Section 4.7 “XC8 Driver Options”. Accordingly, “compiler
options” commonly relates to command-line driver options.
In a similar fashion, “compilation” refers to all or a selection of steps involved in
generating source code into an executable binary image.
generating source code into an executable binary image.