hi all, iv been using asembly code with a 16f876a and for a few months now and have got the hang of controling inputs and outputs and some mssp function but i would like to start using C, iv started read "ABSOLUTE BEGINNER'S GUILD TO C" which all seems to be making sense but how do i no what function i can use on a pic.
iv got a copy of ccs c compiler and i see i can add a few header files to my project but how do i no what these header files can do.

Code:

#include "C:\Documents and Settings\JASON\My Documents\Pic Projects\New Folder\main.h"
  #include <assert.h>
  #include <ctype.h>
  #include <errno.h>
  #include <float.h>
  #include <limits.h>
  #include <locale.h>
  #include <math.h>
  #include <s7600.h>
  #include <setjmp.h>
  #include <stdio.h>
  #include <stddef.h>
  #include <stdlib.h>
  #include <stdlibm.h>
  #include <string.h>


void main()
{

   setup_adc_ports(NO_ANALOGS);
   setup_adc(ADC_OFF);
   setup_psp(PSP_DISABLED);
   setup_spi(SPI_SS_DISABLED);
   setup_timer_0(RTCC_INTERNAL|RTCC_DIV_1););
   setup_timer_1(T1_DISABLED);
   setup_timer_2(T2_DISABLED,0,1);

   // TODO: USER CODE!!

}

thanks for any help
jason

hi there, as i said im very new to C and i was just looking at header files and wounded what each one did, iv not tryed to write any C code yet but i was just having a look round the ccs compiler.is the ccs compiler a good compiler for beginner.

can you use a pickit2 clone with the ccs compiler???

can the pickit2 be used for debugging with ccs compiler

Hi Jay,

You should just jump in and start using the compiler, and before long you will get the hang of it. The CCS C compiler is one of the easiest to use, and comes with a large number of examples. Just look in the install directory (PICC) in the folder called - Examples.

If you have been working in assembler, then you might do a simple LED blink in C and then take a look at the list file to compare it with the same thing done in assembler. This will give you lots of insight into how your compiler works. Then go to your examples folder and try them all, or try some. By the time you work through two or three, you should be getting the hang of it.

I think the best thing about CCS is that they have an excellent support forum, with some very intelligent and helpful posters. Find it here:
CCS :: Index

Originally Posted by jhanus

So, which one would you choose Hi-Tech PICC or CSS?, I'm asking because of examples, because with them I will surly learn faster.

Well, for the money: Hi-Tech is about 1k per family, and CCS is about 100 $ per family, and around $450 for the IDE, and all families. The IDE comes with lots of examples and other useful programs. I would go with CCS.

However, the one I use, and the best deal of all is Source Boost. A full license for non commercial use is less than $70. Find it here:
SourceBoost Technologies - Home of BoostC Free PIC C Compiler and BoostBasic Free Pic Basic Compiler

All of them offer demo versions, and I think all have sample programs (although I haven't looked at HiTech lately.) CCS has the best forums though.

Originally Posted by jhanus

So, which one would you choose Hi-Tech PICC or CSS?, I'm asking because of examples, because with them I will surly learn faster.

I think that both are good. Hi-Tech PICC compiler is my personal favourite for the PIC16. I am quite surprised that few people say they're using it on this forums, especially since it's been installed by MPLAB.
I believe that it produces the highest-quality code. However, the Lite version doesn't support all the 16F devices. I've used it to develop some programs for the 16F627A (628A is not supported), 16F690, 16F887 and 12F629/675, for example. Despite those limitations, the Lite version can be used for commercial applications and that's quite interesting!

There is a review of several of the compilers here:
PIC micros and C - CCS C review however SourceBoost is not reviewed.

CCS also has a comparison page:
CCS, Inc. - Compiler Comparison however their info on SB isn't up to date.

CCS has its downside as well. The best way to use it (IMHO) is the PH Anderson does, without their propriety libraries, writing your own functions. I think CCS has improved their compilers quite a bit with regards to pointers, which are heart and soul of C. They often don't respond to bug requests, though.

The one I like least is MikroC, as they seem very protective of their propriety stuff, and theirs doesn't even integrate into MPLab.

I haven't tried the IAR, but it seems very high priced...

Yes, C18 is the only free one without restrictions, but it isn't without problems either.

Mike, I don't think you are off topic at all. I too would like to see those instructions.