How to work with the main toolbar

File	Edit	Project	Debug Info

File

New File
Launch the new file wizard to create a new file.

New Project
Launch the new project wizard to create a new project.

Open Project
Open an existing saved project.

Save All
Save all project files.

Edit

Undo
Undo the previous action.

Redo
Redo the previous action that was undone.

Project

Set Project Configuration
By default, this will show default. However, if you create a new project configuration, its name will show up here as well allowing you to rapidly switch between multiple configurations. For example, one configuration may use the ICD3 and another the simulator.

Build Project
Build the project using the build tool shown in the project properties window.

▶ MPLAB 8 Migration Tip

The Build command in MPLAB 10 is roughly equivalent to the Make command in MPLAB 8. The make utility will build only the files in the project that have changed since the last build.

Clean and Build Project
Delete intermediate files from previous builds then build the project.

▶ MPLAB 8 Migration Tip

The Clean and Build command in MPLAB 10 is roughly equivalent to the Build All command in MPLAB 8. More specifically, this is like selecting Project ▸ Clean and then Build All in MPLAB 8.

Program Target
Builds the project in release mode and programs the target device.

Read Target
Reads the target device to memory. Alternatively, clicking on the small down pointing arrow on the right edge of this button will display a popup menu. The second option, Read Device Memory to File… will allow you to read a device and save the hex file.

Hold in Reset
Unlike the other toolbar buttons, this is a toggle switch. When it is pressed, it will assert the reset line to prevent the target from running. This button is most useful in conjunction with the Program Target button. After programming the target, Hold in Reset may be used to release the target board to run without having to disconnect the programmer.

Debug Project
Build project with debug code (for use with REAL ICE, ICD or PICkit), download program to target device, and release device from reset. The debugger will have full control over the device's operation. See How to work with the debug toolbar for more information on using a debugger.

▶ MPLAB 8 Migration Tip

When using a debugger, it is generally better not to click on the Build or Clean and Build buttons before clicking on the Debug button. The Debug button will build your code automatically, inserting the appropriate debug code for your selected development tool. If you click on either Build or Clean and Build first, the make utility will be forced to build your entire program again when you click on the Debug button, thereby slowing down your development cycle. This button does in one step what previously took four steps in MPLAB 8:

1. Select Debug from the toolbar combo box
2. Select Project ▸ Build All from the menu.
3. Select Debugger ▸ Program from the menu.
4. Select Debugger ▸ Run from the menu.

Debug Information

Program Counter
Shows the current value of the Program Counter when a debug session is running. These may be visible even when a debug session is not active.

Status
Shows the current value of the Status bits when a debug session is running. These may be visible even when a debug session is not active.

Backlinks

These pages link back to this one. You may find them helpful.

• MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

Information contained in this publication regarding device applications and the like is provided only for your convenience and may be superseded by updates. It is your responsibility to ensure that your application meets with your specifications. MICROCHIP MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WRITTEN OR ORAL, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, RELATED TO THE INFORMATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ITS CONDITION, QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR PURPOSE. Microchip disclaims all liability arising from this information and its use. Use of Microchip devices in life support and/or safety applications is entirely at the buyer's risk, and the buyer agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Microchip from any and all damages, claims, suits, or expenses resulting from such use. No licenses are conveyed, implicitly or otherwise, under any Microchip intellectual property rights.