Installing Compilers
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MPLAB® X IDE supports compilers from Microchip as well as several third-party partners. Instructions for installing Microchip's compilers may be found in the following locations:

  • MPLAB XC8 C Compiler for all 8-bit PIC® Microcontrollers.
  • MPLAB XC16 C Compiler for all 16-bit PIC Microcontrollers and dsPIC® Digital Signal Controllers.
  • MPLAB XC32 C Compiler for all 32-bit PIC Microcontrollers.
  • MPLAB XC32++ C++ Compiler for all 32-bit PIC Microcontrollers.

After installing a C Compiler, the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) should discover them automatically. However, it never hurts to make sure everything was configured properly. Parameters for installed compilers are shown in the Options window under the Embedded tab.

From this window, you can scan for new compiler installations, manually add a compiler, or modify the paths to point to different executables or directories.

The settings in this window are IDE-wide and therefore affect all projects.

One of the benefits of MPLAB X IDE is that you can install several versions of the same compiler and choose which version you want to use on a per-project basis. This makes it easy to use the latest compiler on a new project while retaining legacy installations for older projects that you still need to maintain.

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