Learn PIC programming

Hello experts,

I'm a novice at embedded programming.

I have a curiosity board but find it difficult to understand the demo projects on MPLAB Xpress.

Is there a good tutorial to help getting started with PIC/embedded programming?

I know I should read the datasheet of the part fully, but it becomes tedious after a while and I prefer learning through actual examples that run on the board.

Thanks!

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Jan Cumps 8 months ago in reply to Fred27 +4

agree. If looking for a book that covers the common embedded topics, I'd recommend Making Embedded Systems by Elicia White. It's definitely not the only book out there. But it has a decent coverage of…
Jan Cumps 8 months ago in reply to 5ilicon +4

Yes. It is not an intro into C programming. I wouldn't advise to learn C via an embedded system design book. That's dealing with two unknowns in parallel. Learn C with a good C tutorial, then specialise…
Fred27 8 months ago +3

I've not looked at the demo projects for MPLAB Xpress or worked with PIC, but I always find that demo projects are the best way to start. Load up blinky. Adapt it so that it lights an LED when you press…

Fred27 8 months ago

I've not looked at the demo projects for MPLAB Xpress or worked with PIC, but I always find that demo projects are the best way to start. Load up blinky. Adapt it so that it lights an LED when you press a button, etc. Most peripherals you might want to use (UART, SPI, I2C) probably have a basic example.

I'm not sure if you meant that you need to learn C programming. If so, then there are online resources and book available. Just have a google and find what you like the style of.
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Jan Cumps 8 months ago in reply to Fred27
agree.

If looking for a book that covers the common embedded topics, I'd recommend Making Embedded Systems by Elicia White. It's definitely not the only book out there. But it has a decent coverage of the things your average embedded developer works with.

gpio

protocols

timers

adc, dac,

resource scarcity

And it's written in a beginner-friendly way.

I like the book. No affiliation with author or publisher.
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5ilicon 8 months ago in reply to Jan Cumps

Thanks for the reply. Does the Making Embedded Systems book assume a reasonable level of C coding experience?
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Jan Cumps 8 months ago in reply to 5ilicon

Yes. It is not an intro into C programming.

I wouldn't advise to learn C via an embedded system design book. That's dealing with two unknowns in parallel.

Learn C with a good C tutorial, then specialise towards embedded.
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5ilicon 8 months ago in reply to Jan Cumps

Do you have any good suggestions of resources to learn C programming for embedded applications?
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jc2048 8 months ago in reply to 5ilicon

Have you explored the Microchip University? This one looks like it's in the right sort of area for you, but there's lots of other good stuff there. I can't vouch for any of it, but being Microchip I imagine it's all of good quality.

https://mu.microchip.com/syntax-and-structure-of-c

If formal learning like that doesn't suit you, there's a design challenge here on e14, using a SAM E51 Curiosity Nano board, which you might have a look at.

/challenges-projects/design-challenges/upcycle-iot-design-challenge/dc/dc/67/upcycle_iot_design_c
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beacon_dave 8 months ago in reply to jc2048

There's a follow-up course on the MU site

https://mu.microchip.com/advanced-c-programming

I found both of them quite good resources.

There are also some of the Microchip Masters recordings if you can find them

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtXyvVy67Qs
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