Master and Command C for PIC MCUs

Jon Titus - September 08, 2010

Prolific author Fred Eady has just published another book, "Master and Command C for PIC MCU,"
Volume 1, which aims to help readers get the most out of the Custom Computer Services C (CCS)
compiler for PIC microcontrollers. The author describes some basic compiler operations that will
help programmers--particularly those new to the craft--create solid code that lends itself to easy
debugging and testing. As Eady notes in his preface, a single built-in CCS compiler call, such as
output_bit, can serve as a basic aid to let programmers know about the "health" of their PIC code.

The book will prove most helpful to people who use--or plan
to buy--one of the CCS C-language compilers for PIC MCUs.
But the book also approaches programming in a way that
will help beginners who might use the Microchip MPLAB
integrated development environment (IDE) instead. The CCS
C-language compilers for PIC MCUs start at $US 350 for the
IDE version and at $US 50 for the command-line version. In
my opinion, the many examples, peripheral drivers, and
built-in functions let the IDE compilers pay for themselves
quickly. For compiler information, visit: www.ccsinfo.com.

Eady's code provides clear examples that are easy to

understand, and readers and programmers won't get
befuddled by complex examples so common in many
programming books. The book includes schematic diagrams
that show how to connect LEDs, pushbuttons, and a serial
port (RS-232 or EIA-232) to an MCU for debugging. These diagrams are often small, but still
readable. When you must debug code, the added I/O devices can help you determine what your code
has done and it can respond to pushbutton inputs that cause the CPU to branch or perform a specific
debug-related function. If you have no extra I/O pins, Eady explains how you can still get useful
debug information via the compiler.

For information about how to order the 76-page book, which costs $US 14.95, visit:
www.ccsinfo.com/newsdesk_info.php?newsdesk_id=128. According to the CCS Web site, Volume 2
will provide more information about compiler capabilities and how to master them.