This debugging and programming tool, developed by Microchip Technology, facilitates the development of embedded applications on Microchip’s PIC microcontrollers and dsPIC digital signal controllers. It allows developers to program the target microcontroller and subsequently debug the code while it is running on the target hardware. A common use case involves connecting the device to a development board or a custom-designed circuit to observe real-time behavior and identify potential issues in the code.
Its significance lies in providing a direct and efficient method for testing and validating firmware. The ability to step through code, set breakpoints, and inspect variables directly on the target hardware significantly reduces development time and improves code quality. Introduced as a successor to earlier models, it offers enhanced speed, increased memory, and improved robustness compared to its predecessors, thereby becoming a staple in embedded systems development workflows for many engineers.
