Microchip Technology has rolled out MPLAB® Extensions for VS Code early access, utilizing the flexibility of Microsoft Visual Studio Code (VS Code). With this release, embedded designers may now import projects into VS Code from the MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and still have access to Microchip’s programming and debugging capabilities. This program is a component of Microchip’s long-term plan to broaden its product line and assist developers that are a member of the VS Code ecosystem.
With its robust capabilities to assist developers, embedded designers in finding, configuring, developing, debugging, and qualifying embedded designs for the majority of Microchip microcontrollers and digital signal controllers, the MPLAB X IDE is an extensible and highly flexible software package.
The MPLAB X IDE’s capabilities and VS Code’s adaptability are combined in the VS Code extensions to provide both new and returning users with a more smooth and effective programming environment. To give customers, embedded designers
access to the necessary tools as soon as possible, these products are being offered under an early access program. In the meanwhile, the Microchip development team is working to improve the extensions based on input from users.
“At Microchip, we are dedicated to meeting developers in their environment of choice. VS Code is an extremely popular tool, and the recent MPLAB Extensions enable developers to continue working in the IDE they are most familiar with, while taking full advantage of Microchip’s complete device support and toolset,” said Rodger Richey, vice president of development systems and academic programs at Microchip. “This fusion offers an optimal blend of familiarity and functionality, providing an easy path for developers to integrate our resources and components.”
The MPLAB Extensions for VS Code include features including MPLAB X IDE project import and the capacity to build, program, and carry out basic debugging on any Microchip device that is supported during this early access version. Additionally, users may observe what’s occurring on the device at run time by utilizing an extension to use MPLAB Data Visualizer inside of VS Code.
In the future, VS Code will have MPLAB Code Configurator to assist in setting up preconfigured projects. Additionally, work has begun on an additional MPLAB extension for AI code-generative aid to evaluate and enhance code from within the IDE, as well as a VS Code plugin for the MPLAB Machine Learning Development Suite.
The introduction of MPLAB Extensions for VS Code signifies a new phase of accessibility and flexibility for developers using Microchip tools. This launch represents the first instance of the MPLAB IDE software being available outside the MPLAB development ecosystem, but it is just the beginning of Microchip’s broader integration with the VS Code community.
The current features are designed to meet the immediate needs of developers, with the intention to continue refining the toolset and introducing new extensions with added functionality in the future.
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Pricing and Availability
MPLAB Extensions for VS Code are available for free; some advanced features may require a subscription license. For additional information and to purchase, contact a Microchip sales representative, authorized worldwide distributor or visit Microchip’s Purchasing and Client Services website, www.microchipdirect.com.
