Programming software suite MPLAB® XC Compilers

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Product overview
MPLAB® XC C compilers are available as free, unrestricted downloads offering multiple optimization levels. Previously paid MPLAB XC PRO versions are now free. The compilers are supported in MPLAB X IDE and MPLAB for VS Code and integrate with the MPLAB development ecosystem.

Compiler families

• MPLAB XC8 Compiler – supports all 8-bit PIC® and AVR® microcontrollers.
• MPLAB XC16 Compiler – supports all 16-bit PIC microcontrollers.
• MPLAB XC-DSC Compiler – supports all dsPIC® Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs).
• MPLAB XC32 Compiler – supports 32-bit PIC and SAM MCUs and MPUs with Arm® and MIPS® cores.

Optimizations
The compilers provide code-size reduction and speed optimization options at no cost:

• O0 – No optimizations
• O1 – Optimizations that preserve debug behavior
• O2 – Balanced speed and size optimizations
• Os – Maximum code size reduction
• O3 – Maximum speed optimizations
• mpa (procedural abstraction) – Further code size reduction

Peripheral libraries (PLIBS)
8-bit MCUs: MPLAB Code Configurator
PIC24 MCUs and dsPIC33 DSCs: MPLAB Code Configurator
32-bit MCUs: MPLAB Harmony

Included and related tools
Toolchain includes utilities such as Hexmate (post-link processing for Intel HEX files) and integrates with MPLAB X IDE features like the MPLAB Analysis Tool Suite, MPLAB Code Configurator and other developer resources.

Catalina support
Initial macOS Catalina support introduced in: MPLAB XC8 v2.20, MPLAB XC16 v1.50, MPLAB XC32 v2.41.

Functional safety
Microchip provides a TÜV SÜD-certified MPLAB XC Functional Safety Compiler package for PIC, dsPIC, AVR and SAM devices. The certified package includes a functional safety manual and certification artifacts to support tool qualification activities for standards such as ISO 26262, IEC 61508, IEC 62304 and IEC 60730-1. The functional safety compilers allow full optimization and unrestricted installs; certification artifacts are available when formal evidence is required.

Documents and utilities
Shipping examples, Hexmate utilities, user documentation, comparison guides and the Microchip Unified Standard Library reference material.

Technical specifications

• Supported device families: 8-bit PIC and AVR, 16-bit PIC, dsPIC DSCs, 32-bit PIC and SAM MCUs/MPUs (Arm and MIPS cores).
• Optimization levels: O0, O1, O2, Os, O3, mpa procedural abstraction.
• Availability: Free, unrestricted downloads; former PRO versions now free.
• Functional safety: TÜV SÜD-certified package with certification artifacts for ISO 26262, IEC 61508, IEC 62304, IEC 60730-1.
• Toolchain integration: MPLAB X IDE, MPLAB for VS Code, MPLAB Analysis Tool Suite, MPLAB Code Configurator, MPLAB Harmony.
• Platform notes: Catalina-supporting builds identified (XC8 v2.20, XC16 v1.50, XC32 v2.41).
• Utilities: Hexmate post-link utility for Intel HEX files.