Microchip Technology Launches Early Access MPLAB Extensions for VS Code, Enhancing Development Tools for Embedded Designers

MPLAB Extensions for VS Code are now available for early access, allowing designers to use Microchip's development tools directly within the popular VS Code IDE. These extensions mark the company's initial efforts in a larger strategy to grow its offerings and cater to developers working with VS Code.

Microchip Technology has introduced an early access version of MPLAB Extensions for Microsoft Visual Studio Code (VS Code) to cater to embedded designers. This release allows users to import projects from MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) to VS Code, while also having access to Microchip's debugging and programming support. This move is a part of Microchip's plan to broaden its products and support developers working with VS Code.

MPLAB X IDE is a versatile software program that offers a range of powerful tools to assist developers in creating, customizing, programming, debugging, and testing embedded designs for various Microchip microcontrollers and digital signal controllers. The VS Code extensions combine the features of MPLAB X IDE with the flexibility of VS Code to enhance the development process for both new and current users. These products are available for early access to provide essential tools to customers promptly, with ongoing improvements based on user input from the Microchip development team.

Microchip is committed to meeting developers where they prefer to work. The MPLAB Extensions for VS Code allow developers to use their preferred IDE while still accessing Microchip's full device support and tools. This combination offers a balance of familiarity and functionality, making it easy for developers to utilize Microchip's resources and components. Rodger Richey, vice president of development systems and academic programs at Microchip, highlighted the benefits of this integration.

In this initial release of early access, the MPLAB Extensions for VS Code provide features like importing projects from MPLAB X IDE and the ability to compile, program, and do basic debugging with any Microchip device that is supported. Furthermore, users can use MPLAB Data Visualizer within VS Code with an extension to view real-time data from the device.

Upcoming updates will integrate MPLAB Code Configurator with VS Code to simplify the process of creating preconfigured projects. Work has begun on developing a VS Code extension for the MPLAB Machine Learning Development Suite, as well as an additional MPLAB Extension for AI code-generative assistance to enhance code within the IDE.

The release of MPLAB Extensions for VS Code marks a milestone in making Microchip tools more accessible and flexible for developers. While this is the first time MPLAB IDE software is available outside the MPLAB development ecosystem, it is just the start of Microchip's collaboration with the VS Code community. The current features are tailored to meet developers' immediate needs, with plans for further improvements and new extensions to enhance functionality in the future.

For additional information on Microchip's collection of development tools and software, please visit the website https://www.microchip.com/en-us/tools-resources.

You can download MPLAB Extensions for VS Code for free, but certain advanced features may need a subscription license. For more details and to make a purchase, get in touch with a Microchip sales representative, an authorized distributor, or visit Microchip's Purchasing and Client Services website at www.microchipdirect.com.

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