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Software Development tools required for microcontroller based projects

Software development tools include include text editors, cross assemblers, cross compilers, simulators, source level debuggers, and integrated development environment (IDE) used to develop the program that can be burnt into microcontroller to perform a specific task. The developer developing project using microcontroller, has to employ software tools according to the need and requirements. Every software development tool plays a specific role and used when developers know the full functionality of using them. Here, i would like to discuss the software that one developer can employ in his work field.

List of software development tools:

1. Text Editors:
The text editor is a program that allows us to enter and edit programs and text files. Editors range from very primitive to very sophisticated. A simple editor like the Notepad bundled with Windows 98/2000/XP provides simple editing functions in four different categories: file, edit, search, and option. It usually employed for assembly language programs and for lower level languages as they don't involve any compiler as used in IDE. A programmer's editor provides additional features, such as automatic keyword completion, keyword highlighting, syntax checking, and parentheses matching. These functions can speed up the user's program entry speed dramatically.
2. Simulators:
A simulator allows us to run a microcontroller program without having the actual hardware. The contents of registers, internal memory, external memory, and the program source code are displayed in separate windows. The user can set breakpoints to the program and examine the program execution results. The simulator allows the user to step through the program to locate program bugs. The best simulators example are Keil µvision software and MPLAB IDE.
3. Source-level Debugger:
A source-level debugger is a program that runs on a PC and allows you to find problems in your code at the high level (such as C) or assembly language level. A source level debugger allows you to set breakpoints at statements either at the high or assembly language level. It can execute the program from the start of the program until the breakpoint and then display the values of program variables. A source-level debugger can also trace your program statement by statement. A source-level debugger may have the option to run your program on the demo board or simulator. Like a simulator, a source-level debugger can display the contents of program variables, registers, memory locations, and program code in separate windows. With a source-level debugger, all debugging activities are done at the source level.
4. Cross Compilers:
Cross compilers generate the executable code that can be placed in ROM, EPROM, EEPROM or a flash memory of the microcontrollers. There are several vendors that provide different cross compilers according to the microcontroller manufacturers.
5. Integrated Development Environment(IDE):
Nowadays, single IDE fulfill all the requirements of developers in single software. That's why it is called "Integrated" development environment. An integrated development environment !IDE) includes everything that you need to enter, assemble, compile, link, and debug your application program. Actually, It is a combination of cross assemblers and cross compilers, simulators, and source-level debuggers. The best example of IDE are Keil µvision for different range of microcontrollers like Intel, Atmel etc. and MPLAB IDE for PIC microcontrollers.

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