Myke,
Something that comes up on the list quite frequently is "freebie" high
level languages for the PIC (C, BASIC, JAL, PICLite, etc.).  I would
include as many of these as possible on the CD as well as simple examples
of code for each to give people reading the book that many more avenues
to getting involved in PICs.  Even if the code examples are 20 line
"blink an LED" programs, it will show users how the same task is
accomplished in different languages.  Many people are scared of assembler
(wimps!) and having to code assembler is enough to keep them from
learning PICs.

I personally recommend the free CC5X C compiler.  I find myself using it
quite frequently when I don't need the precise control over timing and
number of bytes I can get in assembler.  Often though, I write the C
code, see what assembler code is generated, then go back and tweak the C
code until the generated assembly code is as tight as possible.  Best of
both worlds.

Now if only there were an inexpensive upgrade path for those of us that
own the original "Programming and Customizing the PICMicro". :-)  Can you
"patch" a book?

I really liked the first edition and I am sure that the second edition
will be an even more valuable resource for PIC'ers everywhere.

Adam Bryant (age 0x23)
abryant@peaktech.com (work)
adamdb@juno.com (home)
Parker, CO, USA
Robotics, RC Airplanes, anything using a PIC

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