On Fri, 5 Dec 2003, Jan-Erik Soderholm XA (TN/PAC) wrote:

> Denny Esterline [and others] wrote :
>
> > Well, I use and recommend a bootloader whenever possible.
>
> Now, are bootloaders realy the best "entry-point" to PICs ?
> Doesn't the bootloader itself put some (even if minor)
> limitations on both the hardware and the software ?
>
> IMHO, bootloaders *do* have a clear use in installed systems
> to make updates easier, but for general/hobby development, it's
> easier to run without it, I think. Easier to use the dev tools
> "out-of-the-box" and to implement code examples you've found
> somewhere.
>
> Jan-Erik.

Well you still need a programmer, regardless of whether you choose to use
a boot loader and there have been some great suggestions made. As far as a
the bootloader goes, as a hobbiest - I would hate to be without it. The
first time I used a boot loader, was the last time I used my programmer
(other than occasional use - like programming in the bootloader).

I just want to make sure people know that many of the older limitations of
bootloaders have been resolved. First off - bootloaders are extremely
fast, 5-20 seconds to program an 18F252 (Romzap was even better - 2
seconds or so for "incremental" updates on an 16F876); they use minimal
memory; they release any ports they were using when they're done (I use
RC6 and RC7 for my bootloader and for my serial port in my running
application). The only preparation I have to make is to reserve space for
the boot loader and make sure the first instruction in my program is a
jump. This has never had an impact for me on using out-of-the-box code.

In this setup, I don't need to move or touch anything physical (other than
my reset switch on MCLR) to test new code. I can make a change,
assemble/compile it, and have it running 10 seconds after it was compiled.

My view is that bootloaders are a great entry point for PICs.

-Matt

-- There are 10 types of people in the world..those that understand binary
and those that don't.

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