Hi All,

I'm new to PIC programming but I'm an experienced Windows programmer.  I am
struggling with the dearth of decent code editors /that are language-aware
and target aware/ for the various PIC programming languages (C variants,
PICBasic, assembly, etc...) and chips.

As I said, I'm used to Windows programming in editors that are language
aware and offer a rich set of features like Intellisense, MemberLists,
context-sensitive help, target device feature awareness, and so on.  I know
there are awesome code editors out there - but for the most part they aren't
geared toward PIC development.  Catering to everyone necessarily entails
reducing oneself to the lowest common denominator.  Why should PIC
programmers be limited by the needs of people editing HTML or C or whatever?

Several weeks ago I took it upon myself to write a code editor that is
tightly integrated with both my PIC C compiler and my programmer (kitsrus
#150).  It is aware of the peripherals available on my target chips.  I am
coding this in a manner that will allow easy extensibility - plugging in a
new language, compiler, programmer or device (i.e., target chip) will be as
simple as writing an XML file that defines information associated with the
plugged-in language, compiler, programmer or device.

I realize this is an ambitious endeavor but I've made great progress in the
last few weeks.  I'm writing this primarily for myself but will certainly
share it with members of the list as it becomes more functional.  In my
opinion it is INSANE to pay $100 for a great compiler but $400 for the /very
same/ compiler with a code editor that's marginal at best.  In the future I
might release it as shareware - who knows.  In the meantime, I'm just using
this as an opportunity to expand my Windows development skills and have a
little fun...

My appeal to the group is:  can you help me by letting me know the
features/functionality a professional (or serious hobbyist) is looking for
in a code editor/project manager for PIC programming specifically?  What are
the existing editors lacking that would make programming PICs easier and
more productive?  Please keep in mind that I'm writing a code editor - not a
compiler or new programming language...

To anyone who responds I'll commit to keeping you in the loop:  I'll send
you periodic updates of the editor forever and ever :-)

..Or you can just write and say I'm smoking crack...

Thanks so much for your input!

-matt redmond

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