Not sure if anyone has mentioned this yet, but the xc8 and xc16 (C30)
compilers are built on gnu code and are available open source.  If you are
doing coding that does not make use of their proprietary libraries, you can
use the free open source compiler version (with optimization) without
owning the paid compiler. Not too long ago I requested and received a copy
of the xc16 source snapshot from the end of 2013. If you are interested in
solving the riddle on compiling it let me know. I think you have to use a
linux cross-compiler.


On Mon, Mar 3, 2014 at 2:19 PM, Jim Franklin <jimf@webstudios.co.uk> wrote:

> Hi Lucas,
> I had exactly this conversation with our local Microchip FAE, who was
> "astounded" when I pointed out what looked like bloated code from the Fre=
e
> mode on the compiler vs the Pro mode.
> His exact words were "I can't believe that Microchip would deliberately
> bloat the code to make you buy the pro version".
>
> Hmm, not convinced by that at all.  It's good to see that you have the sa=
me
> findings (albeit your documentation on the facts are much more detailed
> than
> mine!).
>
>
> As for your comment about electronics companies investing in the compiler
> to
> save 10% on code space - we did exactly that - mainly because the chip wa=
s
> full to bursting, but after some pressure our distributor heavily
> discounted
> the compiler price for us.  (we use just short of 800k PIC 18F's a year s=
o
> a
> couple of dollar cents per unit makes a huge cash saving).
>
> Your comments on ARM are valid too, we looked at moving to an M0+ just
> before Christmas, and I secured a discount on the IAR compiler of 15% if =
we
> bought 4 copies. - I mentioned this to the head of D&D and within a coupl=
e
> of days, a box arrived from IAR with the 4 compilers and 4 I-jet
> programmers
> in.
> To this day - we still haven't decided upon whether to move to ARM or not=
 -
> So I have a nice shiny Dongle in the back of my USB hub at home and I'm
> just
> playing with it now.  A waste so far of =A39,800 but I am getting some ni=
ce
> experience with the compiler and CMSIS.
>
> -Jim
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: piclist-bounces@mit.edu [mailto:piclist-bounces@mit.edu] On Behalf
> Of
> Lucas Tanure
> Sent: 01 March 2014 20:17
> To: Microcontroller discussion list - Public.
> Subject: Re: [PIC] C Compiler Experiences
>
> My two cents,
> please read :
>
> http://www.t4f.org/articles/optimization-of-microchip-pic-xc8-compiler-in=
-fr
> ee-and-pro-mode/
>
> --
> Lucas A. Tanure Alves
> +55 (19) 988176559
>
>
> --
> http://www.piclist.com/techref/piclist PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
> View/change your membership options at
> http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist
>
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