In project properties, set the "Hardware Tool" to "Simulator".

Mastering Microchip PIC Development: A Guide to Software Simulation

Track code execution flow and data transfers.

Download the latest version of the IDE and the appropriate compiler (XC8 for 8-bit, XC16/XC32).

Execute code line-by-line to observe register changes.

Developing embedded applications for Microchip PIC microcontrollers traditionally required physical hardware, debugger probes, and circuit boards. Today, powerful software simulation tools integrated into the development cycle allow engineers to write, debug, and test code entirely on a PC, saving time and hardware costs.

Write your C or Assembly code and build the project to generate a HEX file.

While simulators are excellent for logic verification, they have limitations. They cannot perfectly simulate complex analog behavior, external hardware malfunctions, or exact power consumption. For final validation, in-circuit debugging using tools like the or PICkit 4 is recommended.