Books and Resources

There are several books and references which can be of great use to new users of CCS C, Microchip's PIC^® microcontrollers, PIC24/dsPIC^® DSC devices and to embedded systems programming in general. A few of these books are available via CCS, but a link has been provided to Amazon.com for the books we do not sell.

C What Happens

by David Benson

This book is a series of explanations and examples for those who want to learn to program PIC® microcontrollers using the C programming language. It is assumed that the reader has no knowledge of PIC® microcontrollers or programming, but does have a rudimentary understanding of electronics. The reader will learn to create programs by making selections from a large variety of built-in functions provided in the CCS C Compiler, writing his/her own functions as needed, and writing executable statements. The reader will "C what happens" by programming a PIC® microcontroller with the newly created code and exercising it using a simple circuit described in the book. The subject matter is laid out in a logical progression from simple to not-so-simple and is illustrated with lots of examples.

PICmicro^® MCU C - An introduction to programming the Microchip PIC^® in CCS C

by Nigel Gardner

This book is aimed towards those who do not know C. The basics of C are explained from the perspective of writing programs for the PIC® microcontrollers. Although there are many C starter books in the bookstores most assume a PC target. PIC® microcontroller programming is different even though the language is the same. This book includes examples that work with the CCS C compiler.

The C Programming Language

by Brian W. Kerninghan and Dennis M. Ritchie

Dennis Richie is the original creator of C and this is the book that introduced C to the world. The CCS C compiler used the first edition of this book as the reference for the design of the compiler. This is a short but sweet look at C with all the details of the language simply explained. Note that the second edition of this book covers enhancements to the language made by an ANSI standards group. Not all ANSI enhancements are included in the CCS C compiler since some are geared toward larger computers with different resources. For example most PIC® MCUs do not have a hard disk connected and a file system. This is a great reference book for all C programmers.

C Compiler Reference Manual

by Custom Computer Services, Inc.

(Included with each compiler and maintenance purchase)

This manual does not provide the C reference information in the above references. It does list the supported C features and has detail on all the new PIC® MCU specific features and functions. This is sufficient for those who know C and the PIC® MCU. If you do not know C we recommend purchasing one of the other books or equivalents.

PCB, PCM & PCH (PIC10, PIC12, PIC16 and PIC18 devices) PCD (PIC24 / dsPIC®, DSC devices)

Microchip Datasheets

These are included on the PCW or PCWH CD-ROM or can be downloaded from Microchip's web site. Hard copies may also be obtained from local Microchip offices. The datasheets cover the details of how the PIC® MCU works, how to wire it up, and exactly how the special features in the chip work (like the timers and A/D converter). The built in functions of the compiler shelter most users from needing all these details however it will help to fully understand the part. The CCS Download Manager can be used to keep your local copy of the datasheets up to date.

Easy Microcontrol'n

by David Benson

This is a very popular book that covers the information in the Microchip datasheets in an easy-to-read format for the beginner. This may be a good book for those who have not used microcontrollers before. This book can also be purchased directly from Square 1 Electronics.

Programming Embedded Systems in C and C++

by Michael Barr

This is a more advanced book not specific to the PIC® MCU or the CCS C compiler. It does have some good general principles for embedded programming.

The Standard C Library

by P. J. Plauger

This book defines all the standard C functions in good detail. Many of these functions do not apply to C on a PIC® MCU, but for those that do this is the reference. In general most users should not need this book as the compiler reference manual and the C programming language book cover the essentials.

Nuts and Volts Magazine

by T & L Publications

Nuts & Volts is the leading magazine for those seriously interested in electronics. Nuts & Volts is written for the hands-on hobbyist, design engineer, technician, and experimenter. The diversity of subjects appeals to all levels of experience and spans such topics as amateur robotics, circuit design, lasers, computer control, home automation, microcontrollers, data acquisition, new technology, DIY projects, electronic theory, and more. Click on the link above or the image to the right and sign-up for Nuts and Volts today!