I've been looking into doing some PIC Programming, but unlike some of the other microcontrollers available the sheer number of different chips available has caused me some confusion. It also appears that some of the chips suggested on some sites as good choices for people starting out with PIC programming may have been superseded (or I may just be getting even more confused).
So my question boils down to three parts:
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What would be a good PIC chip to start out with?
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I'm quite happy doing either assembler or some other language, so what IDEs/languages would you suggest for Linux?
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What would you recommend in terms of getting the code onto the chip, over a USB connection from a Linux laptop (PicKit 2? was one possibility) and what circuit/board configuration will I need to do this?
Edit: After a long discussion with Kortuk (see comments below) on the merits of various bits of kit, I've decided to start with the PicKit2 Starter Kit. This comes with a PIC16F690 chip installed.
Best Answer
I agree with PIC18s but for someone just starting they may be a bit intense. I currently teach senior level electrical engineers PIC development and even within the same classes their range of backgrounds can be astounding.
I currently teach people with the CCS PIC-C compiler but it costs money. It is unbelievable simple and was chosen as most of our students have only worked in a lab setting with basic assembly or x86 programming.
I have a feeling a very simple PIC16 may be a better fit, but it will depend on your background. The PIC16F688 is a very simple PIC that we use for our first project to warm people up.