If youâve been using GCBASIC with Microchipâs PIC-AS compiler, you probably felt the sting when v3.10 dropped recently.
Microchip removed internal device support files, which broke GCBASICâs ability to automatically compile for your PIC devices. Suddenly, you had to manually specify a Device Family Pack (DFP) using -mdfp, and that added a lot of friction to what used to be a totally smooth experience.
đ ď¸ The Fix: Smarter DFP Searching
I responded quickly and implemented a layered search system to restore functionality. Now, when compiling with PIC-AS v3.10 or later, GCBASIC searches for installed DFPs in this order:
Userâs Microchip Installation Directory
If youâve installed DFPs via MPLAB-X, GCBASIC checks here first.
Default MPLAB X Installation Path
Then, it looks in the standard location used by MPLAB X.
XC8 Compiler Directory (Fallback)
As a last resort, it searches inside the XC8 compilerâs folders. You may still have versions from v3.00 to v2.30 installed.
â ď¸ This approach helpsâbut letâs be clear: this change is not seamless. It introduces complexity and requires users to be more hands-on than before.
đ§ Still Waiting on Microchipâs Response
Iâve reached out to the Microchip Dev Team for feedback on this workaround. So far, no response.
Itâs important they understand: theyâre not an island. Many developers and toolchains rely on the MPLAB solution architecture. In the past, Microchip themselves explained to me how to locate PIC-AS dependent files. Now, with v3.10, theyâve moved the goalpostsâwithout discussion or warning.
This kind of shift disrupts ecosystems beyond their own tools. Open-source projects like GCBASIC, and the communities that use them, deserve better communication and collaboration.
đĄ IDE Users: Youâre Still in the Clear
If youâre using MPLAB X manage DFPs automatically. No extra steps needed.
â Support the Fix
If this update helped you get back to building, consider donating to support the GCBASIC team and keep open-source tools thriving. Every bit helps us keep pushing forwardâeven when the goalposts move.
â¤ď¸
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If youâve been using GCBASIC with Microchipâs PIC-AS compiler, you probably felt the sting when v3.10 dropped recently.
Microchip removed internal device support files, which broke GCBASICâs ability to automatically compile for your PIC devices. Suddenly, you had to manually specify a Device Family Pack (DFP) using
-mdfp, and that added a lot of friction to what used to be a totally smooth experience.đ ď¸ The Fix: Smarter DFP Searching
I responded quickly and implemented a layered search system to restore functionality. Now, when compiling with PIC-AS v3.10 or later, GCBASIC searches for installed DFPs in this order:
Userâs Microchip Installation Directory
If youâve installed DFPs via MPLAB-X, GCBASIC checks here first.
Default MPLAB X Installation Path
Then, it looks in the standard location used by MPLAB X.
XC8 Compiler Directory (Fallback)
As a last resort, it searches inside the XC8 compilerâs folders. You may still have versions from v3.00 to v2.30 installed.
đ§ Still Waiting on Microchipâs Response
Iâve reached out to the Microchip Dev Team for feedback on this workaround. So far, no response.
Itâs important they understand: theyâre not an island. Many developers and toolchains rely on the MPLAB solution architecture. In the past, Microchip themselves explained to me how to locate PIC-AS dependent files. Now, with v3.10, theyâve moved the goalpostsâwithout discussion or warning.
This kind of shift disrupts ecosystems beyond their own tools. Open-source projects like GCBASIC, and the communities that use them, deserve better communication and collaboration.
đĄ IDE Users: Youâre Still in the Clear
If youâre using MPLAB X manage DFPs automatically. No extra steps needed.
â Support the Fix
If this update helped you get back to building, consider donating to support the GCBASIC team and keep open-source tools thriving. Every bit helps us keep pushing forwardâeven when the goalposts move.