MPLAB Code Configurator vs. MPLAB Integrated Programming Environment vs. Python vs. Sourcery CodeBench Comparison Chart

What is a programming environment? It is a simplified application that provides an interface for microcontroller (MCU) production programmers that allows a technician to easily load, program and verify software and avoid the complexities of full-featured Integrated Development Environments (IDEs). MPLAB Integrated Programming Environment (IPE) provides this type of solution. It is a simple interface that provides quick access to key production programming features. MPLAB IPE has a technician-level user interface for use on the manufacturing floor and provides production programming capabilities for all Microchip programmers and products supported by MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE). In production mode, technicians can program devices set by the engineer, view memory and power settings, read device ID, import hex files, environments and SQTP files, etc., as allowed by permission settings.

Sourcery CodeBench delivers a powerful toolset that helps embedded software engineers to efficiently develop and optimize software for a variety of targets and various domains including Automotive, Connectivity, Graphics, and Video applications. Sourcery CodeBench goes beyond just the compiler to provide developers with powerful open source, embedded C/C++ development tools to build, debug, analyze and optimize embedded software in complex heterogeneous architectures including Arm, IA32, MIPS and Power Architectures. Eclipse based IDE enabling workspace customization and project management. Enhanced source code editor with syntax highlighting. Custom board support through Board Builder, a tool for automatically generating linker scripts, debug configuration files, and start-up code based on a board’s memory map.