Configuring MPLAB® X IDE Debug Start-Up Options

Last modified by Microchip on 2023/11/10 12:00

When a debug session is started in MPLAB® X Integrated Development Environment (IDE), the default mode is to immediately begin executing the application when the device is released from RESET.  Some developers wish to change this mode so that the application pauses and waits for the developer to start the program execution. Pausing execution after programming allows the developer to ensure the test platform is correctly set up prior to application execution.

 You can change the Debug Startup option by following these steps:

Open the Options Window

PC and Linux®

PC and Linux® users will need to select Tools > Options from the toolbar to open the Options window.

Tools > Options menu

Mac®

Mac® users can open the Options window by selecting mplab_ide > Preferences from the toolbar.

mplab_ide > Preferences menu

Select the Debug Startup Options

When the options window opens, the following needs to be done:

  1. Select the Embedded icon (shown here highlighted in blue).
  2. Go to the Generic Settings tab.
  3. Select the desired Debug Startup Option from the Reset @ drop-down menu.
    • To pause at the RESET vector
    • To pause at beginning of Main();
    • To Run (see image)
  4. Click on OK when you are done selecting.

Generic Settings tab

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