Loadable Projects in the MPLAB® X IDE

Last modified by Microchip on 2023/11/10 11:04

Use loadable projects and files to combine projects, combine hex files, combine projects and hex files, or replace the project hex file. The HEXMATE application is used to merge project or loaded hex files into one file. For more information on using this application, see the "MPLAB® XC8 C Compiler User’s Guide" (DS50002053) in the docs folder of the installed MPLAB XC8 C compiler. See also HEXMATE Conflict Report Address Error.

Use loadable symbols to load debug symbols during a production build or program, as when using RTDM with DMCI, Motor Control applications, etc.

Loadable projects or files are useful for creating combined bootloader and application code. See Loadable Projects and Files: Bootloaders.

Loadable Combinations

Current ProjectLoadableCaveat
Stand-Alone
Existing MPLAB IDE v8
Library
Stand-AloneNone
Hex fileNone
COF/ELF fileCan debug, but not build.
An error will be displayed in the Output window.
Prebuilt (Hex)Hex file* No auto checking for overlapping memory areas.
* Can debug, but not build.
* Build button will be disabled.
COF/ELF file
Prebuilt (COF/ELF)Hex file
COF/ELF file

Loadable Options

Add Loadable Project(s)Load one or more existing projects into your current project.
When you build your current project, all projects will be built and the hex files will be combined into one. All debug files will be combined as well (COFF or ELF).
Add Loadable File(s)Load one or more existing hex files into your current project.
When you build your current project, the hex file will be combined with the other hex files into one file.
Note: You will no longer be able to debug the project that contains hex file(s). Use Loadable Projects for debugging.
Add Alternate FileLoad an alternate hex file to be used.
This options provides a post-build step where you may copy or move your project hex file to another location, use a tool such as HEXMATE to merge your file with another hex file, and then load the file back into the IDE.

To set up and use loadables, see: