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Next, we have TI’s own compiler – the Code Composer Studio (CCS). CCS is a C/C++ compiler based on
Eclipse IDE. CCS comes with TI’s proprietary compilers that are best in code optimization. Those who
have used Eclipse-based IDEs before know the advantages Eclipse framework brings with it. It has an
excellent code navigation system, perspective views, refactoring, etc. CCS compiler comes with all of
these stuffs and many more like debugger interface and TI App Store. Apart from all these there are
some helpful cloud-based tools from TI. This tutorial is based on CCS compiler. It is free for download
from TI’s website - http://www.ti.com/tool/ccstudio. Make sure you have a TI account.
Then there is IAR compiler. I have never used IAR products but I have heard from many that it is very
popular and widely used. However, it is expensive too.
Lastly, like for many other platforms we have the free open-source GCC compiler for MSP430s.
MSP430 GCC can be integrated with CCS IDE.
We will see during coding that compilers don’t make significant differences in coding style, making
codes cross-platform compatible. I also intend to keep things simple and quick. This is why I focus on
tools rather than other stuffs. With right set of tools, any issue can be addressed decently and rapidly.
Additionally, some more software tools are needed for supportive purposes. Proteus VSM is a good
interactive simulator cum PCB design software. Luckily it supports MSP430 micros. However, it is very
expensive unless you are using a pirated version of it. Frankly speaking, I have never advocated for
simulations because simulations do not address the real-world challenges we encounter in a real-life
real-time project. Simulations, for example, cannot simulate real-world environment conditions nor
can they emulate situations which result in “hang”-like stuck up conditions. Simulations don’t take the
effect of noise and electromagnetic disturbances into account. Additionally, sometimes simulations
give wrong results. I have spent many wasted hours trying to debug an issue with simulation only to
find out that the simulation was incorrect. Still however, simulations are helpful in some special cases.
For instance, when designing a LCD menu, simulation is a time and effort saver. Personally, I
recommend and use real-world debugging over simulations. This gives me a lot of confidence.
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