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Why do we need bootloader???

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xylynn

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why do i need bootloader

I'm totally newbie with PIC16F877. When I study about this PIC, I find bootloader. What is the bootloader and why do we need it? What is its purpose?:?:
Please kindly explain me.

Best Regards
 

need bootloader?

A bootloader in general is a small program used to download the main program into the micro's memory. This allows you to change the program of the micro without using a programmer.
Note that the micro must be capable of writing to its own FLASH, otherwise this will not work.

You do not always require a bootloader, only when it is necessary for you to be able to update the micro's firmware on-the-fly or in the field.

Many bootloaders are simple programs that use the serial port on the micro to download the new code. Once that is done, control is passed to the main program.
 

Hey VVV you've mentioned that you do not always require a bootloader.... i was kind of fixed on the idea that there is a need of a startup program by all micro's... i mean some kind of a startup is implemented either thru hardware or software right??? correct me if i'm wrong...
 

If you write a program to run on an mpu, the compiler will automatically place the code in the right location, so that it will run on power up. If you are using Basic it will start from the first line. If you are using C, it will run the "main" routine. Programs in micros tend to run in a permanent loop all the time, just waiting for inputs etc. You just need to make sure when programming that every subroutine returns to the main loop. Unless you want to do as suggested above, forget about bootloaders, they are nor relevant.
 

Do not confuse the initialization code with a bootloader. The initialization code is that which takes care of all the stuff that is needed before the micro can run. That includes setting up the periphersls, interrupts, initializing variables, etc.
This is needed in any application.

The bootloader is what I described earlier, a program that loads into memory the actual application program. The bootloader will also include its own initialization section, because it needs to set up a few things before it can start downloading the application code. For instance, if it uses the serial port for download, then it first needs to specify the baud rate, set up the serial port, possibly configure the interrupt system, etc.
 

hey,

we all know that the bootloader is a small program used to download the main program into the micro's memory. This allows us to change the program of the microcontroller without using a module like STK500 and other Zilog burning devices.

it also help us to permanent attached the component to the board without replacing it over and over again...

best regards,
randell_xtian :D:D:D
 

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