The 'C8x Software Toolkit includes:

• Master Processor (MP) optimizing C compiler
• Parallel Processor (PP) optimizing C compiler
• Source debuggers
• MP and PP algebraic assemblers
• A linker

The Software Toolkit also features several new updates, including:

• New PP compiler optimizations resulting in a 15 percent improvement in performance
• Little endian support (with the exception of the simulator)
• Modifications to all tools to ease the task of linking PP and MP codes

The MP and PP optimizing C compilers translate ANSI standard C into assembly language and allows the designer to produce highly optimized, big-endian (default) or little-endian code.

The 'C8x C source debuggers are an advanced programmer's interface to develop, test, and refine 'C8x C programs and assembly language programs by interfacing to the 'C8x software simulator and in-circuit emulator. The debugger provides complete control over program execution with features like conditional execution and single-stepping, memory map definition for debugger access and selective loading of symbol tables for systems with ROM code.

Assemblers translate assembly language source files into machine language object files in common object file format (COFF). There are two separate 'C8x assemblers and two separate 'C8x assembly languages (MP and PP); however, once MP and PP assembly source files are assembled into COFF, they are linked to common memory.

The linker combines both MP and PP object files into a single, executable object module. As the linker creates the executable module, it performs relocation and resolves external references.

TI also offers a comprehensive set of development tools for PCs.

Click here for information on 'C8x PC-based tools.