Microchip introduces MPLAB AI coding Assistant to promote the integration of artificial intelligence and embedded development

     Microchip Technology Inc. announced the launch of MPLAB AI Coding Assistant, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology to provide code writing and debugging support for software development and embedded engineers. The free tool, developed as an extension of Microsoft Visual Studio Code (VS Code), is based on Continue, the market-leading open source AI code assistant, and is pre-configured with Microchip's AI chatbot to provide real-time support.

     Microchip's chatbot offers a sidebar instant chat feature that allows developers to evaluate and iterate on code directly here. This interactive support significantly enhances the coding experience with highly customized real-time assistance and expert insights into Microchip's products. Other key features include: advanced automatic completion, simplify the coding process; Code editing and error detection, support efficient code modification in the current file; Integrated document access to search Microchip technical documentation directly in the IDE.

     Rodger Richey, Microchip's vice president of development Systems and University programs, said: "MPLAB AI Coding Assistant marks a major leap forward in software development that will revolutionize the way engineers use Microchip's products. We're harnessing the power of AI to provide interactive, real-time support that helps developers create better software faster and easier."

     Unlike most Code assistants on the market, the MPLAB AI Code Assistant's sidebar chat function generates module diagrams directly in the VS Code interface, rather than just text replies. This capability, combined with easy access to Microchip's microcontroller/microprocessor document library, simplifies the coding process and improves accuracy.