AVR-Chat

--- In AVR-Chat@yahoogroups.com, "Philippe Habib" <phabib@...> wrote:

> ... don't worry too much about
> the lack of ... debug ... use
> the computer in your head ...

I don't disagree with you, but I agree much more with those that 
advocate debuggers.  Why not use your head and a debugger?  The human 
mind is seriously limited when it comes to retaining and manipulating 
complex systems.  Working memory is limited to about seven independent 
chunks of information.  Try to put one more in and another one falls 
out.  So, take away from the brain everything the computer can do for 
you and you'll be able to reason about the large structures of the 
software much more effectively.  A debugger can draw you tables and 
pictures of what's going on inside the system.  As you step through the 
code!  In my opinion, it's madness to go without that at a saving of 50 
bucks or so.  Even if you have to move to a smaller chip for production 
for cost reasons, for heavens sake develop on a chip with a debug 
interface.

Mind you, by starting with the absolute cheapest thing out there you've 
minimized the money you've wasted when you eventually see the light!

Graham.