Microchip Technology MPLAB PICkit 4 User Manual page 23

To help you decide which type of breakpoints to use (hardware or software), the following table compares the
features of each.
Table 4-2. Hardware vs. Software Breakpoints
Feature
Number of breakpoints
Breakpoints written to*
Breakpoints applied to** Program Memory/Data Memory
Time to set breakpoints Minimal
Breakpoint skidding
* Where information about the breakpoint is written in the device.
** What kind of device feature applies to the breakpoint. This is where the breakpoint is set.
4.11.3 Breakpoint and Stopwatch Usage
Breakpoints halt execution of code. To determine the time between the breakpoints, use the stopwatch.
Refer to the MPLAB X IDE online Help for instructions on how to set up and use breakpoints and the stopwatch.
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2020 Microchip Technology Inc.
Hardware Breakpoints
Limited
Internal Debug Registers
Most devices. See the online Help,
Limitations section, for details.
Software Breakpoints
Unlimited
Flash Program Memory
Program Memory only
Dependent on oscillator speed, time to
program Flash Memory, and page size
No
User Guide
Debugger Usage
DS50002751D-page 23