Bootloader vs Self-Programming?

[dknguyen]

What is the difference between a bootloader and a self-programming PIC? THey both sound awfully the same...

It also seems like (on some PICs) that the self-programming is kind of pointless because the same serial protocal pins used for the self-programming also double as the in-circuit programming pins.

 

[Mike - K8LH]

What is the difference between a bootloader and a self-programming PIC? THey both sound awfully the same...

It also seems like (on some PICs) that the self-programming is kind of pointless because the same serial protocal pins used for the self-programming also double as the in-circuit programming pins.

Self-programming capability doesn't require "pins". PICs with self-programming capability can program their own code/flash and eeprom memory from a running program.

A bootloader will only work on a PIC with self-programming capability and you need a programmer to install the bootloader code.

Regards, Mike