This book is developed around Microchip's latest family of parts, the PIC18FXXX family. It focuses on the PIC18F452, a new part brought to market in May 2002. Throughout this book, the approach taken is to introduce a template of assembly language code that encompasses a set of features of the PIC18F452 plus its interactions with some of the I/O devices resident on a small 4"x4" development board. The unpopulated board is included, gratis, with the first printing of the book. A kit of parts to populate the board can be purchased from Digi-Key Corporation. Assembly of the board is detailed in an appendix. This QwikFlash board, the code templates, and a free QwikBug monitor that can be programmed into the PIC18F452 support code development by the reader. It is intended that the reader will find a smooth path to the creative process of writing enhanced application code. This book attempts to organize and unify the development of these three capabilities: to understand and use components, to exploit powerful algorithmic processes, and to break down the complexity of an instrument or device so as to meet its specifications. The book is dedicated toward the development of creative design capability.