Start new projects with XC8 if you need new PICs. Use v9.83 for maintaining legacy systems, for maximum code density on small PIC10/12, or if you cannot afford XC8’s PRO license.
: Supports modern PIC16F1xxx parts that v9.83 cannot target. hitech+c+compiler+for+pic10+12+16+mcus+v983+download+updated
If you are starting a new project, Microchip recommends using the . XC8 is essentially the successor to HI-TECH C; in fact, the early versions of XC8 were built directly on the HI-TECH C PRO framework. Start new projects with XC8 if you need new PICs