Crocodile Technology® software is by far the easiest way to programme the PICAXE-18 microcontroller. This software allows the programmer to build programmes in the style of a flow chart. The software also allows the programmed PICAXE chip to be simulated on screen before downloading it to the microcontroller circuit.
Another advantage is that the stages of the flowchart can be followed easily on the screen and consequently mistakes with the programming can be identified quickly and corrected before downloading to the circuit.

The programme above is very simple and is written for the circuit shown below. Only one input and output have been used. A push switch is connected to input 0 and a logic indicator is connected to output 2. When the push switch is pressed output 2 goes high / true / on for five seconds before switching off / low / false. The programme then stops.

Downloading a programme to the microcontroller circuit is quite easy. Simply connect the circuit to the serial port or USB port of the computer and choose the appropriate menu within Crocodile Technology® and export the flowchart / programme. The programme should be downloaded to the microcontroller where it can be tested.