I am new to microcontrollers and trying to assemble the tools to start learning. I would greatly appreciate suggestions about the best development board to start programming and testing PIC16Fxx DIP microcontrollers such as PIC16F57 which I can get in Nakuru, Kenya where I live.
I would prefer one that has a USB interface to the PC.
Thanks so much
We don't have a board that can work with PIC16F57 specifically. Our PIC-P28-USB board with socket is NOT compatible with PIC16F57.
If you decide to use another chip the board can work. Just make sure when you are looking at the datasheet of the chip you want to ensnure that pin #1 is MCLR (reset) and pin #20 is VDD (power supply).
If you need a programmer consider Olimex PIC-KIT3 from here:
https://www.olimex.com/Products/PIC/Programmers/PIC-KIT3/
It is compatible with the board.