I understand it connects to the MSP430 Micro-controller and helps to program it and debug it. But then Arduino has the boot loader on the micro-controller it self. And the pic dev boards also has a secondary chip like the launchpad.
I don't understand whats the need for these extra circuitry, can't you just connect to the micro directly using like parallel port or something and program it directly.
Whats the function of the boot loader?
I know its a lot of questions, so if you could direct me to some literature that is clear and detailed that would be wonderful.
Thank you.