I am looking for a free, and possibly open source C compiler for PIC. I might go without C, but I would like to get both options.
There are various compilers out there, but since I have never done PIC development before, I am looking for user experience and advice. I am targetting the PIC16F88x family
I am mentioning the PIC C compilers here, which are best when it comes to PIC Microcontroller Programming.
You can read more about them on this post Top 3 PIC C Compiler, they have given a comparison between these 3 PIC Compilers i.e. there advantages and disadvantages.
I recently got started with PIC c programming, and had some success with the lite version (free, but not open-source) of the Hi-Tech C compiler. I was using the PIC16F690 so it should work well for you too.
You can download the compiler here:
http://www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=1406&dDocName=en542849