[RKElectricalman]

MPLAB, as stated above, is an IDE, and It includes the compiler for the code too. It uses C programming, so unless if you're going to use Easy C you're going to have to learn how to program in C. I'd suggest learning C before the season starts, and getting a nice basis of it before trying Easy C as well. That way you'll have a nice understanding of everything before the season starts, ya know? Plus there's always more to learn, and getting a heads up on it will really help.

Extra info: MPLAB is made my Microchip technologies, and can be used in most C-based Interfaces, (i think )