PICs are an enabling technology. All those logic, control, communication and display functions that our projects need can be packed into a single chip--a chip that can be reconfigured at your pleasure. PIC development can be done with just a handful of parts: as EPROM eraser, some kind of programming language and a low-cost PIC programmer. Here are some "getting started in development" articles and some "just build what I did" articles.  Originally, a PIC was a programmable interface controller, but one can also see it defined as peripheral interface controller.

The Basic Stamp, Picaxe, and Arduino combine a processsor with rudimentary programming, so you don't have to spend as much time re-inventing the wheel and can concentrate on developing something new.

• PIC Development on a Shoestring
  QST March 1999, pp. 49-51
  Some ideas on how to develop PIC-based projects.
• Bridge the Digital Divide--Basically
  QST April 2001, pp. 30-34
  The Basic Stamp is a powerful, yet friendly, digital building block that puts scores of smart circuits at your fingertips. Here's how to get started.
• A Universal Logging Computer Interface (Hints and Kinks) 
  QST July 2000, pp. 61-62
  Have your automatic entry logging program get information from your rig even if the radio is not computer compatable!
• Using PIC Microcontrollers in Amateur Radio Projects
  QST October 1998, pp. 34-40
  Learn more about PIC microcontrollers.
  Download software: picqs10.zip
  Feedback: QST February 1999, p. 72
• An Inexpensive KISS-Mode TNC
  QST November 2000, pp.53-56
  Only 4 ICs and a small PC board.

• Ham Radio for Arduino and Picaxe Companion Website for the book.
• Microchip Technology
  Mentioned as a place to start in "A PIC of an IDer"
• Welcome to the official PICList home page
  A collection of sites interested in the Microchip PIC and other similar processors