Digital I/O, or input/output, is one of the most basic ways to talk to hardware.  We say 'digital' because it only deals with on or off values and nothing in-between.  For example with digital I/O a LED can be turned completely on and completely off repeatedly to blink.  Or using digital I/O you can read when a switch or button is moved on or off.  With just a few lines of MicroPython code you'll be a master of digital I/O in no time.

This guide explores how to use digital I/O pins with MicroPython.  You'll see how to control a LED using a digital output pin, and read a pushbutton using a digital input pin.  These basic digital I/O examples can serve as the starting point for more complex and interesting projects that use hardware like LEDs, buttons, switches, relays, transistors, and even simple digital sensors!

Before you get started you'll want to be familiar with the basics of using MicroPython by reading these guides:

• MicroPython Basics: What is MicroPython?
• MicroPython Basics: How to Load MicroPython on a Board
• MicroPython Basics: Blink a LED
• MicroPython Basics: Load Files & Run Code