> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ruggedboard.gitbook.io/ruggedboard/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ruggedboard.gitbook.io/ruggedboard/tutorial-using-c/test-interfaces-of-rb/interfaces/gpio.md).

# GPIO(General purpose Input/Output):

A "General Purpose Input/Output" (GPIO) is a flexible software-controlled digital signal. On a given board each GPIO is used for one specific purpose like driving a LED, sensing a switch and so-on.

**Note: On Board GPIO\_LEDS : PC13,PC17,PC19.**

Let us try and test "GPIO" using a basic application.

**Step 1: Create a gpio\_test.c File**

**Step 2: Write a code to test** **a Basic GPIO Application:**

```
#include<stdio.h>
#include<stdlib.h>
#include<string.h>
#include<fcntl.h>
#include <unistd.h>
char export_path[100] = "/sys/class/gpio/export";
char direction_path[100] = "/sys/class/gpio/";
char value_path[100] = "/sys/class/gpio/";
int main(int argc,char **argv)
{
	int fd;
	int value;
	fd = open(export_path,O_WRONLY);
	perror("open");
	value = atoi(argv[1]);
	write(fd,argv[1],strlen(argv[1])+1);
	perror("write");
	close(fd);
	if(value>=0 && value <=31)
	{
		sprintf(direction_path+16,"%s%d%s","PA",value,"/direction");
		sprintf(value_path+16,"%s%d%s","PA",value,"/value");
	}
	else if(value>=32 && value <=63)
	{
		sprintf(direction_path+16,"%s%d%s","PB",value-32,"/direction");
		sprintf(value_path+16,"%s%d%s","PB",value-32,"/value");
	}
	else if(value>=64 && value <=95)
	{
		sprintf(direction_path+16,"%s%d%s","PC",value-64,"/direction");
		sprintf(value_path+16,"%s%d%s","PC",value-64,"/value");
	}

	else
	{
		sprintf(direction_path+16,"%s%d%s","PD",value-96,"/direction");
		sprintf(value_path+16,"%s%d%s","PD",value-96,"/value");
	}
	printf("%s\n",direction_path);
	printf("%s\n",value_path);
	fd = open(direction_path,O_WRONLY);
	perror("open");
	write(fd,"out",4);
	perror("write");
	close(fd);
	fd = open(value_path,O_WRONLY);
	perror("open");
	while(1)
	{
		write(fd,"1",2);
		perror("write");
		sleep(5);
		write(fd,"0",2);
		perror("write");
		sleep(5);
	}
	close(fd);
}
```

**Step 3: Open your Terminal and navigate to your Toolchain folder on your HOST PC**

**Step 4: Run the "env.sh" file to enable the Toolchain using `. env.sh`** \
&#x20;**To check if the Toolchain is running type in "arm" and hit the \<TAB> key twice.**

**Step 5: Create a binary named "gpiotest" from gpio\_test.c**  `arm-linux-gnueabi-gcc gpio_test.c -o gpiotest`&#x20;

**Step 6: Transfer the compiled binary to the board using TFTP or SD card.**

**Step 7: Run the binary file** `./gpiotest 77`**on the Board's Terminal.**<br>