GPIO
GPIO (General-Purpose Input/Output) is a hardware interface on microcontrollers, single-board computers, and embedded systems that allows digital input and output operations. It enables devices to read signals from sensors, switches, or other peripherals and control external components like LEDs, motors, or relays. GPIO pins are programmable and can be configured as either input or output, making them fundamental for interacting with the physical world in electronics and IoT projects.
Developers should learn GPIO when working with embedded systems, IoT devices, robotics, or hardware prototyping, as it provides direct control over hardware components. It is essential for reading sensor data, controlling actuators, and building interactive projects on platforms like Raspberry Pi, Arduino, or ESP32. Understanding GPIO is crucial for low-level hardware programming and integrating software with physical devices.