{"id":175191,"date":"2025-10-23T14:02:25","date_gmt":"2025-10-23T14:02:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/?p=175191"},"modified":"2026-01-15T16:41:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T16:41:16","slug":"esp-idf-esp32-gpio-inputs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/esp-idf-esp32-gpio-inputs\/","title":{"rendered":"ESP-IDF: ESP32 GPIO &#8211; Read Digital Inputs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In this guide, you&#8217;ll learn how to set and read the ESP32 board&#8217;s GPIO pins as digital inputs with ESP-IDF (Espressif IoT Development Framework).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ESP32 is a microcontroller that offers several General Purpose Input\/Output (GPIO) pins that can be configured as either inputs or outputs. With the GPIOs set as inputs, you can read the current state of devices like pushbuttons, switches, sensors, or other components by reading the pin&#8217;s voltage level 0 or 3.3V.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-GPIO-Read-Digital-Inputs.jpg?resize=1200%2C675&#038;quality=100&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"ESP-IDF ESP32 GPIO Read Digital Inputs\" class=\"wp-image-177119\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-GPIO-Read-Digital-Inputs.jpg?w=1920&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 1920w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-GPIO-Read-Digital-Inputs.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-GPIO-Read-Digital-Inputs.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-GPIO-Read-Digital-Inputs.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-GPIO-Read-Digital-Inputs.jpg?resize=1536%2C864&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prerequisites<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before following this guide, you need to install the ESP-IDF extension on VS Code IDE (Microsoft Visual Studio Code). Follow the next guide to install it, if you haven&#8217;t already:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/programming-esp32-esp-idf-vs-code\/\"><strong>Getting Started Guide:<\/strong> Programming ESP32 with ESP-IDF using VS Code<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You will also need an <a href=\"https:\/\/makeradvisor.com\/tools\/esp32-dev-board-wi-fi-bluetooth\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">ESP32 development board<\/a> model of your choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">ESP32 GPIO Digital Inputs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In ESP-IDF, to set the ESP32 GPIOs as digital inputs, you need to do the following.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, you need to configure the GPIO pins: assign the pin number, set the mode, enable\/disable pull-up or pull-down internal resistors, and enable\/disable interrupts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, to read a the current level (state) of the pin, define the <span class=\"rnthl rntliteral\">gpio_config()<\/span> function using the following structure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code language-c\"><code>#define BUTTON_PIN 4\n\ngpio_config_t io_conf = {\n    .pin_bit_mask = (1ULL &lt;&lt; BUTTON_PIN),   \/\/ Select GPIO 4\n    .mode = GPIO_MODE_INPUT,                  \/\/ Set as input\n    .pull_up_en = GPIO_PULLUP_ENABLE,     \/\/ Enable internal pull-up\n    .pull_down_en = GPIO_PULLDOWN_DISABLE, \/\/ Disable pull-down\n    .intr_type = GPIO_INTR_DISABLE        \/\/ Disable interrupts\n};\ngpio_config(&amp;io_conf);<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>Then, you read the current level of the GPIO (example 1 = Released or 0 = Pressed). Use the <span class=\"rnthl rntliteral\">gpio_get_level(BUTTON_PIN)<\/span> function as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code language-c\"><code>gpio_get_level(BUTTON_PIN);<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>gpio_config_t<\/em> structure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Public Member<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Value<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>uint64_t pin_bit_mask<\/td><td>GPIO pin set with bit mask, for example: (1ULL &lt;&lt; 4)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>gpio_mode_t mode<\/td><td>GPIO_MODE_DISABLE, GPIO_MODE_INPUT, GPIO_MODE_OUTPUT, GPIO_MODE_OUTPUT_OD, GPIO_MODE_INPUT_OUTPUT_OD, GPIO_MODE_INPUT_OUTPUT<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>gpio_pullup_t pull_up_en<\/td><td>GPIO_PULLUP_DISABLE, GPIO_PULLUP_ENABLE<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>gpio_pulldown_t pull_down_en<\/td><td>GPIO_PULLDOWN_DISABLE, GPIO_PULLDOWN_ENABLE<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>gpio_int_type_t intr_type<\/td><td>GPIO_INTR_DISABLE, GPIO_INTR_POSEDGE, GPIO_INTR_NEGEDGE, GPIO_INTR_ANYEDGE, GPIO_INTR_LOW_LEVEL, GPIO_INTR_HIGH_LEVEL, GPIO_INTR_MAX<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Most GPIOs can be used as inputs. Note that GPIO 34, GPIO 35, GPIO 36, and GPIO 39 are input only pins. These pins don\u2019t have internal pull-up or pull-down resistors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rntbox rntclblue\">Learn more about the ESP32 GPIOs: <a href=\"https:\/\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/esp32-pinout-reference-gpios\/\">ESP32 GPIO Reference Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Creating an ESP-IDF Template App Project for the ESP32<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The ESP-IDF extension provides an easy way to create a project from scratch with all the required files and configurations generated automatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To create a new ESP-IDF project on VS Code, follow these steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open the ESP-IDF Espressif extension<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expand the &#8220;<strong>Advanced<\/strong>&#8221; menu<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click the &#8220;<strong>New Project Wizard<\/strong>&#8221; option<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose the &#8220;<strong>Use ESP-IDF v5.4.1<\/strong>&#8221; to select the framework version<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"937\" height=\"742\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Create-Open-New-Project-Wizard-Menu.png?resize=937%2C742&#038;quality=100&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"ESP-IDF ESP32 Create Open New Project Wizard Menu\" class=\"wp-image-170511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Create-Open-New-Project-Wizard-Menu.png?w=937&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 937w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Create-Open-New-Project-Wizard-Menu.png?resize=300%2C238&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Create-Open-New-Project-Wizard-Menu.png?resize=768%2C608&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 937px) 100vw, 937px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>A new window opens, you need to fill in these fields:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Project Name:<\/strong> type the desired project name;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Enter Project Directory:<\/strong> click the folder icon and select the target folder to save all your project files. You can use any directory. <strong>Note:<\/strong> <u>do NOT use a Google Drive \/ One Drive \/ Dropbox folder<\/u>, because it will write\/create many files during the building process\u2014if it&#8217;s on a cloud folder, this process might be extremely slow;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>ESP-IDF Target:<\/strong> select the target device chip, I&#8217;m using an ESP32 with the <strong>esp32s3<\/strong> chip;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>ESP-IDF Board:<\/strong> for the esp32s3 chip, I also need to select the configuration: ESP32-S chip (via builtin USB-JTAG);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Serial Port:<\/strong> while having your ESP32 board connected to your computer, select the correct COM port number that refers to your ESP32;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Choose Template:<\/strong> click the blue button to create a new project using a template.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"983\" height=\"856\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Create-Open-New-Project-Wizard-Menu-Select-Directory-Board-Template.png?resize=983%2C856&#038;quality=100&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"ESP-IDF ESP32 Create Open New Project Wizard Menu Select Directory Board Template\" class=\"wp-image-170512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Create-Open-New-Project-Wizard-Menu-Select-Directory-Board-Template.png?w=983&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 983w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Create-Open-New-Project-Wizard-Menu-Select-Directory-Board-Template.png?resize=300%2C261&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Create-Open-New-Project-Wizard-Menu-Select-Directory-Board-Template.png?resize=768%2C669&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 983px) 100vw, 983px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>In the menu, select the &#8220;<strong>ESP-IDF Templates<\/strong>&#8221; sample project and press the &#8220;<strong>Create project using template sample project<\/strong>&#8221; button.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1178\" height=\"744\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Create-New-Sample-Project-using-IDF-Template.png?resize=1178%2C744&#038;quality=100&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"ESP-IDF ESP32 Create New Sample Project using IDF Template\" class=\"wp-image-187415\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Create-New-Sample-Project-using-IDF-Template.png?w=1178&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 1178w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Create-New-Sample-Project-using-IDF-Template.png?resize=300%2C189&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Create-New-Sample-Project-using-IDF-Template.png?resize=1024%2C647&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Create-New-Sample-Project-using-IDF-Template.png?resize=768%2C485&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1178px) 100vw, 1178px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Opening the ESP-IDF Project on VS Code<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After a few seconds, a notification will appear on a new window on VS Code. You can click &#8220;<strong>Open Project<\/strong>&#8221; to open the newly created ESP-IDF sample project template.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"503\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Open-New-Project-Sample.png?resize=1024%2C503&#038;quality=100&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"ESP-IDF ESP32 Open New Project Sample\" class=\"wp-image-187416\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Open-New-Project-Sample.png?resize=1024%2C503&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Open-New-Project-Sample.png?resize=300%2C147&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Open-New-Project-Sample.png?resize=768%2C377&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Open-New-Project-Sample.png?w=1231&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 1231w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>IMPORTANT:<\/strong> if you didn&#8217;t see the notification that allows you to automatically open the ESP-IDF project on VS Code, you can easily do it by following these instructions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Go to <strong>File <\/strong>&gt; <strong>Open Folder&#8230;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"396\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Open-Project-Folder-VS-Code-File-Menu.png?resize=396%2C315&#038;quality=100&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"ESP-IDF ESP32 Open Project Folder VS Code File Menu\" class=\"wp-image-170518\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Open-Project-Folder-VS-Code-File-Menu.png?w=396&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 396w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Open-Project-Folder-VS-Code-File-Menu.png?resize=300%2C239&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 396px) 100vw, 396px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Browse on your computer for the <em>esp-idf-project folder<\/em> (your project folder name that you&#8217;ve previously defined) and &#8220;<strong>Select Folder<\/strong>&#8220;.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"667\" height=\"366\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Open-Project-VS-Code-Select-Folder.png?resize=667%2C366&#038;quality=100&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"ESP-IDF ESP32 Open Project VS Code Select Folder\" class=\"wp-image-170517\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Open-Project-VS-Code-Select-Folder.png?w=667&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 667w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Open-Project-VS-Code-Select-Folder.png?resize=300%2C165&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 667px) 100vw, 667px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>That&#8217;s it! Your new ESP-IDF project template has been successfully created and opened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ESP-IDF generates many files, folders, and subfolders for your project. For this guide, I recommend keeping all the default files unchanged; we will only modify the <em>main.c<\/em> file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The example codes will be written in the <em>main.c<\/em> file. To open it, follow these instructions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open the project explorer by clicking the first icon on the left sidebar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Select your project folder name, in my case it&#8217;s &#8220;<strong>ESP-IDF-PROJECT<\/strong>&#8220;.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expand the &#8220;<strong>main<\/strong>&#8221; folder.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click the &#8220;<strong><em>main.c<\/em><\/strong>&#8221; file.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The default <em>main.c<\/em> template file loads in the code window.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"907\" height=\"571\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Open-Project-in-a-VS-Code-Browse-to-Main-C-File.png?resize=907%2C571&#038;quality=100&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"ESP-IDF ESP32 Open Project in a VS Code Browse to Main C File\" class=\"wp-image-170514\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Open-Project-in-a-VS-Code-Browse-to-Main-C-File.png?w=907&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 907w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Open-Project-in-a-VS-Code-Browse-to-Main-C-File.png?resize=300%2C189&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Open-Project-in-a-VS-Code-Browse-to-Main-C-File.png?resize=768%2C483&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 907px) 100vw, 907px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Read ESP32 Digital Inputs with ESP-IDF<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s the full <em>main.c<\/em> code that reads a pushbutton connected to the ESP32 GPIO 4 using the <span class=\"rnthl rntliteral\">gpio_get_level()<\/span> function:<\/p>\n\n\n<pre style=\"max-height: 40em; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><code class=\"language-c\">\/*  \n  Rui Santos &amp; Sara Santos - Random Nerd Tutorials\n  https:\/\/RandomNerdTutorials.com\/esp-idf-esp32-gpio-inputs\/\n*\/\n\n#include &lt;stdio.h&gt;\n#include &lt;freertos\/FreeRTOS.h&gt;\n#include &lt;freertos\/task.h&gt;\n#include &lt;driver\/gpio.h&gt;\n#include &quot;sdkconfig.h&quot;\n\n#define BUTTON_PIN 4\n\nvoid app_main(void)\n{\n    \/\/ Configure GPIO\n    gpio_config_t io_conf = {\n        .pin_bit_mask = (1ULL &lt;&lt; BUTTON_PIN),   \/\/ Select GPIO 4\n        .mode = GPIO_MODE_INPUT,                \/\/ Set as input\n        .pull_up_en = GPIO_PULLUP_ENABLE,       \/\/ Enable internal pull-up\n        .pull_down_en = GPIO_PULLDOWN_DISABLE,  \/\/ Disable pull-down\n        .intr_type = GPIO_INTR_DISABLE          \/\/ Disable interrupts\n    };\n    gpio_config(&amp;io_conf);\n\n    while (1) {\n        \/\/ Read GPIO level (current state)\n        int level = gpio_get_level(BUTTON_PIN);\n        if (level == 0) {\n            printf(&quot;Button Pressed!\\n&quot;);\n        } else {\n            printf(&quot;Button Released...\\n&quot;);\n        }\n        vTaskDelay(200 \/ portTICK_PERIOD_MS); \/\/ Delay 200ms\n    }\n}\n<\/code><\/pre>\n\t<p style=\"text-align:center\"><a class=\"rntwhite\" href=\"https:\/\/github.com\/RuiSantosdotme\/Random-Nerd-Tutorials\/raw\/master\/Projects\/ESP-IDF\/gpio_input\/gpio_input.c\" target=\"_blank\">View raw code<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How the Code Works<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In this section, we&#8217;ll take a look at the code to see how it works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Libraries<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We start by including the required libraries:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span class=\"rnthl rntliteral\">stdio.h<\/span> &#8211; the standard C library will be used for the <span class=\"rnthl rntliteral\">printf<\/span> function that prints the debugging information in the serial monitor;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span class=\"rnthl rntliteral\">FreeRTOS.h<\/span> &#8211; provides the core FreeRTOS types and functions;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span class=\"rnthl rntliteral\">task.h<\/span> &#8211; allows to use of the non-blocking delay function <span class=\"rnthl rntliteral\">vTaskDelay<\/span>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span class=\"rnthl rntliteral\">driver\/gpio.h<\/span> &#8211; includes the functions required to configure and control GPIOs;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span class=\"rnthl rntliteral\">sdkconfig.h<\/span> &#8211; includes the project&#8217;s configuration file.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code language-c\"><code>#include &lt;stdio.h&gt;\n#include &lt;freertos\/FreeRTOS.h&gt;\n#include &lt;freertos\/task.h&gt;\n#include &lt;driver\/gpio.h&gt;\n#include \"sdkconfig.h\"<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pin Assignment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This line assigns the pushbutton connected to <span class=\"rnthl rntclblue\">GPIO 4<\/span>; you can change it to a different number to match your board pinout or to control a different GPIO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code language-c\"><code>#define BUTTON_PIN 4<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>app_main(void)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When creating an ESP-IDF project, this function will always be called to run. This function is where you need to write your code for any ESP-IDF applications; it is the equivalent of the <span class=\"rnthl rntliteral\">setup()<\/span> in Arduino programming. When the ESP32 boots, the ESP-IDF framework calls <span class=\"rnthl rntliteral\">app_main<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code language-c\"><code>void app_main(void)\n{\n    \/\/ your code goes here\n}<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>In the <span class=\"rnthl rntliteral\">app_main(void)<\/span> function, you start by creating the GPIO config variable with the pushbutton GPIO, set it as INPUT, disable pull-down resistor and interrupts. If you notice, the internal pull-up resistor is enabled, so you don&#8217;t need an external resistor connected to the pushbutton:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code language-c\"><code>\/\/ Configure GPIO\ngpio_config_t io_conf = {\n    .pin_bit_mask = (1ULL &lt;&lt; BUTTON_PIN), \/\/ Select GPIO 4\n    .mode = GPIO_MODE_INPUT,               \/\/ Set as input\n    .pull_up_en = GPIO_PULLUP_ENABLE,     \/\/ Enable internal pull-up\n    .pull_down_en = GPIO_PULLDOWN_DISABLE, \/\/ Disable pull-down\n    .intr_type = GPIO_INTR_DISABLE        \/\/ Disable interrupts\n};<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>Then, call the <span class=\"rnthl rntliteral\">gpio_config(&amp;io_conf)<\/span> function to configure the GPIO as an input, because we want to get its current level (returns HIGH or LOW).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code language-c\"><code>gpio_config(&amp;io_conf);<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>The <span class=\"rnthl rntliteral\">while(1)<\/span> runs an infinite loop that ensures that you are constantly checking the current GPIO level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code language-c\"><code>while (1) {\n    \/\/ Read GPIO level (current state)\n    int level = gpio_get_level(BUTTON_PIN);\n    if (level == 0) {\n        printf(\"Button Pressed!\\n\");\n    } else {\n        printf(\"Button Released\\n\");\n    }\n    vTaskDelay(200 \/ portTICK_PERIOD_MS); \/\/ Delay 200ms\n}<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>Inside the infinite loop, you read and store the current GPIO level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code language-c\"><code>int level = gpio_get_level(BUTTON_PIN);<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>If the returned level is 0, it means the button is being pressed. You can print a message saying &#8220;Button Pressed!&#8221; in the Serial Monitor for debugging purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code language-c\"><code>if (level == 0) {\n    printf(\"Button Pressed!\\n\");\n} <\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are not pressing the pushbutton, the message printed in the Serial Monitor will say &#8220;Button Released&#8230;&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code language-c\"><code>else {\n    printf(\"Button Released...\\n\");\n}<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, add a delay of 200 milliseconds:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code language-c\"><code>vTaskDelay(200 \/ portTICK_PERIOD_MS);<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Build and Flash Code to the ESP32 Board<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To build and flash ESP-IDF code to the ESP32, you always need to follow this procedure. You need to select the flash method (UART), the COM port number, the target device (ESP32), build the code, and finally, flash it to the board. All these commands are available in the bottom menu bar of VS Code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure all your options are correct (they may already be properly configured if you used the project wizard).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"498\" height=\"28\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Check-All-the-Configured-Settings-UART-COM-Port-Target-Board.png?resize=498%2C28&#038;quality=100&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"VS Code ESP-IDF Check All the Configured Settings UART COM Port Target Board\" class=\"wp-image-170147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Check-All-the-Configured-Settings-UART-COM-Port-Target-Board.png?w=498&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 498w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Check-All-the-Configured-Settings-UART-COM-Port-Target-Board.png?resize=300%2C17&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 498px) 100vw, 498px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>However, if your setup is not correct, follow the next instructions to ensure everything is set up correctly. First, click the &#8220;<strong>Star<\/strong>&#8221; icon and select the flash method as <strong>UART<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"584\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Select-Flash-UART-Option-to-Program-Flash-ESP32-1024x584.png?resize=1024%2C584&#038;quality=100&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"VS Code ESP-IDF Select Flash UART Option to Program Flash ESP32\" class=\"wp-image-170161\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Select-Flash-UART-Option-to-Program-Flash-ESP32.png?resize=1024%2C584&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Select-Flash-UART-Option-to-Program-Flash-ESP32.png?resize=300%2C171&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Select-Flash-UART-Option-to-Program-Flash-ESP32.png?resize=768%2C438&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Select-Flash-UART-Option-to-Program-Flash-ESP32.png?w=1030&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 1030w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>While the ESP32 board is connected to your computer, click the COM Port (plug icon) and select the correct port number that refers to your ESP32.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"582\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Programming-ESP32-Board-Select-Correct-COM-Port-Number.png?resize=1024%2C582&#038;quality=100&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"VS Code ESP-IDF Programming ESP32 Board Select Correct COM Port Number\" class=\"wp-image-170160\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Programming-ESP32-Board-Select-Correct-COM-Port-Number.png?resize=1024%2C582&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Programming-ESP32-Board-Select-Correct-COM-Port-Number.png?resize=300%2C171&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Programming-ESP32-Board-Select-Correct-COM-Port-Number.png?resize=768%2C437&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Programming-ESP32-Board-Select-Correct-COM-Port-Number.png?w=1032&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 1032w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>You also need to select the target device. Click on the chip icon at the bottom bar. In my case, I have an ESP32 with the <strong>esp32s3<\/strong> chip.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"579\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Select-the-ESP32-S3-or-Correct-Target-Device.png?resize=1024%2C579&#038;quality=100&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"VS Code Select the ESP32 S3 or Correct Target Device ESP-IDF\" class=\"wp-image-170163\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Select-the-ESP32-S3-or-Correct-Target-Device.png?resize=1024%2C579&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Select-the-ESP32-S3-or-Correct-Target-Device.png?resize=300%2C170&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Select-the-ESP32-S3-or-Correct-Target-Device.png?resize=768%2C434&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Select-the-ESP32-S3-or-Correct-Target-Device.png?w=1031&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 1031w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>For this board, I also need to select the configuration: <strong>ESP32-S chip (via builtin USB-JTAG)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"757\" height=\"579\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Select-the-ESP32-S3-chip-via-built-in-USB-JTAG-Target-Device.png?resize=757%2C579&#038;quality=100&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"VS Code ESP-IDF Select the ESP32 S3 chip via built in USB JTAG Target Device\" class=\"wp-image-170162\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Select-the-ESP32-S3-chip-via-built-in-USB-JTAG-Target-Device.png?w=757&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 757w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Select-the-ESP32-S3-chip-via-built-in-USB-JTAG-Target-Device.png?resize=300%2C229&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 757px) 100vw, 757px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Finally, your command bar on the bottom of VS Code should have similar options selected.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"498\" height=\"28\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Check-All-the-Configured-Settings-UART-COM-Port-Target-Board.png?resize=498%2C28&#038;quality=100&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"VS Code ESP-IDF Check All the Configured Settings UART COM Port Target Board\" class=\"wp-image-170147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Check-All-the-Configured-Settings-UART-COM-Port-Target-Board.png?w=498&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 498w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Check-All-the-Configured-Settings-UART-COM-Port-Target-Board.png?resize=300%2C17&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 498px) 100vw, 498px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Now, you can build the project by clicking the wrench icon (<strong>Build Project<\/strong>) as shown in the image below.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"581\" height=\"359\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/VS-Code-Build-Project-Example-Code-ESP32-ESP-IDF.png?resize=581%2C359&#038;quality=100&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"VS Code Build Project Example Code ESP32 ESP-IDF\" class=\"wp-image-170743\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/VS-Code-Build-Project-Example-Code-ESP32-ESP-IDF.png?w=581&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 581w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/VS-Code-Build-Project-Example-Code-ESP32-ESP-IDF.png?resize=300%2C185&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 581px) 100vw, 581px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The first time you build a project, it usually takes a bit more time. Once completed, it should print a similar message in the <strong>Terminal<\/strong> menu and show a &#8220;<strong>Build Successfully<\/strong>&#8221; message.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"648\" height=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/VS-Code-Build-Example-Project-ESP32-ESP-IDF-Success-Message.jpg?resize=648%2C468&#038;quality=100&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"VS Code Build Example Project ESP32 ESP-IDF Success Message\" class=\"wp-image-170742\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/VS-Code-Build-Example-Project-ESP32-ESP-IDF-Success-Message.jpg?w=648&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/VS-Code-Build-Example-Project-ESP32-ESP-IDF-Success-Message.jpg?resize=300%2C217&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 648px) 100vw, 648px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>This is the final step. You can now flash the ESP-IDF project to the ESP32 by clicking the &#8220;<strong>Flash Device<\/strong>&#8221; button (thunder icon).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"848\" height=\"170\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Flash-Hello-World-Code-Project-to-ESP32-ESP-IDF.png?resize=848%2C170&#038;quality=100&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"VS Code Flash Hello World Code Project to ESP32 ESP-IDF\" class=\"wp-image-170294\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Flash-Hello-World-Code-Project-to-ESP32-ESP-IDF.png?w=848&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 848w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Flash-Hello-World-Code-Project-to-ESP32-ESP-IDF.png?resize=300%2C60&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Flash-Hello-World-Code-Project-to-ESP32-ESP-IDF.png?resize=768%2C154&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 848px) 100vw, 848px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Depending on your board, you might need to hold down the on-board BOOT button on your ESP32 to put into flashing mode. Once the process is completed, it will pop-up a info message saying &#8220;<strong>Flash Done<\/strong>&#8220;.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"575\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Flash-Hello-Wolrd-Project-to-ESP32-ESP-IDF-Done-Success-Message.png?resize=1024%2C575&#038;quality=100&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"VS Code Flash Hello World Project to ESP32 ESP-IDF Done Success Message\" class=\"wp-image-170155\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Flash-Hello-Wolrd-Project-to-ESP32-ESP-IDF-Done-Success-Message.png?resize=1024%2C575&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Flash-Hello-Wolrd-Project-to-ESP32-ESP-IDF-Done-Success-Message.png?resize=300%2C168&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Flash-Hello-Wolrd-Project-to-ESP32-ESP-IDF-Done-Success-Message.png?resize=768%2C431&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Flash-Hello-Wolrd-Project-to-ESP32-ESP-IDF-Done-Success-Message.png?w=1039&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 1039w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Schematic Diagram<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a list of the parts you need to build the circuit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/makeradvisor.com\/tools\/esp32-dev-board-wi-fi-bluetooth\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ESP32<\/a>&nbsp;(read&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/makeradvisor.com\/esp32-development-boards-review-comparison\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best ESP32 Dev Boards<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/makeradvisor.com\/tools\/pushbuttons-kit\/\">Pushbutton<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/makeradvisor.com\/tools\/mb-102-solderless-breadboard-830-points\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Breadboard<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/makeradvisor.com\/tools\/jumper-wires-kit-120-pieces\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jumper wires<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Connect a pushbutton to <span class=\"rnthl rntcblue\">GPIO 4<\/span> as shown in the schematic diagram below. We&#8217;re using an <a href=\"https:\/\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/esp32-s3-devkitc-pinout-guide\/\" title=\"\">ESP32-S3 DevKitC board<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"759\" height=\"827\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Read-Digital-Input-Circuit-Wiring-Diagram-Pushbutton.jpg?resize=759%2C827&#038;quality=100&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"ESP-IDF ESP32 Read Digital Input Circuit Wiring Diagram Pushbutton\" class=\"wp-image-177118\" style=\"width:544px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Read-Digital-Input-Circuit-Wiring-Diagram-Pushbutton.jpg?w=759&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 759w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Read-Digital-Input-Circuit-Wiring-Diagram-Pushbutton.jpg?resize=275%2C300&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 275w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 759px) 100vw, 759px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Demonstration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you followed all the steps, the pushbutton code example should be running successfully on your board. Open your Terminal window \u2014 click the &#8220;<strong>Monitor Device<\/strong>&#8221; tool that is illustrated with a screen icon.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"77\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Open-Terminal-Window-Monitor-Device-ESP32-ESP-IDF.png?resize=780%2C77&#038;quality=100&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"VS Code Open Terminal Window Monitor Device ESP32 ESP-IDF\" class=\"wp-image-170157\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Open-Terminal-Window-Monitor-Device-ESP32-ESP-IDF.png?w=780&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Open-Terminal-Window-Monitor-Device-ESP32-ESP-IDF.png?resize=300%2C30&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/VS-Code-Open-Terminal-Window-Monitor-Device-ESP32-ESP-IDF.png?resize=768%2C76&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Press the physical pushbutton multiple times:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ESP32-ESP-IDF-Press-Pushbutton-Read-Digital-Input.jpg?resize=750%2C422&#038;quality=100&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"ESP32 ESP-IDF Press Pushbutton Read Digital Input\" class=\"wp-image-177123\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ESP32-ESP-IDF-Press-Pushbutton-Read-Digital-Input.jpg?w=750&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 750w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ESP32-ESP-IDF-Press-Pushbutton-Read-Digital-Input.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The terminal should be printing a message saying &#8220;<strong>Button Pressed!<\/strong>&#8221; and &#8220;<strong>Button Released&#8230;<\/strong>&#8221; according to the current GPIO state:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"714\" height=\"295\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Read-Digital-Input-Pushbutton-Demonstration-Terminal.png?resize=714%2C295&#038;quality=100&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"ESP-IDF ESP32 Read Digital Input Pushbutton Demonstration Terminal\" class=\"wp-image-175385\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Read-Digital-Input-Pushbutton-Demonstration-Terminal.png?w=714&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 714w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-Read-Digital-Input-Pushbutton-Demonstration-Terminal.png?resize=300%2C124&amp;quality=100&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 714px) 100vw, 714px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wrapping Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In this tutorial, you learned how to program the ESP32 with the ESP-IDF framework using VS Code to read the current GPIO digital input value. In the next guide, we&#8217;ll cover <a href=\"https:\/\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/esp-idf-esp32-gpio-analog-adc\/\">ESP-IDF GPIO Analog Inputs<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other ESP-IDF guides:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/programming-esp32-esp-idf-vs-code\/\">Programming ESP32 with ESP-IDF using VS Code \u2013 Getting Started Guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/esp-idf-esp32-blink-led\/\">ESP-IDF: ESP32 Blink LED Example (VS Code)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/esp-idf-esp32-gpio-pwm-ledc\/\">ESP-IDF: ESP32 GPIO PWM with LEDC (Control LED Brightness)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/esp-idf-esp32-gpio-analog-adc\/\">ESP-IDF: ESP32 GPIO \u2013 Read Analog Input (ADC \u2013 Analog to Digital Converter)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Meanwhile, you can check our ESP32 resources (with Arduino IDE) to learn more about the ESP32 board:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/esp32-cam-projects-ebook\/\">Learn ESP32 with Arduino IDE (eBook)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/projects-esp32\/\">More ESP32 Projects and Tutorials\u2026<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanks for reading.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this guide, you&#8217;ll learn how to set and read the ESP32 board&#8217;s GPIO pins as digital inputs with ESP-IDF (Espressif IoT Development Framework). The ESP32 is a microcontroller that &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"ESP-IDF: ESP32 GPIO &#8211; Read Digital Inputs\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/esp-idf-esp32-gpio-inputs\/#more-175191\" aria-label=\"Read more about ESP-IDF: ESP32 GPIO &#8211; Read Digital Inputs\">CONTINUE READING \u00bb<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":177119,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[327,328,264],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-175191","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-esp-idf","category-esp32-esp-idf","category-project"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ESP-IDF-ESP32-GPIO-Read-Digital-Inputs.jpg?fit=1920%2C1080&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/175191","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=175191"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/175191\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":187423,"href":"https:\/\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/175191\/revisions\/187423"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/177119"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=175191"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=175191"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/randomnerdtutorials.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=175191"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}