pxt-common-packages/libs/core/docs/reference/pins/digital-read.md

Microsoft MakeCode (PXT) common packages

# digital Read

Read a digital `false` or `true` from a pin.

```sig
pins.A0.digitalRead()
```

Digital pins read one of two values: `false` or `true`. Often the `false` means something connected
to the pin is turned **off** or its status is `false`. In a similar way, `true` means something
connected to the pin is **on** or has a status of `true`.

## Returns

* a [boolean](types/boolean) value that is either `false` or `true`. The meaning of the value depends on how something connected to the pin decides on what value to give.

## Example #example

See if a switch on your bread board is on or off. The switch is connected to pin `D4`. Write the position of the switch to the console.

```blocks
let mySwitchOn = pins.D4.digitalRead();

if (mySwitchOn) {
    console.log("Switch at D4 is ON")
} else {
    console.log("Switch at D4 is OFF")
}
```

## See also #seealso

[digital write](/reference/pins/digital-write)