Getting Started with Embedded C: Blinking an LED on Raspberry Pi

Blinking an LED is the "Hello, World!" of embedded systems. It sounds simple, but it teaches you the most fundamental skill in embedded programming — controlling hardware directly from software. In this tutorial, we'll blink an LED on a Raspberry Pi using pure C, without any Python libraries or high-level frameworks. Just C, Linux, and hardware. By the end, you'll understand GPIO control, memory-mapped I/O, and how to compile and run embedded-style C code on a Linux system. What You'll Need Raspberry Pi (any model: 3B, 4, or Zero W) 1× LED (any color) 1× 330Ω resistor Breadboard and jumper wires SSH access or a connected keyboard/monitor Step 1: Understanding GPIO on Raspberry Pi GPIO stands for General Purpose Input/Output. The Raspberry Pi exposes 40 pins on its header, many of which can be configured as digital inputs or outputs. When you set a GPIO pin HIGH, it outputs 3.3V. When you set it LOW, it outputs 0V. We'll use GPIO 17 (physical pin 11) to drive our LED. The Circuit Connec