Tedb0t writes:

Finally got to experiment with the Raspberry Pi’s GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) pins. I tried three methods: Python, Bash and C, and will describe each.

via MAKE

GPIO Ribbon Cable for Raspberry Pi®. That new Raspberry Pi® computer you just got has a row of 2×13 pin headers soldered on – those are the GPIO (general purpose input/output) pins and for those of us who like to hack electronics they are where the real fun is. By programming the Pi, you can twiddle those pins high or low, send and receive I2C and SPI data, and access the 3V and 5V power rails.

If you want to bridge those contacts out onto another PCB, you’ll want this cable! It’s 6″ long and has 26 socket & wire sets. Pin #1 is marked with a red wire. If you have one of our nice Pi Box cases, you can even have this plugged in while the case is closed by passing the ribbon cable through the slot on the side.