# CircuitPython Parsec enables GPIO access via STEMMA QT ports

> **Key takeaway:** A new CircuitPython Parsec implementation allows users to use STEMMA QT connectors as plug-and-play GPIO pins.

**Published:** 2026-10-16T18:03:00+00:00 
**Source:** Adafruit Electronics 
**Category:** open-hardware 
**Canonical URL:** https://fosswire.org/news/circuitpython-parsec-enables-gpio-access-via-stemma-qt-ports.html 

## Summary
John Park has introduced a method to utilize STEMMA QT ports on CircuitPython boards as a set of GPIO pins, including power and ground. The update includes code to retrieve pin name aliases directly from the board. This simplifies hardware expansion by repurposing existing standardized connectors for general-purpose I/O.

## GPIO expansion via STEMMA QT
- Repurposes **STEMMA QT** ports for **GPIO** functionality.
- Provides access to **power** and **ground** through the same port.
- Includes code to query the board for **pin name aliases**.

## Why it matters
This allows users to expand hardware capabilities using standardized STEMMA QT cables without needing dedicated GPIO headers.