Why led turning on when switch is low in pic starter kit?

Question

I have a PIC starter kit. I am doing a simple program of turning on led when switch is pressed and then turning them off when switch is released like following:

if(switch==1)
{
  led = 1;
}
else
{
  led = 0;
}

I was actually not able to do above code in MPLAB. Then I found a tutorial online. I used that code and it was working.

Switch is connected to RD7
Led is connected to RD0

CODE

if(PORTAbits.RD7 == 0) 
{
  PORTDbits.RD0 = 1;
}
else if(PORTAbits.RD7 == 1)
{
  PORTDbits.RD0 = 0;
}

Now I am confused. Why led is turning on when switch(RD7) is low. Can anyone explain me this logic.?

Answer 1

You should refer to the User Guide. It says that

Push button switches provide the following functionality:

• SW1: Active-low switch connected to RD6

• SW2: Active-low switch connected to RD7

• SW3: Active-low switch connected to RD13

also

The switches do not have any debounce circuitry and require the use of internal pull-up resistors; this allows you to investigate software debounce techniques.

So I think this answers your question of why led is turning on when switch(RD7) is low

Answer 2

If you read the documentation for your board, you will see the following, which I think is self explanatory: