Term of the Moment
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Definition: switch
(1) A network cross connect. See Ethernet switch.
(2) In programming, a bit or byte used to keep track of some event. The term is sometimes synonymous with the branch command.
(3) In programming, a statement that saves the programmer from having to write multiple compare statements. See event loop.
(4) A modifier of a command. For example, in the Windows/DOS command dir /p the /p is a switch that modifies the Dir command to pause after each screenful. See Dir.
(5) A mechanism that allows each key to be depressed on a keyboard. See mechanical keyboard.
(6) A mechanical or electronic device that directs the flow of electrical or optical signals from one side to the other. Switches with more than two ports, such as a LAN switch or PBX, are able to route traffic.
Not Entirely Intuitive
When a switch is closed, current flows and the light or motor is now "on." When opened, current stops, and the light or motor is off. Although "open" might seem to mean "turn something on," opening a switch turns it off, and vice versa. See transistor, Ethernet switch, softswitch, PBX and data switch.
Mechanical and Semiconductor Switches
A Manual Switch
(2) In programming, a bit or byte used to keep track of some event. The term is sometimes synonymous with the branch command.
(3) In programming, a statement that saves the programmer from having to write multiple compare statements. See event loop.
(4) A modifier of a command. For example, in the Windows/DOS command dir /p the /p is a switch that modifies the Dir command to pause after each screenful. See Dir.
(5) A mechanism that allows each key to be depressed on a keyboard. See mechanical keyboard.
(6) A mechanical or electronic device that directs the flow of electrical or optical signals from one side to the other. Switches with more than two ports, such as a LAN switch or PBX, are able to route traffic.
Not Entirely Intuitive
When a switch is closed, current flows and the light or motor is now "on." When opened, current stops, and the light or motor is off. Although "open" might seem to mean "turn something on," opening a switch turns it off, and vice versa. See transistor, Ethernet switch, softswitch, PBX and data switch.
The semiconductor transistor performs the same function as a light switch on the wall. The switch is electronically closed by sending a pulse to the trigger. See transistor.
This early switch panel from New York Electric Switchboard Company was used to manually open and close electric lines.