Switch (disambiguation) - Definition and Overview

The word switch has multiple meanings, including:

• In programming languages such as Java, C and C++, a switch is a statement that controls programming flow.
• In general, a switch is something used for selecting between multiple options, and "to switch" is a verb meaning to make such a selection. Specifically:
  • An electric switch is a device for connecting and disconnecting, or selecting between, one or more circuits.
  • A network switch is a computer networking device that connects (and selects between) network segments.
  • A railroad switch is a kind of junction between multiple railroad tracks.
  • In command line interfaces, switch is a name for the options entered at the command line to control the behaviour of a piece of software.
  • A telephone switch is the central part of a telephone system (see Telephone exchange).
  • A switched-mode power supply rapidly switches a transistor on and off.
  • An interrupt causes an operating system to do a context switch.
• A switch can also be a flexible wooden rod, used for punishment.
• Switch was a debit card system introduced by the Switch Card Scheme in 1988; in 2002 a deal was made to merge the brand with the international Maestro brand, and the name was changed to Maestro two years later.
• The 1991 movie Switch (movie) written & directed by Blake Edwards