switch

1. In communications systems, a mechanical, electromechanical, electronic, or optical device for making, breaking, or changing the connections in or among circuits. 2. In communications systems, to transfer a connection from one electronic or fiber optic circuit to another. Note: “Switch” and “switching center” are not synonymous. See alsocommunications system, connection, device, electronic, electronic circuit, fiber optic circuit, fiber optic device, optical device, switching, switching center. 3. In a computer program, an instruction that (a) contains (i) a condition and (ii) an indicator or a flag, (b) is to be interrogated by that instruction, and (c) is executed when the condition is satisfied. 4. In a computer program, a parameter that (a) controls branching and (b) is bound prior to reaching the branchpoint. 5. In computer programming, a functional unit, such as a toggle or a conditional jump, used to make selections, i.e., to exercise options. 6.In computer programming, a...