Switching can be defined as the change in state whether it be an analog, digital, or mechanical device. For digital devices, switching can be defined as a transition from HIGH to LOW or vice versa. For analog devices, switching can be defined as a change of operation within a transistor. Mechanical device examples include physical light switches or button switches. Ultimately, switching interrupts current from going into another conductor path.
In electrical engineering, a switch is an electrical component that can "make" or "break" an electrical circuit, interrupting the current or diverting it from one conductor to another. The mechanism of a switch removes or restores the conducting path in a circuit when it is operated. It may be operated manually, for example, a light switch or a keyboard button, may be operated by a moving object such as a door, or may be operated by some sensing element for pressure, temperature or flow. A switch will have one or more sets of contacts, which may operate simultaneously, sequentially, or alternately.
