Bridging

Bridging is the act of connecting or spanning a gap between two elements, enabling continuity, transfer, or cooperation. The term is used across physical, technical, and abstract domains to describe both literal structures and metaphorical links.

In civil and structural engineering, bridging involves constructing a physical bridge to span an obstacle, or using temporary bridging elements to stabilize structures during construction. Bridges carry loads, maintain access, and influence site work sequences.

In information technology and networking, a bridge is a device or function that connects two or more network segments at the data link layer. Bridges forward traffic based on MAC addresses, helping manage collision domains; over time, switches have largely superseded early bridging devices.

In chemistry and biochemistry, bridging refers to ligands or atoms that connect two metal centers in a complex, forming a μ- or η-bridged arrangement. Bridging ligands can alter reactivity, magnetism, and catalytic properties.

In finance, bridge financing provides short-term funding to cover a gap between transactions or milestones, such as a real estate purchase or corporate merger, until longer-term financing is arranged.

In social sciences, bridging denotes connections that link distinct social groups, channels, or communities, creating bridging social capital that facilitates information flow, cooperation, and access to resources.