Changeswitch

Changeswitch is a generic term used in various technical domains to refer to a control that switches a system from one state, configuration, or mode to another. It is not a single standardized device but a concept applied in both hardware and software to enable, disable, or alter behavior in response to user action, automation, or environmental conditions.

In software and information technology, a changeswitch often takes the form of a feature flag, toggle, or configuration switch. It allows enabling or rolling out new functionality, changing runtime parameters, or switching between algorithms without code changes. Changeswitches may be controlled programmatically, via user interfaces, environment variables, or configuration management systems, and are frequently used to support gradual deployments, experimentation, and rollback.

In hardware, a changeswitch is a physical selector—such as a slide, DIP, or jumper—that routes signals, selects voltage levels, or chooses operating modes. These switches are common in test equipment, embedded systems, and audio or measurement devices, where reliable, immediate changes in behavior are needed without software intervention.

Across domains, proper use of a changeswitch requires clear documentation of states, defaults, and transitions, as well as mechanisms for monitoring and reverting changes. Considerations include impact scope, traceability, security, and the potential for configuration drift. When implemented in software, pairing changeswitches with feature governance and observability helps maintain stability during changes.

See also: feature flag, toggle, switch, configuration management, version control.