Togglelocking

Togglelocking is a user interface design pattern where a control element, such as a button or switch, can be in one of two states, and when activated, it toggles between these states, remaining in the new state until activated again. This is distinct from a momentary action, which only performs its function while the control is actively being held or pressed. Common examples of togglelocking controls include light switches, which can be "on" or "off," or checkboxes, which are either "checked" or "unchecked."

The primary function of togglelocking is to provide persistent state management for a feature or setting. Once a togglelocked control is activated, its effect persists until the user explicitly interacts with it again to reverse the action. This pattern simplifies user interaction by allowing users to set a preference or activate a mode and then move on to other tasks without needing to continuously maintain interaction with the control.

In software interfaces, togglelocking is widely used for options that have two mutually exclusive states. This can include enabling or disabling features, switching between different display modes, or confirming or canceling an action. The visual representation of a togglelocked control typically changes to reflect its current state, such as a light switch moving to the "up" or "down" position, or a checkbox filling with a checkmark. The predictability and simplicity of togglelocking make it an intuitive and efficient design choice for many applications.