breadboards

A breadboard, in electronics, is a reusable prototyping base used to build and test circuits without the need for soldering. It provides a grid of interconnected holes into which components such as resistors, capacitors, transistors, and integrated circuits can be inserted and temporarily connected with jumper wires. This makes it easy to experiment, modify designs, and iterate quickly.

Most breadboards share a common layout: a central area with a matrix of small terminal blocks arranged in five-hole groups, and a pair of long, unconnected power rails along the sides. Each five-hole group is internally connected, so inserting a component’s leads into the same group ties those pins together. A typical breadboard uses a 2.54 mm (0.1 inch) pitch, compatible with standard through-hole components and DIP ICs. The central gap in the board is intended to accommodate an integrated circuit so its pins can be accessed on opposite sides.

Using a breadboard involves placing components and linking them with jumper wires to form the desired circuit. Good practices include planning the layout to minimize crossing wires, observing polarity for diodes and electrolytics, and keeping supply rails correctly powered without exceeding ratings. Breadboards are ideal for education, hobbyist projects, and early-stage prototyping, but they are not suited for high-frequency signals, high current, or long-term production use due to parasitic capacitances, loose connections, and humidity effects.

Variants include full-size and compact or mini breadboards, as well as solderless versus solderable boards. Their ubiquity in classrooms and maker spaces reflects their role in accessible hands-on electronics learning.