button

A button is a small device used as a fastener on clothing or as a control on machines and electronics. Clothing buttons fasten openings by passing through buttonholes or loops; electronic and digital buttons initiate actions when pressed.

The button has ancient origins. The oldest known button, from the Indus Valley civilization, dates to about 2000 BCE and was made of seashell. Over time buttons spread across cultures as both decorative objects and functional fasteners; mass production and standardized sizes emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Clothing buttons come in shank and flat forms. Shank buttons have a hollow protrusion on the back; flat buttons have holes or a shank on the front. Push buttons, a type of electrical switch, can be momentary (opening or closing a circuit briefly) or latching (maintaining a state until pressed again). In addition to physical buttons, modern devices use tactile, capacitive, and membrane buttons for control.

Materials vary from plastic and metal to shell, wood, and glass. Manufacturing methods include injection molding for plastics, stamping for metal, and shaping for other materials. Durability, wear resistance, and ease of use influence button design across both textiles and devices.

In computing and user interfaces, a graphical button represents an interactive element that triggers actions when activated. Such buttons support accessibility through clear labeling and compatibility with keyboard navigation and screen readers, ensuring usable interaction for diverse users.