A toggle is a switch that has two states, on or off. It’s a common control in many applications and systems, including those used for adjusting settings and preferences.

Toggle is defined by Wiktionary as: “a pin, bolt or rod passed through the eye of a rope to fasten it.” A toggle can be seen as a sort of fastener that has both an up-and-down function and a fixative element. For example, a toggle is used for a fastener that binds a cable or cord to a machine or device.

The word is derived from the English verb toggle, meaning to alternate between two positions. Toggle was first used in the 18th century to describe a fastener that was fixed by passing a pin through the eye of a rope.

In computing, toggle is also the term for any control that can be turned on or off. It’s most often used in conjunction with radio buttons, as a way to select between opposing states for system functionalities.

When using toggles, it’s important to provide direct labels that explain what the state of the toggle is and what it’s meant to do. For example, it’s best to use the words On and Off near the toggle instead of simply writing a color to indicate the state.

In addition to labeling, it’s also a good idea to use standard visual design, such as color, for your toggle switches. This makes it easier for users to understand the functionality of your toggles and helps ensure consistency across your app or website.