Jumper (computing)

[citation needed] A strapping option is a hardware configuration setting usually sensed only during power-up or bootstrapping of a device (or even a single chip).

This also avoids the risk that an unshielded jumper will accidentally short out something critical (particularly if it is dropped on a live circuit).

Jumperless designs have the advantage that they are usually fast and easy to set up, often require little technical knowledge, and can be adjusted without having physical access to the circuit board.

They are used to solve layout issues of the printed wiring, providing connections that would otherwise require awkward (or in some cases, impossible) routing of the conductive traces.

Typically non-conductive by default they can be easily changed into a closed connection due to deliberately placed solder bridge on top of them.