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A computer jumper is a physical component—a small block that connects pins on a circuit board to complete a circuit, used to configure hardware settings. In contrast, a jumper in programming refers to a type of instruction that causes a program to "jump" to a different location in the code.

In computer hardware

Function: A jumper is a small plastic-covered block with a metal conductor inside that is pushed onto two or more pins to create an electrical connection.

Purpose: It is used to manually change a component's settings, a function now often handled by software.

Common uses: Setting the master/slave configuration on older hard drives. Enabling or disabling specific features. Setting hardware-specific options on motherboards and peripheral devices.

Settings: The configuration is determined by which pins the jumper block is placed on, with the correct settings often found in the device's manual or on a label on the board itself.

Status: A jumper is "jumpered" when the plug connects two pins, and "unjumpered" when it is on only one pin or no pins at all.

In computer programming

Function: A "jumper" is a programming instruction that causes the program's execution flow to leap to a different section of the code instead of proceeding sequentially.

Purpose: This helps to improve program efficiency by allowing the code to skip over sections that are not relevant at a given moment.

Nature: It is not a physical component but a part of the program's instructions.