Preset

In technology, especially in IT and programming, default or standard value denotes the value of an input variable or a software setting that is used if the user or the programmer does not enter a value himself or does not make his own settings. The English word default is also used in technical jargon .

Default settings can be specified in the program code itself or loaded from external databases ( lookup tables , parameter files , from a 'registry' etc.). In some applications, they can be restored by a specific command.

This variant of entering setting options always saves a defined state or a variable with a valid value. This makes the operation of devices and software safer and more convenient. At least this is the intention of manufacturers and developers. Unfavorable preset values ​​or states are often the cause of undesirable effects or even malfunctions. On the other hand, intelligently selected presets (so-called “smart defaults”) can significantly simplify the use of software.

See also:

• Standard assumption
• Preset