Using a breadboard wires for prototyping a circuit is easy and convenient. It is a plastic board with a number of rows of holes through which component leads may be pushed. Each hole has a clip mechanism underneath, which holds the lead tightly enough to make a good electrical connection, but not so tight that the lead can’t be easily pulled out without damaging it.

The main areas of the breadboard have long lines of spring clips that are connected in a radial way, such that by pushing the leads of two different components into adjacent holes they will make an electrical connection between them. These lines, called buses, are typically marked with a red line and a blue or black line to indicate which ones should carry the supply voltage (VCC) and ground (GND).

Why Breadboard Jumper Wires Are Vital for Prototyping Success

You can use jumper wires to connect the holes in these lines to each other. These wires are typically 22-gauge solid-core copper, and they can be bought in a variety of colors and lengths. They usually come with both male and female ends, so you can choose which one to use for each connection.

It is important to carefully cut and strip the ends of a jumper wire before use, to ensure that you are not exposing any strands of copper that can short out. This process is simple, and it can be done with a pair of wire cutters. If you’re working with stranded wire, it can also be helpful to twist the exposed ends neatly and coat them with a small amount of solder before inserting them into your breadboard.