Transistor definition

A transistor is an electronic component that's very common in digital circuits. They typically work as switches here, toggling between states based on the input (transistors have at least three terminals). Logic gates can be made with as few as two transistors, the former of which are used to provide functions to Boolean/digital circuits and ultimately multi-functioning microchips. Excluding the wiring, transistors here are the most common component. Almost all such components in a computer are microscopic.

Transistors can also amplify signals, a function of which is also essential for computers.