A slide potentiometer, also called a fader, is a type of variable resistor that allows you to adjust electrical resistance by sliding a knob along a straight path. It is commonly used to control the level of an electrical signal, such as volume, brightness, or other adjustable settings in electronic devices.

A slide potentiometer has three terminals: two connected to a resistive track and one connected to a movable slider. Moving the slider changes the resistance between the terminals, which in turn adjusts the output signal. Unlike rotary potentiometers, which turn in a circle, slide potentiometers move linearly, making them easy to see and control precisely.

Slide potentiometers are widely used in audio mixers, lighting controls, musical instruments, and other electronic devices where smooth, linear adjustments are needed. In simple terms, a slide potentiometer is a controllable resistor that lets you adjust settings by sliding a knob along a track.