What is a latch?

A latch is a type of mechanical fastener that is used to join two (or more) objects or surfaces together while allowing for the regular or eventual separation of the objects or surfaces. A latch typically engages another piece of hardware on the other mounting surface. Depending upon the type and design of the latch, this engaged bit of hardware may be known as a strike or keeper. Note that a latch is not the same as the locking mechanism of a door or window, although often they are found together in the same product.