The form factor of the traditional stomp box pedal is durable, reliable, and has lasted for decades without much modification. However with the technological capabilities of electronics today, there are many more things that can be done than the single pedal this shape allows.
Enter the expansion capabilities of the external Foot Switch. Being able to add another pedal that plugs right into the original stomp box to extend its functions or make it easier to access others is a potent tool in your effects arsenal. But there are quite a few different ones out there and with confusing terms about latching and momentary function, as well as what kind of cable to use and when it’s necessary.
This tutorial on how to use footswitches with the BOSS RC-30 is the most popular on my YouTube channel, and for good reason. It goes over all the common features and characteristics of Foot Switches as well as the cabling that can be used. If you need a quick leg-up on how these work, check out the video for a fast but thorough explanation.