A digital potentiometer is an electronic component that combines a variable resistor with digital controls, allowing users to adjust resistance levels through code. It typically consists of a resistive element connected to a microcontroller or other digital interface, enabling precise control over voltage dividers and signal attenuation. The interface for a digital potentiometer often involves tapping into specific pins on the device, which correspond to different taps along the resistive track. These taps provide a range of resistance levels that can be selected through software commands, making it easy to customize circuit behavior without physical adjustments.