The Asterisk dialplan is divided into sections, and each section is called a context. Any dialplan must begin with a [general] context where global configuration entries reside, but the subsequent contexts can have any name. Contexts are the means by which actual physical devices (usually telephones, but not always; for example, SIP or Zap devices) are bound to the dialplan. The configuration for every device, be it a softphone, hardphone or outgoing trunk, must specify the default context for that device. Here's an example from a sip.conf file:

[2000]
type=friend
context=internal-phones
secret=1234
host=dynamic

This SIP device called 2000 always initiates calls in the internal-phones context. This means that if a caller uses this phone to dial a number, Asterisk will look in the internal-phones context for an extension matching that number. If no matching extension is present, nothing happens.

	Understanding Asterisk contexts is essential for effective programming and administration of an Asterisk system. It is not always clear to a beginner how important correct use of contexts really is. If you're not sure, please follow the step-by-step example for a simple PBX system in the chapter Chapter 1, Installation and "Hello World".

[general]

[internal-phones]
Rules, instructions, etc.

[widgets]
Rules, instructions, etc.