That’s because the endpoint device is supposed to have some manner of type B port (full sized, mini, micro) to denote that it is not a host device. Endpoint devices should not have a type A port for input, because double ended type A cables are not technically supposed to exist.
(Even though they self-evidently do, USB specs be damned. I have a flashlight that came with one, and its charging port is a full sized type A port. Using the cable it came with to plug two host devices together would be a bad idea and probably result in smoke.)
Printers use B…and i don’t mean just paper. Most 3D printers, crafting machines (cricut etc) and any form of arduino noodling will use B.
“How did you hook up your printer”
“Idk, the printer cable that was in the box”
“How did you hook up your 3D printer”
“I don’t own a 3D printer”
that will be at least 95% of your interactions in that regard
“How did you hook up your printer?”
“I called my nephew who does something with IT”
That’s because the endpoint device is supposed to have some manner of type B port (full sized, mini, micro) to denote that it is not a host device. Endpoint devices should not have a type A port for input, because double ended type A cables are not technically supposed to exist.
(Even though they self-evidently do, USB specs be damned. I have a flashlight that came with one, and its charging port is a full sized type A port. Using the cable it came with to plug two host devices together would be a bad idea and probably result in smoke.)