Autojump

When Link runs off a edge in any 3D Zelda game, he performs an auto jump; in other words, he jumps automatically when he runs off an edge. Because the auto jump only caters to the farthest possible distance Link can comfortably jump under normal conditions, distances further than what can be reached with the auto jump must be reached using a certain item, such as a Hookshot, that extends Link's jump distance. Moving a block or hitting a switch to form another platform are techniques that often bridge the gap between a distance way out of Link's auto jump range.

In the 2D (Game Boy, NES) Zelda titles, this isn't necessarily the case. Often skilled jumps are required (ala Mario), and usually this is done with the Roc's Feather or some other item that aids in higher and further jumping. Some games, such as and  do not allow jumping at all, and  allows vertical jumping without the use of an item.

The auto jump, in all of its incarnations, only functions in the horizontal plane; Link cannot vertically jump on his own. Only items, like the Roc's Cape, can enable Link to perform vertical jumps.