Buffer is a computer data storage area, used to temporarily store commands and data until they are ready to be acted upon or processed. It is a portion of the computer’s memory which holds data until it is ready to be sent to a device such as a hard drive or printer. It is typically used as a holding area between devices and is part of the system’s caching scheme. The size of the buffer depends on the type of application and the device used.
Buffers are important to ensure stability between two distinct processes working concurrently. Without it, data can become corrupt or lost if one process is interrupted while the other continues. As the device sending and receiving the data cannot operate simultaneously, the buffer stores the data until it is ready for each device.
Buffers are commonly used in computer networks to temporarily store data until it is ready to be sent over the network. This is the same function when data is sent and shared between two computers.
Buffer technology is also used to speed up data access. This is done by loading data into the buffer and then retrieving it faster than if the data were accessed directly from the storage device. The buffer can also improve overall disk performance by minimizing the number of times the hard drive is accessed.
A further application of buffers is in audio processing. Digital audio effects such as reverberation and delay are created using buffers which accommodate the time needed for sound to travel through the system.
Buffer technology is also often used in video game consoles. For example, when playing games online, the buffer allows for smooth gameplay by creating a ‘smoother’ environment by allocating video and audio frames to reduce lag and choppiness.
Buffers are an essential component of any computing system, providing data safety and stability. By storing data, buffering speeds the process between two device processes and improves the overall performance of networks, audio, video, and gaming system.
