Buffer Definition

Buffer (data) is an area of memory used to temporarily store data while it is being moved from one location to another. Typically, data is stored in a buffer when received from an input device or just before it is sent to an output device. However, a buffer can be used when data is moved between processes within a computer.

Buffers can be implemented in a fixed memory location in hardware or by using a virtual data buffer in software pointing to a physical memory location.

Most buffers are implemented in software, which typically uses faster RAM to store temporary data because of much faster access times than hard disks. Buffers are typically used when there is a difference between the speed at which data can be retrieved and the speed at which it can be processed.

Buffers are often used in conjunction with I/O equipment such as disk drives, sending or receiving data to or from a network, or playing sound on a speaker.

Types of buffers

Buffers can be classified into different types, with each type of buffer having the capability of dealing with a particular data handling situation in a computing system:

• Input: temporarily hold data from external sources, including keyboard, mouse etc.
• Output: store information that needs to be sent to devices like printers or displays.
• Circular: common for streaming content where the new version overwrites the old one.
• Double: used to avoid conflicts between two memory blocks.
• Keyboard: captures keystrokes for smooth and flawless typing.
• Frame: used for pixel data storing that is essential for screen rendering and graphics.

Why are buffers important?

Buffers serve as essential mediators that keep digital systems running without interruption. When components operate at mismatched speeds, buffers absorb these timing differences and prevent bottlenecks from disrupting workflows.

What if it didn’t exist? Users would continue to face a never-ending scenario of stuttering during video playback, glitches in the audio while listening to music, and frozen screens. For businesses it means less engagement and retention rate.

Buffers act as a safety net against data loss caused by transmission spikes. In situations where data gets to the system quicker than it can be processed, the buffer queue avoids the situation of overflowing which would result in throwing away important packets.