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What is a Buffer?

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A buffer is a temporary area of memory or data storage that is used to execute a process. This is associated with low level computing and is often only noticed by users when an error known as a buffer overflow occurs whereby a buffer runs out of memory. The following are common examples of a buffer.

Input/Output

A buffer is often used to collect data from a input such as a microphone or prepare data for output such as writing to external storage.

Streaming Media

In many cases, a buffer is used to compensate for differences in speed between processes. For example, a video is played at a set speed so a streaming media player typically downloads the video as a buffer.
Overview: Buffer
Type
Low-level Programming
Definition
A temporary area of memory or data storage that is used to execute a process.
Value
Typically used to compensate for the difference in speed between processes or devices.
Related Concepts
Computing
Coding
Buffer Overflow
Buffer Underrun
Cache
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Citation

John Spacey. "What is a Buffer?." Simplicable. Retrieved June 22, 2026. from https://simplicable.com/IT/data-buffer

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