In [[computer science]], a '''data buffer''' (or just '''buffer''') is a region of a memory used to store [[data]] temporarily while it is being moved from one place to another. Typically, the data is stored in a buffer as it is retrieved from an [[input device]] (such as a microphone) or just before it is sent to an output device (such as speakers).; Howeverhowever, a buffer may be used when data is moved between [[process (computing)|processes]] within a computer. That is, comparable to buffers in telecommunication. Buffers can be implemented in a fixed memory ___location in hardware or by using a virtual data buffer in software that points at a ___location in the physical memory.
In all cases, the data stored in a data buffer areis stored on a [[computer data storage|physical storage medium]]. AThe majority of buffers are implemented in [[software]], which typically use the faster [[Random-access memory|RAM]] to store temporary data because of theits much faster access time when compared with [[hard disk drive]]s. Buffers are typically used when there is a difference between the rate at which data is received and the rate at which it can be processed, or in the case that these rates are variable, for example in a printer [[spooler]] or in [[Video hosting service|online video]] [[Streaming media|streaming]]. In thea [[distributed computing]] environment, data bufferbuffers isare often implemented in the form of [[burst buffer|burst buffers]], which provides distributed buffering serviceservices.
A buffer often adjusts timing by implementing a [[queue (data structure)|queue]] (or [[FIFO (computing and electronics)|FIFO]]) algorithm in memory, simultaneously writing data into the queue at one rate and reading it at another rate.
