In computer science, a buffer is a region of memory used to temporarily store data while it is being moved from one place to another. 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. 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.

Buffers are useful when there’s a mismatch between the data generation and data processing rates. They are important in computing because interconnected devices and systems are seldom in sync with one another, so when information is sent from one system to another, it has somewhere to wait until the recipient system is ready. Buffers are generally used when there is a difference between the rate at which data is received and the rate at which it can be processed. If we remove buffers, then either we will have data loss, or we will have lower bandwidth utilization.

The size of the buffer affects the overall performance. If we reserve more space than necessary, it’ll result in underutilization. In contrast, if we set a small size, we’ll experience data loss and get inaccurate results. Buffers are set up in every program to hold data coming in and going out. In a video streaming application, the program uses buffers to store an advance supply of video data to compensate for momentary delays.

In summary, a buffer is a temporary storage area that holds data while it is being moved from one place to another. Buffers are used to compensate for differences in data flow rates and to prevent data loss. They can be implemented in hardware or software and are used in a variety of applications, including video streaming and data transfer between devices.