Buffer storage refers to the temporary storage space used to hold data while it's being transferred. The spelling of this word can be broken down phonetically as /ˈbʌfə(r)/ for the first part, which is pronounced as "buh-fuh-r," and /ˈstɔːrɪdʒ/ for the second part, which is pronounced as "stoh-rij." When the two parts are combined, the word is pronounced as "buh-fuh-r stoh-rij." The word "buffer" refers to a temporary storage area while "storage" refers to space that holds data or information.
Buffer storage is a term commonly used in computer science and information technology that refers to a specific area of memory or storage used to temporarily hold data or information while it is being processed or transferred between two different components of a system. It acts as an intermediate location, providing a temporary halt in the flow of data to ensure a smooth and efficient overall operation.
In computing, buffer storage is commonly employed to compensate for the differences in speed between the sender and the receiver of data. It provides a means of balancing the rate at which data is produced and consumed, preventing delays or overflows that may occur due to uneven processing capacities. Buffer storage acts as a bridge between fast and slow devices within a system, dynamically adjusting data transmission and reception speeds to maintain a steady flow of information between them.
Buffer storage can also be employed in various other scenarios, such as in I/O operations, where it helps regulate the timing and sequencing of data between different input and output devices. Furthermore, it is frequently used in multimedia applications, internet streaming, and network communication protocols to ensure uninterrupted transfer and playback of data, even in the presence of network congestion or fluctuations.
Overall, buffer storage plays a vital role in enhancing system performance and stability by providing a temporary storage solution for data that needs to be processed or transferred, minimizing issues related to data transfer rates, and ensuring smooth communication between different components within a system.
The term "buffer storage" is composed of two words with different etymologies.
1. "Buffer":
The word "buffer" originated from the Old French word "buffet", meaning "a blow" or "a stroke". It further evolved to "buff" in English, which referred to a leather-covered cushion used to soften the impact of blows during sword fighting. Over time, "buffer" took on the metaphorical meaning of an intermediate device or mechanism that helps alleviate the impact or prevent abrupt changes. In computing, a "buffer" is a temporary storage area used to hold data while it is being processed or transferred between two devices or components.
2. "Storage":
The word "storage" comes from the Middle English term "store" or "storer", which derived from the Old French word "estorer", meaning "to store or preserve".