Buffer Management
Buffer management is a core concept in computer science and systems programming that involves the efficient handling of temporary data storage areas (buffers) to optimize data transfer between components with different speeds or capabilities. It focuses on techniques for allocating, using, and releasing buffers to prevent data loss, reduce latency, and improve overall system performance, commonly applied in areas like I/O operations, networking, and database systems.
Developers should learn buffer management when working on performance-critical systems, such as high-throughput servers, real-time applications, or embedded systems, to minimize bottlenecks and ensure reliable data flow. It is essential for optimizing memory usage and preventing issues like buffer overflows or underflows, which can lead to security vulnerabilities or system crashes.