buffert

A buffert, often translated as buffer in English, is a temporary holding area or region of storage used to compensate differences in speed or timing between two processes. Buffers allow producers and consumers to operate asynchronously, smoothing data or material flows. The term is used across many disciplines; in Swedish and Norwegian, buffert is the standard word for this concept.

In computing, buffert refers to memory that temporarily stores input or output data while it is moved between devices or software components with different speeds. Bufferts can be linear or circular, and techniques such as double buffering or line buffering help reduce latency and improve smoothness in I/O, streaming, and graphics.

In chemistry and biochemistry, a buffert (buffer solution) resists changes in pH when small amounts of acid or base are added. It relies on a weak acid and its conjugate base, or a weak base and its conjugate acid. Buffert capacity depends on the total concentration of both species and the pH relative to the pKa.

In environmental planning, buffert or buffer zones are areas surrounding sensitive resources, such as water bodies or habitats, designed to reduce disturbance, filter pollutants, or slow erosion. Buffert zones vary in width and management, and may include vegetation strips, fencing, or restricted activities.

Beyond its constructive uses, buffering concepts also appear in software security and system design. Buffer overflows and underruns can cause errors or vulnerabilities, motivating safe programming practices and bounds checking to minimize such risks.