What is a Buffer?

For example, if you ever listened to any kind of streaming audio, the program you use probably “buffers” the signal a little before the music starts to play.

Here’s how it works. Your audio program “collects” a few seconds of audio then starts playing them. If there is a split second interruption, you don’t notice it since the audio you’re listing to is already a couple seconds old. Since you’re not listing as the audio at the same instant it comes in, it gives the program a few seconds to compensate for any slight interruptions (and there are lots of those). Doesn’t always work if the connection isn’t good, but it does help.