What is a Buffer in Node.js?

1. Definition

A Buffer in Node.js is a temporary memory area used to store binary data. It is mainly used when working with streams or handling raw data like files, network requests, or images.

2. Why We Use Buffer

To handle binary data directly
Used in file system operations
Helps in streaming data efficiently
Works with network data (TCP, HTTP)

3. How Buffer Works

Stores data in raw binary format
Fixed-size memory allocation
Data is processed in chunks

4. Example

// Create buffer
const buffer = Buffer.from("Hello");

// Convert to string
console.log(buffer.toString());

// Access raw data
console.log(buffer);

5. Output

Hello
<Buffer 48 65 6c 6c 6f>

6. Advantages

Efficient handling of binary data
Fast data processing
Essential for streams and file handling
Low-level memory control