In the field of computers, a buffer refers to a buffer register, which comes in two types: input buffer and output buffer. The former is used to temporarily store the data sent by the peripheral device so that the processor can retrieve it; the latter is used to temporarily store the data sent by the processor to the peripheral device. With the use of numerical control buffers, it is possible to coordinate and buffer the high-speed operation of the CPU with the slow operation of the peripheral device, achieving synchronous data transmission. Since the buffer is connected to the data bus, it must have a tri-state output function.
In other fields, there are also elevator buffers and car spring buffers, whose purpose is to slow down the speed, improve safety and comfort.