The process of reducing shock or impact by using a buffer; in computing, temporarily storing data to smooth out differences in processing speeds.
From 'buffer' (something that absorbs shock or separates things) + '-ing'. 'Buffer' comes from 'buff' (to polish) metaphorically applied to softening impacts.
The tech meaning of 'buffering' is actually applying the same logic as a leather buffer—both work by temporarily storing something to smooth out a rough process, whether it's impacts or data streams.
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