Definition
A keyboard buffer is a temporary storage in a computer’s memory that holds keystrokes before the computer’s operating system or software processes them.
It ensures the keystrokes aren’t lost, even when the computer is held with other tasks. The buffer operates discreetly in the background, working so quickly that the user doesn’t notice it.
How a Keyboard Buffer Works
- When you press a key on the keyboard, an electrical signal corresponding to the key you pressed is generated.
- The keyboard controller interprets this electrical signal and converts it into a corresponding key or code.
- The keyboard buffer temporarily stores the generated code. It can even hold several keypresses in the order they were pressed.
- The computer’s central processing unit (CPU) periodically checks the keyboard buffer to see if keypresses are available for processing. While the checks vary depending on the system’s design, they are usually quick and invisible to the user.
- The CPU processes the keystrokes stored in the buffer, causing your typed words to appear on your screen or initiate actions on the computer.
- Keystrokes are removed from the buffer to make room for new ones, ensuring the buffer always has space to hold the most recent ones.