Node.js – Buffer Module

Node.js – Buffer Module

In Node.js, the Buffer module provides a way to work with binary data directly. Buffers are useful for file streams, network communications, and any task where you need to manipulate raw memory.

Buffers are part of the global scope—no import is needed.

Why Buffers Are Needed

In JavaScript (browser), data is usually handled as strings or objects. But in Node.js, binary streams (e.g., TCP packets, files) require low-level memory manipulation.

Buffers allow you to:

• Read and write raw binary data
• Interface with file systems, sockets, or streams
• Handle large or partial data chunks efficiently

Creating Buffers

1. Buffer.alloc(size) Creates a zero-filled buffer:

2. Buffer.from(string) Creates a buffer from a string:

3. Buffer.from(array) Creates a buffer from an array of bytes:

Writing to Buffers

Reading from Buffers

Example: Concatenating Buffers

Example: Comparing Buffers

Real-World Usage Example (Streams)

Key Takeaways

• Buffers handle binary data in Node.js.
• Ideal for file I/O, stream handling, and network programming.
• Faster and more efficient than using strings for large data.
• Use Buffer.from() and Buffer.alloc() to create buffers.