Definition: double buffering

A programming technique that uses two buffers to speed up a computer that can overlap I/O with processing. Data in one buffer are being processed while the next set of data is read into the other one.

In streaming media applications, the data in one buffer is being sent to the sound or graphics card while the other buffer is being filled with more data from the source (Internet, local server, etc.).

When video is displayed on screen, the data in one buffer are being filled while the data in the other are being displayed. Full-motion video is speeded up when the function of moving the data between buffers is implemented in a hardware circuit rather than being performed by software. See video accelerator, buffering and buffer flush.

Double Buffers

Two buffers are commonly used to speed up program execution. Data are processed in one buffer while data are written into or read out of the other.