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In Python, file buffering plays a crucial role in optimizing performance when reading and writing files. Understanding how buffering works can significantly enhance the speed and efficiency of your code. Let’s delve into the world of file buffering in Python and explore how it can boost your program’s performance.
Introduction
File buffering is a technique used to reduce the number of I/O operations by storing data temporarily in memory before writing it to a file or reading it from a file. This process can greatly improve the speed of file operations, especially when dealing with large files or performing multiple read/write operations.
How File Buffering Works
When you open a file in Python for reading or writing, the data is not immediately written to or read from the disk. Instead, it is stored in a buffer — a temporary storage area in memory. The data is then transferred between the buffer and the file in chunks, reducing the overhead of frequent disk access.