What is raw input buffer?

A raw input buffer is a data structure that temporarily stores raw input from devices such as keyboards, mice, and game controllers. This input is typically processed by the operating system before being passed on to the application that requested it.

The raw input buffer is designed to capture low-level input events such as keystrokes and button presses, which can then be used to implement custom input handling logic. For example, a game developer may use the raw input buffer to implement support for multiple keystrokes or button presses being registered simultaneously, or to capture precise movement data from a mouse or game controller.

The raw input buffer typically has a fixed size and can become full if input events are generated faster than they can be processed. In these cases, earlier input events may be discarded to make room for new ones. To avoid this, applications that rely on raw input data should ensure that the buffer is large enough to handle expected input volumes and that input processing is done efficiently to minimize delays.