Buffered vs Non-buffered Channels in GO(Lang)

In GoLang, channels serve as powerful communication primitives for concurrent programming, facilitating the exchange of data between go-routines. Two fundamental types of channels exist: buffered and non-buffered. Each type offers distinct advantages and considerations, shaping how developers design and implement concurrent systems.

Non-Buffered Channels: Synchronous Communication

non-buffered channel as a direct pathway connecting two goroutines, where data flows synchronously. When a sender attempts to send data through a non-buffered channel (ch <- data), it blocks until a receiver is ready to receive (data <- ch). This synchronous behaviour ensures that communication is immediate and that data is exchanged without delay.

// Non-buffered channel
ch := make(chan int)

go func() {
    data := <-ch // Receive from channel
    // Process data
}()

ch <- 42 // Send to channel        

Key Characteristics:

• Synchronous Blocking: Sends and receives on non-buffered channels block until both sender and receiver are ready.
• Guaranteed Synchronisation: Each send operation (ch <- data) pairs with a receive operation (data <- ch), ensuring data integrity and synchronisation.
• Minimal Latency: Ideal for scenarios where precise synchronisation between go-routines is critical, ensuring data integrity and order.

Buffered Channels: Asynchronous Capacity

Buffered channels provide a queue-like buffer of a specified capacity (make(chan type, capacity)). Send operations (ch <- data) on buffered channels do not block immediately if there is space available in the buffer. Receives (data <- ch) also do not block if there is data available in the buffer.

// Buffered channel with capacity 3
ch := make(chan int, 3)

go func() {
    data := <-ch // Receive from channel
    // Process data
}()

ch <- 1 // Send to channel
ch <- 2
ch <- 3        

Key Characteristics:

• Asynchronous Capacity: Buffered channels allow a specified number of elements to be queued without immediate blocking, enhancing concurrency by decoupling senders and receivers in terms of timing.
• Potential for Deadlock Avoidance: Because buffered sends do not block immediately, they can help avoid deadlocks in scenarios where go-routines may depend on each other’s actions.
• Flexibility in Concurrency: Allows for a more flexible flow of data between go-routines, potentially improving performance by reducing contention.