is-buffer is a utility library that provides a simple way to check if a given value is a Buffer instance in Node.js. Buffers are used to handle binary data, and ensuring that a value is a Buffer can be crucial when working with streams or binary data manipulation. The is-buffer package is lightweight and straightforward, making it a popular choice for developers who need to perform this check without adding unnecessary complexity to their code.

While is-buffer is a useful tool, there are alternative libraries that offer similar functionality or additional features related to buffer and array handling. Here are a few alternatives:

• buffer-equal-constant-time is a library that provides a way to compare two buffers in constant time. This is particularly useful for security-sensitive applications where timing attacks could be a concern. By ensuring that the comparison takes the same amount of time regardless of the content of the buffers, developers can protect against certain types of vulnerabilities. If your application requires secure buffer comparisons, buffer-equal-constant-time is a great choice.
• bufferutil is a library that provides various utility functions for working with buffers, particularly in the context of WebSocket and binary data handling. It includes functions for efficiently manipulating and inspecting buffers, making it a valuable tool for developers working with binary protocols. If you need more advanced buffer manipulation capabilities, bufferutil can enhance your buffer handling experience.
• is-typedarray is a utility library that checks if a value is a typed array. Typed arrays are array-like objects that provide a mechanism for reading and writing binary data in JavaScript. If you're working with typed arrays and need to differentiate them from regular arrays or other data types, is-typedarray can be a helpful addition to your toolkit.
• isarray is a simple utility that checks if a value is an array. While it doesn't specifically deal with buffers, it can be useful in scenarios where you need to validate data types in your application. If you require a straightforward way to check for arrays, isarray is a lightweight option.

To explore how these packages compare, check out the following link: Comparing buffer-equal-constant-time vs bufferutil vs is-buffer vs is-typedarray vs isarray.