Normally buffer_get copies data to x[0], x[1], ..., x[len-1] from the beginning of a string stored in
preallocated space; removes these len bytes from the string; and returns len.
If, however, the string has fewer than len (but more than 0) bytes, buffer_get copies only that many
bytes, and returns that number.
If the string is empty, buffer_get first uses a readoperation to feed data into the string. The readoperation may indicate end of input, in which case buffer_get returns 0; or a read error, in which case
buffer_get returns -1, setting errno appropriately.
The preallocated space and the readoperation are specified by b. You must initialize b using buffer_init
before calling buffer_get (or use the pre-initialized buffer_0).