code: function encode(value: number, buffer: Buffer, position: number): number {
    let digit, vlq = toVLQSigned(value);
    do {
      digit = vlq & VLQ_BASE_MASK;
      vlq = vlq >>> VLQ_BASE_SHIFT;
      if (vlq > 0) {
        // There are still more digits in this value, so we must make sure the
        // continuation bit is marked.
        digit = digit | VLQ_CONTINUATION_BIT;
      }
      buffer[position++] = CHAR_MAP[digit];
    } while (vlq > 0);
  
    return position;
  }
docs: Encodes a number to base64 VLQ format and appends it to the passed-in buffer
  
  DON'T USE COMPOUND OPERATORS (eg `>>>=`) ON `let`-DECLARED VARIABLES!
  V8 WILL DEOPTIMIZE THIS FUNCTION AND MAP CREATION WILL BE 25% SLOWER!
  
  DON'T ADD MORE COMMENTS TO THIS FUNCTION TO KEEP ITS LENGTH SHORT ENOUGH FOR
  V8 OPTIMIZATION!