Data Compression

What Is It?

Definition

Data compression is the process of reducing the size of data by encoding information using fewer bits than the original representation.

Lossless Compression

Original data can be perfectly reconstructed

  • Text files, source code
  • Databases, executables
  • Archives (ZIP, GZIP)

Lossy Compression

Some data is discarded for better ratios

  • Images (JPEG)
  • Audio (MP3)
  • Video (H.264)

Why Compress?

Save Storage
Faster Transfer
Lower Costs
Energy Efficient
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