Data compression is a pivotal technique in computing that minimizes file sizes for efficient storage and transmission. It encompasses lossless methods like Huffman coding, LZW, and RLE, which preserve original data, and lossy methods that trade off some data for higher compression rates, used in JPEGs and MP3s. Advanced algorithms such as Arithmetic Coding and BWT further enhance compression. This technology is fundamental in everyday digital use, with applications in image, audio, and video files, as well as data archiving.
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Data compression is a technique used in computing to reduce the size of data files, which has been in development since the 19th century
Lossless Compression
Lossless compression algorithms, such as Huffman coding and LZW, allow for the exact reconstruction of the original data
Lossy Compression
Lossy compression sacrifices some information to achieve higher compression rates, which is useful in scenarios where perfect accuracy is not necessary
Run-Length Encoding (RLE)
RLE is a useful technique for data with long sequences of repeated characters
Huffman Coding
Huffman coding optimizes the code length for each character based on its frequency of occurrence
Advanced Methods
Advanced methods like Arithmetic Coding and the Burrows-Wheeler Transform provide even higher compression ratios by using probability models and data transformations
Image compression, such as in JPEG format, reduces file size while maintaining visual quality
Audio compression, like in MP3 format, removes sounds beyond human hearing to reduce file size
Video compression, such as in H.264 codec, is essential for streaming services to reduce bandwidth requirements
Compression formats like .zip and .rar are widely used for data archiving and transfer
The .zip format, using a combination of Huffman coding and LZ77 algorithm, is a ubiquitous standard for lossless data compression
The .rar format is known for its superior compression ratios, making it suitable for multimedia files
Audio and video compression standards, such as .mp3 and .mp4, have transformed the digital media industry by enabling efficient storage and transmission of media
00
The technique of reducing data size became notably recognized with the invention of ______ coding in the ______.
Huffman
1950s
01
Examples of Lossless Compression algorithms
Huffman coding, RLE, LZW - allow original data reconstruction.
02
Acceptable use cases for Lossy Compression
JPEG images, MP3 files - minor quality loss is imperceptible.
