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AQA A-Level Computer Science: Principles of Data Compression

Author Zak  |  Date 2024-10-26 18:08:25  |  Category Computer Science
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AQA A-Level Computer Science: Principles of Data Compression

Introduction

Data compression is the process of reducing the size of a digital file without losing any information (lossless compression) or by sacrificing some information (lossy compression). It's an essential technique for efficient storage and transmission of data, crucial in our digital age.

Why Compress Data?

Types of Data Compression:

1. Lossless Compression:

2. Lossy Compression:

Trade-offs Between Lossless and Lossy Compression:

Feature Lossless Compression Lossy Compression
Data Loss No data loss Some data loss
File Size Reduction Moderate Significant
Quality Preserves original quality Reduced quality, but often acceptable for human perception
Applications Text, code, backups Images, audio, video

Practical Applications:

Summary:

Data compression is a vital tool for managing digital information. Understanding the principles of lossless and lossy compression is crucial for making informed decisions about file storage, transmission, and quality. By carefully choosing the appropriate compression techniques, we can optimize data management and enhance the user experience.