File compression

File Compression.

Compression is a reduction in the number of bits needed to represent data. Compression data can save storage capacity, speed file transfer, and decrease costs for storage hardware and network bandwidth.

Compression is performed by a program that uses a formula or algorithm to determine how to shrink the size of the data. For instance, an algorithm may represent a string of bits, or 0s and 1s with a smaller string of 0s and 1s by using a dictionary for the conversion between them, or the formula may insert a reference or pointer to a string of 0s and 1s that the program has already seen.

Text compression can be as simple as removing all unneeded characters, inserting a single repeat character to indicate a string of repeated characters, and submitting a smaller bit string for a frequently occurring bit string. Compression can reduce a text file 50% or a significantly higher percentage of its original size.