Ask A Scientist© Computer Science Archive

Index Key:   COM021
Author:      john r moore
Subject:     Data compression .
How do data compression algorithms work? I am familiar with voice compres-
sion techniques, but I want to know how data compression is accomplished.

Response #:  1 of 1
Author:      jeffrey p fergin
There are many different data compression algorithms.  In general, such an
algorithm takes the data (ascii, binary,...) and represents in such a way
that takes up the amount of memory possible.  I am not sure EXACTLY how some
of the more common ones work, but this is roughly how data is compressed.  
Also, data compression algorithms try to eliminate any repetition when
possible.  I.e., if there are 5 'e's in a row, they might be represented as
5e instead.  That would save space.  Also, different data structures may be
used to store that data (trees,...).