Video: Compression

Welcome to this module on data compression!

This week, we will be exploring the fundamental concepts of how we make digital files smaller for storage and transmission.

To get us started, please watch the video "Compression: Crash Course Computer Science #21." This video provides an excellent overview of the topic, covering:

• What data compression is and why it's essential for the digital world, from the images we see to the music and videos we stream.
• The two main types of compression:
  • Lossless compression, where no data is lost. You'll learn about techniques like Run-Length Encoding and Dictionary-based methods.
  • Lossy compression, which reduces file size by intelligently discarding information that our senses are unlikely to miss. The video explains how this applies to audio (like MP3s), images (like JPEGs), and video.

By the end of this video, you will have a solid understanding of the principles behind the technology that makes much of our digital lives possible.