Data compression software - GCSE Computer Science Definition

Data compression software is a type of program used to reduce the size of digital files, making them easier and faster to store, send, or download. By using algorithms, this software identifies and removes redundant information, effectively encoding data more efficiently. This is particularly important in computer science for conserving storage space and improving the speed of data transmission over the internet. There are two main types of compression: lossless, which preserves the original data perfectly upon decompression, and lossy, which reduces file size by discarding some data, often used for images, audio, and video files where a perfect reproduction isn't necessarily required. Understanding how compression works is important for students to appreciate the technical considerations in data management and communication.