Michael Gelbart

Introduction to Data Compression

You probably use compressed file formats like JPEG, PDF, or mp3 every day, but do you know how they work? They are all examples of data compression, the practice of reducing the file size of digital information. In addition to storing files, compression is also crucial for transmitting them over the internet, making possible streaming services like YouTube and Netflix. In this session we will explore the basics of data compression: what it is, how it works, and how it affects everyday life. We will discover that behind the practice of compression lies a beautiful theory governed by a few simple mathematical equations, first introduced by Claude Shannon about 65 years ago.