A codec is a tool or program that compresses or decompresses a digital knowledge stream. Codecs are utilized in all kinds of functions, together with audio and video compression, knowledge storage, and community transmission. Codecs work by breaking down a knowledge stream into smaller items after which making use of a compression algorithm to every piece. The compressed items are then saved or transmitted, and the decompression algorithm is used to reconstruct the unique knowledge stream when it’s wanted.
Codecs are important for making digital knowledge manageable. With out codecs, it will be unimaginable to retailer or transmit giant quantities of knowledge, comparable to high-quality audio and video. Codecs additionally play an important position in community transmission, as they’ll scale back the quantity of bandwidth required to transmit a given quantity of knowledge.