What are the differences between various compression algorithms?

What are the differences between various compression algorithms?

There are several compression algorithms, each with its strengths and weaknesses. For example, ZIP is widely used for general purposes, while algorithms like LZ77 and LZW are more efficient for specific types of data.

Can you explain how lossless and lossy compression differ?

Sure! Lossless compression reduces file size without losing any data, making it ideal for text and images. Lossy compression, on the other hand, sacrifices some data for a smaller file size, which is often used for audio and video.

Which algorithm would you recommend for compressing images?

For images, I recommend using lossless algorithms like PNG for graphics or JPEG for photographs, as they balance quality and file size well.

Are there any new algorithms that are gaining popularity?

Yes, algorithms like Zstandard and Brotli are gaining traction due to their speed and efficiency, especially in web applications.