Audio coding is the process of compressing audio data to reduce its file size while maintaining sound quality. This is essential for efficient storage and transmission of audio files, especially in digital formats. Common audio coding formats include MP3, AAC, and WAV, each with different levels of compression and quality. The main goal of audio coding is to eliminate redundant or unnecessary data without significantly affecting the listening experience. Techniques such as perceptual coding analyze human hearing to prioritize important sounds, allowing for smaller file sizes. This technology is widely used in music streaming services and digital broadcasting.