Encoding is the process of converting data into a specific format for efficient transmission or storage. This transformation allows information to be easily processed by computers and transmitted over various communication channels. Common examples include ASCII for text and MP3 for audio files.
In digital communication, encoding ensures that data remains intact and is understood by different systems. It plays a crucial role in areas like data compression and cryptography, where information needs to be securely and efficiently handled. Understanding encoding is essential for anyone working with technology today.