Texture compression is a technique used in computer graphics to reduce the file size of texture images without significantly losing quality. This is important for video games and applications, as it allows for faster loading times and less memory usage. By compressing textures, developers can include more detailed graphics in their projects while maintaining performance. There are various methods of texture compression, such as DXT, ETC, and ASTC, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. These methods work by simplifying the data in a texture, allowing it to be stored more efficiently. This ensures that high-quality visuals can be achieved even on devices with limited resources.