Encoding is the process of converting information into a specific format for efficient storage or transmission. This can involve transforming data into binary code, which is the language of computers, or using various encoding schemes like ASCII or UTF-8 to represent text. Encoding ensures that information can be easily accessed and understood by different systems. In communication, encoding refers to how a sender translates thoughts or ideas into symbols, words, or gestures that can be understood by a receiver. This process is crucial in fields like linguistics and psychology, as it affects how messages are interpreted and understood in different contexts.