Texture compression is a technique used in computer graphics to reduce the file size of images, making them easier to store and faster to load. This is especially important in video games and applications where many images, or textures, are used to create realistic environments. By compressing textures, developers can improve performance without sacrificing visual quality. There are various methods of texture compression, such as DXT, ETC, and ASTC, each with its own advantages and trade-offs. These methods work by simplifying the data in a texture, allowing for efficient storage and rendering while maintaining an acceptable level of detail for the viewer.