Run-Length Encoding: The Simple Art of Compressing Repetition
When we think of data compression, flashy algorithms and high-tech tools often come to mind. But sometimes, the simplest solutions turn out to be surprisingly effective. One such unsung hero in the world of data compression is Run-Length Encoding , or RLE. Imagine you’re describing a pixel art image to a friend over the phone. Instead of saying ‘white, white, white, white, black, black’ until your breath runs out, you just say ‘4 white, 2 black.’ Boom—faster, easier, and way less annoying. That’s basically what Run Length Encoding (RLE) does without putting computer in dilemma to handle repetitive data—it talks in shortcuts, saving space in digital storage while keeping the picture just as clear. Let’s unpack what it is, where it shines, where it doesn’t What is Run-Length Encoding? RLE is a form of lossless data compression that makes files smaller without losing any original information. Whether it's an image, a string, or a sequence of binary values, RLE helps ...