Audio Codecs
Audio codecs are technologies that compress and decompress digital audio data to reduce file size or transmission bandwidth while maintaining acceptable sound quality. They use algorithms to encode audio for storage or streaming and decode it for playback, with common types including lossy (e.g., MP3, AAC) and lossless (e.g., FLAC, ALAC). This concept is fundamental in multimedia applications, from music streaming to voice communication.
Developers should learn about audio codecs when working on projects involving audio processing, such as media players, streaming services, video games, or VoIP applications, to optimize performance and user experience. Understanding codecs helps in selecting the right format for specific use cases, like balancing quality and bandwidth in real-time communication or ensuring high fidelity in music production.