Data Representation
Data representation is the method of encoding information in a structured format that can be stored, processed, and transmitted by computer systems. It involves defining how data is organized, formatted, and interpreted, using standards like binary, text encodings (e.g., ASCII, UTF-8), or structured formats (e.g., JSON, XML). This concept is fundamental to computing, enabling interoperability between systems and efficient data manipulation.
Developers should learn data representation to design robust systems that handle data correctly across different platforms and applications. It is essential for tasks like data serialization, API design, database schema creation, and ensuring data integrity in distributed systems. Understanding this helps avoid common issues like encoding errors, data corruption, or performance bottlenecks.