Deflate
Deflate is a lossless data compression algorithm and file format that combines LZ77 compression with Huffman coding to efficiently reduce file sizes. It is widely used in various applications, such as ZIP archives, PNG images, and HTTP compression, to save storage space and bandwidth. The algorithm is standardized in RFC 1951 and is known for its balance of compression ratio and speed.
Developers should learn and use Deflate when implementing data compression in applications that require efficient storage or transmission, such as web servers (via gzip), file archiving tools, or image processing for PNG files. It is particularly valuable in scenarios where lossless compression is essential, like in software distribution or data backup, due to its widespread support and proven reliability.