GIF
GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) is a bitmap image format developed by CompuServe in 1987 that supports up to 8 bits per pixel, allowing 256 colors, and uses lossless compression. It is widely used for simple animations, logos, and graphics on the web due to its support for transparency and frame-based animation capabilities. Despite its limitations in color depth compared to modern formats, it remains popular for short, looping animations and low-color images.
Developers should learn and use GIF when creating or working with simple web animations, such as loading spinners, reaction memes, or banner ads, where small file sizes and broad browser compatibility are priorities. It is also useful for displaying images with transparency on websites or in applications that require basic animated graphics without the complexity of video formats. However, for high-quality images or complex animations, developers might consider alternatives like WebP or APNG.