H.264
H.264, also known as Advanced Video Coding (AVC), is a widely used video compression standard that efficiently reduces the size of digital video files while maintaining high quality. It is a codec (coder-decoder) that enables the storage and transmission of video over bandwidth-limited networks, such as the internet, by compressing raw video data. Developed by the ITU-T Video Coding Experts Group and ISO/IEC Moving Picture Experts Group, it is foundational for applications like streaming, broadcasting, and video conferencing.
Developers should learn H.264 when working on video processing, streaming services, or multimedia applications, as it is essential for optimizing video storage and transmission in real-world scenarios. It is particularly useful for building video platforms, video editing tools, or any system that requires efficient handling of high-definition video, such as in web development with HTML5 video or mobile apps. Understanding H.264 helps in implementing video encoding/decoding, ensuring compatibility across devices, and reducing bandwidth costs.