JPEG
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is a widely used lossy compression method and file format for digital images, particularly photographs. It achieves high compression ratios by discarding some image data that is less perceptible to the human eye, making it ideal for storing and transmitting images efficiently. The format supports 24-bit color depth and is commonly used on the web, in digital cameras, and for general image storage.
Developers should learn about JPEG when working with image processing, web development, or applications that handle digital photos, as it is the de facto standard for photographic images due to its balance of quality and file size. It is essential for optimizing web performance by reducing image load times and bandwidth usage, and for implementing features like image uploads, editing, or compression in software. Understanding JPEG helps in making informed decisions about image formats, compression settings, and compatibility across devices and platforms.