PNG
PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a raster graphics file format that supports lossless data compression, making it ideal for storing images with sharp edges, text, and transparency. It was created as an improved, patent-free replacement for GIF and is widely used on the web for logos, icons, and images requiring high quality without compression artifacts. PNG supports various color depths, including truecolor and indexed color, and includes features like alpha channels for transparency.
Developers should use PNG when they need lossless compression for images with text, line art, or transparency, such as in web design for logos, UI elements, or screenshots where quality is critical. It is particularly useful in applications requiring precise image fidelity, like graphic design tools, documentation, or when handling images that will be edited multiple times without quality degradation. Avoid PNG for photographic images where JPEG's lossy compression offers better file size efficiency.