Pulse Code Modulation
Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) is a digital representation of analog signals, widely used in audio and telecommunications. It involves sampling an analog signal at regular intervals, quantizing each sample to a discrete value, and encoding it into a binary format. This process enables the storage, transmission, and processing of analog data in digital systems, such as in CDs, digital telephony, and computer audio.
Developers should learn PCM when working with digital audio processing, telecommunications, or multimedia applications, as it is fundamental for converting analog signals to digital data. It is essential for implementing audio codecs, VoIP systems, and digital recording tools, ensuring high-fidelity sound reproduction and efficient data handling in software like audio editors or streaming services.