Text Encoding
Text encoding is the process of converting characters, symbols, and text into a digital format that computers can store and process, using specific character sets and encoding schemes. It defines how text data is represented as binary numbers, ensuring consistent interpretation across different systems and applications. Common encoding standards include ASCII, UTF-8, and Unicode, which handle various languages and special characters.
Developers should learn text encoding to handle internationalization, data interoperability, and avoid common bugs like mojibake (garbled text) when processing text across different platforms or languages. It is essential for web development, data parsing, file handling, and database management, especially in global applications where multiple character sets are used. Understanding encoding ensures data integrity and proper display of text in user interfaces and APIs.