LZMA
LZMA (Lempel–Ziv–Markov chain Algorithm) is a data compression algorithm and file format known for its high compression ratios and efficient decompression speed. It is commonly used in software distribution, archiving tools, and operating systems to reduce file sizes while maintaining data integrity. The algorithm combines dictionary-based compression with a range encoder to achieve superior compression compared to older methods like ZIP or GZIP.
Developers should learn LZMA when working with large datasets, software packaging, or backup systems where minimizing storage or bandwidth usage is critical, such as in game asset compression, operating system installers, or archival applications. It is particularly valuable in scenarios where decompression speed matters more than compression time, such as in embedded systems or mobile apps, due to its asymmetric performance profile.