lossless

Intermediate 💻 Tech / IT

Definition

A compression method that preserves every single bit of original data, like photocopying without any degradation, which sounds great until you see the file sizes. This format ensures perfect quality by refusing to throw away any information, making audiophiles and photographers very happy and storage administrators very sad. The digital equivalent of refusing to edit your manuscript because every word is precious.

Example Usage

The photographer insisted on lossless compression, resulting in image files so large they required their own hard drive and a small prayer.

Source: Technology terminology

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