Decompressor
A decompressor is a device or software component that expands compressed material to its original form. In data processing, a data decompressor reconstructs the original data from its compressed representation. Decompression is the inverse of compression and relies on a corresponding algorithm or codec. Decompression can be lossless, restoring every bit exactly, or lossy, reconstructing a close approximation after discarding some information. Lossless decompression is essential for text, code, and other critical data; lossy decompression is common in multimedia where tolerance for distortion exists. Common compression formats—such as Deflate (ZIP, GZIP), LZ77-based schemes, and Huffman coding—have decompressor routines that reconstruct the original bitstream. In multimedia, formats like JPEG, MP3, AAC, and H.265 also rely on specialized decoders. Decompressors may be embedded in operating systems, applications, or provided as standalone libraries or hardware accelerators. They often support streaming decompression, where data arrives in chunks, and random-access decompression, which allows decoding starting from arbitrary positions in a container.
In engineering and industry, a decompressor is a device used to reduce pressure by expanding compressed gas