nonlossy

Nonlossy refers to a type of data compression or transmission that ensures no information is lost during the process. This means that when data is compressed using a nonlossy method and then decompressed, the original data is perfectly reconstructed, bit for bit. This is in contrast to lossy compression, which discards some data deemed less important to achieve smaller file sizes.

Nonlossy compression is crucial in applications where data integrity is paramount. Examples include text documents, executable programs, and medical imaging. In these scenarios, even a small alteration to the data could render it unusable or misleading. Common nonlossy compression algorithms include ZIP, GZIP, and PNG for image files.

The trade-off for perfect data preservation with nonlossy methods is typically a lower compression ratio compared to lossy techniques. This means that nonlossy compressed files are generally larger than their lossy counterparts. However, for applications where accuracy is non-negotiable, nonlossy compression is the standard. The term "nonlossy" emphasizes the absence of data degradation, making it a key characteristic in digital information handling.