A Mathematical Theory of Communication

A Mathematical Theory of Communication, proposed by Claude Shannon in 1948, explores how information is transmitted efficiently and reliably across channels. It covers the concepts of information encoding, transmission, and decoding, emphasizing the importance of minimizing noise (unwanted interference) and maximizing clarity. Through mathematical models, Shannon demonstrated how to quantify information, enabling innovations in telecommunications. His work laid the foundation for modern communications, including the internet, by addressing issues like data compression and error correction, ensuring that messages remain intact even in imperfect conditions. Overall, it reveals the complexity behind everyday communication technologies.